Rare Dolphin Encounters of 2026:
Risso’s, Pantropical Spotted & More Reported by Photographers & Divers

Hey SaltyReef crew,

February 2026 brought some incredible cetacean sightings that had photographers and boat captains buzzing. Two rarely seen deep-ocean dolphin species showed up together in Australian waters, reminding us that even “common” oceans can deliver magic when you venture a little farther offshore.

Risso’s Dolphins (Grampus griseus)
Round-headed, heavily scarred “warriors of the deep.” In early 2026, multiple pods were photographed off Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia, in waters over 1,000 m deep. These squid-eaters are usually far offshore but sometimes come closer during migrations.

Pantropical Spotted Dolphins (Stenella attenuata)
Delicate, spotted acrobats often traveling with other species. In the same Australian sightings, they were swimming alongside the Risso’s pods — a rare mixed-group encounter that thrilled local wildlife photographers.

Other Notable 2026 Dolphin & Whale Sightings So Far

• Spinner dolphins mixing with Risso’s and Bryde’s whales in various Pacific locations.
• Increased reports of pantropical spotted dolphins in the Caribbean and Red Sea during winter months.
• Snorkelers off Dominica continuing to report reliable sperm whale encounters in the world’s first sperm whale reserve.

Realistic Places to Chase These Encounters in 2026

• Australia (Port Macquarie & beyond) — Offshore boat trips for Risso’s and spotted dolphins. Best in summer months when they migrate north.
• Dominica — Snorkel with sperm whales (one of the few places in the world where it’s reliably possible).
• Red Sea (Marsa Alam area) — Spinner and spotted dolphin pods at reefs like Sataya and Shaab Samadai — great for snorkelers and divers.
• Bahamas (Bimini & Grand Bahama) — Wild Atlantic spotted dolphins that often interact with snorkelers.
• Galapagos or Silver Bank (Dominican Republic) — For bigger cetacean action including humpbacks.

Responsible Dolphin Etiquette Tips

• Never chase or surround pods — let them approach you.
• Keep a respectful distance (at least 50–100 m for most species).
• Use reef-safe sunscreen and support operators who follow strict guidelines.
• Report your sightings to local marine mammal databases — citizen science helps!

2026 is shaping up to be a great year for cetacean encounters. Whether you’re diving walls or snorkeling blue water, keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready.

Blue regards,
Your SaltyReef Team

P.S. Seen any rare dolphins or whales lately? Reply with your story and a photo — we may feature it in an upcoming “Reader Sightings” edition!