WORLDWIDE
Swimming with wild dolphins is permitted in some waters and banned in others, so the licence matters more than the brochure. The 15 below set out where it is legal, what the rules are in the water and what the whole thing costs.
Meet a dolphin at Atlantis Dubai’s Dolphin Bay during a 15-minute briefing and 30-minute deep-water session for confident swimmers. Trainers explain dolphin behavior, guide hugs and simple maneuvers, and provide wetsuits, towels, lockers, drinks, and same-day Aquaventure access. The program allows up to eight people per dolphin and costs $225.
“Happy the instructor with Lennox the dolphin was excellent”
Set out from Waiʻanae on a catamaran with a crew led by Captain JB and supported by photographers and safety swimmers. Search for wild dolphins, snorkel with tropical fish and turtles, and look for octopuses. Lunch, drinks, gear, and selected hotel pickup are included, but dolphin sightings and swimming are never guaranteed.
“This was truly the highlight of our 2 week Hawai’i stay. And I want to call out we did multiple snorkeling tours but this one really took the cake. I’ve been talking about it to friends and family for the last 3 days. The team at Indigo ocean was very professional, attentive and friendly right from pickup to drop off and provided us all the information we needed about animals we were going to see, and how to see them legally and respectfully. We got to see so many animals up close - spotted dolphins, a turtle, whales in the distance and even got to hold an octopus! The photography…”
Spend about eight hours on the Red Sea with Delight Trips, cruising to Dolphin House for guided snorkeling, reef stops, lunch, refreshments, and water sports. Mustafa is praised for helping nervous beginners, while Abdallah handles guest arrangements. Dolphins are possible but never guaranteed, and some fees and distant transfers cost extra.
“Swimming with Dolphins and Snorkeling – Hurghada The Tour Operator: The tour operator provided an excellent experience. The entire staff was incredibly friendly, helpful, and clear in their communication, creating a welcoming and fun atmosphere on the boat. They played music during the trip, which added to the vibe, and importantly, they were never pushy—unlike other tours, they didn’t even ask for a review. The food onboard was decent (nothing fancy, but it was nice that you could take as much as you wanted). Additionally, the pickup and drop-off process was seamless and well-organized. The Activity: Unfortunately, we had some bad luck with the weather—it was very windy with lots…”
Meet at Rockingham’s Val Street Jetty or add a Perth coach transfer for this six-hour dolphin swim. A custom boat, wetsuits, masks, snorkels, lunch, hot drinks, guide, and complimentary photos are included. You need basic swimming ability, and the dolphins remain wild, so sightings and water time can vary.
“The Dolphin Tour proved to be an incredible experience, the staff members were exceptionally friendly and helpful! ❤️ I attended as a spectator, but I found the spectator ticket price to be somewhat high compared to that for swimmers. The food was mediocre, with everything served cold—although, given the boat setting, my expectations were not too high. Despite these points, the overall experience was positive, and I would highly recommend it if you're seeking an opportunity to interact with wild dolphins.”
From Marina Vallarta, you travel by boat with a biologist guide such as Camilla, Gema, or Maru, using a hydrophone to locate wild dolphins by sound. You may swim with them in small groups, watch whales, turtles, and rays, and learn about marine research. The animals decide how close they come, so patience matters.
“We saw pods of dolphins including baby dolphins! We also got the chance to swim so close to a pod of juvenile dolphins literally the coolest experience.”
From Grande Riviere Noire, you’ll ride a speedboat with up to 14 passengers and two skippers, looking for spinner and bottlenose dolphins, resident sperm whales, and humpbacks in season. Guides such as Globis, Conrad, and Alan have been praised for careful animal practices. Expect a wet, bumpy ride, dolphin swimming, whale watching from the boat, and reef snorkeling.
“Trip was good! Skippers friendly and happy to explain things, respectful of the animals too. We saw whales, dolphins and a turtle. Swam with dolphins (snorkel and fins provided). Then they took us to a reef for more snorkeling. Had a very good morning!! Refreshements on board - simple but gladd we had them. We had 8 people on our boat which was just enough that we didnt feel too crowded. Boat could do with some small repairs but nothing to detract from the overall experience. Only downside was that we couldnt book this trip including transfer from hotel in the north and it was an expensive trip to then…”
Set out from Muyuni Beach with a local captain and guide for dolphin watching near Mnemba Island, reef snorkeling, fruit, and time by the sandbank. Guides such as Khamis, Ramadan, Ali, and Marco Polo have earned praise for helping nervous swimmers and filming underwater moments. Hotel pickup is available, and lunch can be added.
