Miami isn’t just about palm trees, pristine beaches, and nightlife—it’s also home to some of the most fascinating marine life, including Miami dolphins. Whether you’re cruising through Biscayne Bay or gliding past Star Island’s celebrity mansions, you might spot these playful creatures riding the waves alongside your boat.
But did you know that Miami’s waters are home to multiple species of dolphins? Each one has its own unique personality and characteristics, from the famous bottlenose dolphin to the rare and elusive Clymene dolphin.
If you’re planning a boat tour with Miami’s Top Water Tours, keep your eyes open. Here are ten types of dolphins you might see splashing in the surf.
A breathtaking view of dolphins jumping against a vibrant Miami sunset, with the city cityscape glowing in the background.
Bottlenose Dolphin – The Playful Greeter Among Miami Dolphins
The bottlenose dolphin is the most commonly spotted species in Miami’s waters. These friendly Miami dolphins love to ride the boat’s wake, leap alongside the waves, and show off their playful nature.
Where to see them: Bottlenose dolphins often appear on the Miami Cityscape Boat Tour, putting on a show against the backdrop of the city cityscape.
- Size: 6 to 13 feet long, 330 to 1,400 pounds
- Features: Sleek gray body, stubby snout, curved dorsal fin
- Fun fact: They recognize themselves in mirrors, showing signs of self-awareness.
Spinner Dolphin – The Twirling Trickster
If you see Miami dolphins jump, spin, and twirl in mid-air, you’ve just witnessed the spinner dolphin’s signature move. These high-energy Miami dolphins love to put on a show.
Where to see them: They prefer deeper waters but may be spotted during the Hip-Hop Yacht Party.
- Size: 5.5 to 7.5 feet long, 130 to 170 pounds
- Features: Slim body, long beak, loves acrobatics
- Fun fact: Some can spin up to seven times in one jump.
Pantropical Spotted Dolphin – The Freckled Party Guest
With their dark spots and sleek gray bodies, pantropical spotted Miami Dolphins stand out in Miami’s turquoise waters. These Miami dolphins thrive in warm tropical waters, making Miami one of their favorite destinations.
Where to see them: During the Miami Sip & Sail: Sunset Cocktail Voyage, you might see one darting near the boat.
- Size: 8.5 feet long, 300 pounds
- Features: Spotted gray body, freckled underside
- Fun fact: Their spots increase with age, much like freckles from the sun.
Rough-Toothed Dolphin – The Prehistoric Cruiser Among Miami Dolphins
With a long, slender snout and rugged appearance, the rough-toothed Miami dolphin has a distinctive, almost prehistoric look.
Where to see them: They prefer deeper waters but may be spotted near Key Biscayne during the Miami Morning & Afternoon Boat Tour.
- Size: 8.5 feet long, 350 pounds
- Features: Dark gray body, white belly, mottled patches
- Fun fact: Unlike other dolphins, they have a more sloped forehead with no crease between the beak and head.
Risso’s Dolphin – The Scarred Storyteller Among Miami Dolphins
Risso’s dolphins have pale gray bodies covered in scars from squid hunts and interactions with other dolphins.
Where to see them: If you’re on the Miami Sunset Cruise with Drinks, you might spot one cutting through the bay.
- Size: 8.5 to 13 feet long, 850 to 1,300 pounds
- Features: Large body, rounded head, scar-covered skin
- Fun fact: Older Risso’s dolphins turn almost completely white due to their scarring.
Striped Dolphin – The Speedster Among Miami Dolphins
With bold black stripes running along their blue-gray bodies, striped Miami dolphins are some of the fastest and most agile dolphins in Miami’s waters.
Where to see them: If you’re cruising along Millionaire’s Row, you might see one near Star Island.
- Size: 6 to 8 feet long, 230 to 330 pounds
- Features: Dark stripes along the sides, streamlined body
- Fun fact: They can jump up to 20 feet into the air.
Atlantic Spotted Dolphin – The Spotted Bay Buddy
The Atlantic spotted dolphin, a cousin of the pantropical spotted dolphin, has a lighter build and fewer spots that darken with age.
Where to see them: They love shallow waters, making them easy to spot on the Miami Morning & Afternoon Boat Tour.
- Size: 6 to 8 feet long, 220 to 300 pounds
- Features: Gray body, light spots, playful nature
- Fun fact: Their spots form unique patterns, making each dolphin identifiable.
Long-Beaked Common Dolphin – The Coastal Hunter
This sleek, muscular dolphin has an hourglass pattern along its body, blending yellowish sides into a dark gray back.
Where to see them: They hunt in shallow waters, so you might spot them on the Miami Cityscape Boat Tour.
- Size: 6 to 8 feet long, 180 to 500 pounds
- Features: Long, narrow beak, hourglass markings
- Fun fact: They often swim in large pods of 1,000 or more dolphins.
Short-Beaked Common Dolphin – The Wake Rider
These Miami dolphins are known for their love of boats and will often race alongside them, jumping in the wake.
Where to see them: Keep an eye on the waves during any of Miami’s Top Water Tours boat trips.
- Size: 5.5 to 8.5 feet long, up to 250 pounds
- Features: Yellow patches, dark gray body
- Fun fact: Ancient sailors believed these dolphins brought good luck.
10. Clymene Dolphin – The Hybrid Performer
This rare hybrid dolphin is a mix of the spinner and striped Miami dolphins, giving it a unique ability to leap and spin in the air.
Where to see them: If you’re on the Miami Sip & Sail: Sunset Cocktail Voyage, you might see one mid-spin.
- Size: 6 to 6.5 feet long, 150 to 180 pounds
- Features: White belly, light gray sides, dark eye stripe
- Fun fact: They were only recognized as a separate species in 1981.
Why Choose Miami’s Top Water Tours for Miami Dolphin Spotting?
A group of happy passengers captures breathtaking views of the Miami cityscape while enjoying a relaxing boat tour on Biscayne Bay.
While spotting Miami dolphins isn’t guaranteed, Miami’s Top Water Tours increases your chances by taking you through prime dolphin territory, including Biscayne Bay, Star Island, and Millionaires Row.
Whether you’re enjoying a morning boat tour, sipping cocktails at sunset, or dancing on the Hip-Hop Yacht Party, the open-air and double-decker boats provide unobstructed views for the best chance to catch a dolphin sighting.
The expert guides know these waters inside and out. They’ll steer you toward key dolphin hotspots, share fascinating insights about Miami’s landmarks, and keep the experience lively. Plus, with cash bars onboard, you can enjoy a refreshing drink while watching for the Miami Dolphins.
Final Thoughts
Now is the perfect time to book your Miami boat tour and experience the beauty of Miami dolphins in their natural habitat. For a limited time, you can get 20% off your tour. Simply comment “PROMO” on our latest Facebook or Instagram post, and we’ll send you a special discount code.
This offer won’t last long. Reserve your spot now and prepare for an unforgettable water experience.
Experience Miami’s Sunset from the Water
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