“We saw lots of dolphins above and below the water which was truly exciting to see. The warning of the feeling that you’re out hunting due to the nature of spotting dolphins and pods is true and I’m glad I knew before booking.”
Travel from Waikiki or Ko Olina to Waianae for a three-hour wildlife cruise on a 32-foot boat. Your marine guide searches for wild dolphins and seasonal humpback whales, then leads snorkeling near turtles, fish, and reefs. Dolphin swimming depends on animal behavior, species, weather, and water conditions.
“The trip was excellent. The captain and the mate were professional had a great day out on the ocean. We saw a calf whale and then the mother came by right next to the boat if I ever return, I will certainly take that adventure again.”
Meet Temptation Sailing at Glenelg’s Marina Pier for a 3.5-hour cruise aboard the 58-foot catamaran Temptation. Marine biologist guides explain dolphin behavior as you look for wild pods, then take turns in the water using the front net or tow line. Wetsuits, masks, and snorkels are supplied, but bring your own towel, food, drinks, and sunscreen.
“Absolutely amazing day. The crew was fantastic - friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do. We saw and swam with multiple pods/species of dolphins. Would highly recommend this experience to anyone!”
Set out from Mama Mia Restaurant Beach, Nungwi, or Kendwa at 8:30 AM with a small group of up to eight. Captain Barnaba’s crew takes you to dolphin waters, Mnemba’s coral reefs, and a sandbank when tides allow. Guides such as Hassan, Ludo, and Ochu provide help in the water, with snorkeling gear included.
“This was an incredible experience. We went snorkelling first and then went on the boat to the other side of Mnemba island. The crew drove us near to where the dolphins were jumping in and out of the water and we were able to take videos of them while underwater. We loved it!”
Join Picos de Aventura at Marina Pêro de Teive for a 2.5-hour small-group trip along São Miguel’s coast. After a safety briefing, guides such as Ines and Veri help you spot wild dolphins and explain respectful behavior. You may enter the water several times, but you must be comfortable swimming in open seas without a life vest.
“This experience was amazing!! I loved it so much I booked to do it again the following day! Without a doubt, one of the best experiences of my life! Guides were super friendly, encouraging, knowledgable and their first priority was the safety of the dolphins as well as us all having a great experience. When it was my turn to swim a massive group of dolphins were swimming all around me and with their babies. Nothing could beat that! Overwhelmed with emotions seeing them peaceful in their natural habitat. You could even hear them communicating under the water! Would highly recommend to anyone!”
From Hurghada Marina, take a private speedboat with a captain and snorkeling guide to Red Sea reefs, dolphin areas, and a shallow island stop. You may snorkel at Carless Reef or Omo Gamaar, visit the Giftun Islands, and swim near dolphins in open water. Guides such as Islam, Mohammed, and Said have helped beginners and children feel at ease.
“Captain Islam was fantastic! He made us feel safe as beginner swimmers and like we were on a real adventure! He held my hand until I was comfortable to swim across the coral reef by myself and saw the most beautiful and colorful fish! The highlight of the trip were the dolphins that greeted us in the spot he predicted! A whole family jumping, twisting and waving their fins! This is a memory I will savor for the rest of my life! I highly recommend!”
Meet at Rockingham’s Cruising Yacht Club Jetty for a six-hour wildlife trip with Perth Wildlife Encounters. Cruise sheltered bays and islands, learn basic snorkeling, and enter the water with wild dolphins when conditions allow. Guides such as Jacko, Lana, Niamh, and Jackson help swimmers of different abilities. Wetsuits, gear, photos, and a generous cold lunch are included.
“Such a magical experience and the staff were super friendly and helpful”
Meet at 6am in Rivière Noire for a private four-hour boat trip with Whale Dream. Use a hydrophone to help locate sperm whales, pilot whales, humpbacks, and dolphins. You may swim with dolphins and snorkel, but swimming with whales is prohibited. Snacks, soft drinks, and equipment are included.
Meet your skipper at Flic en Flac Public Beach for a small-group speedboat trip to see dolphins in the wild, snorkel near Crystal Rock, and visit Île aux Bénitiers. Guides such as Brian and Steven keep the outing friendly and wildlife-conscious. Lunch includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, drinks, and time to relax by the sea.
“This was an absolutely fantastic activity from start to finish. The guides were very attentive and made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable throughout the trip. Swimming with the dolphins was an unforgettable experience – magical and truly one of a kind. The lunch on the beach was great too. We had a delicious BBQ with plenty of options, and it was all-you-can-eat, which was perfect. Drinks were available during lunch as well, and we could help ourselves to whatever we wanted, as much as we liked – which was a nice touch. Overall, everything was well organized and enjoyable. Highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a unique…”
Pick a coast, a boat or a swim.
