The Bottlenose Dolphin

Meet The Friendly Face of the Caribbean Sea

Here along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is one of our most familiar and loved marine neighbors. We see them often near Cahuita, Manzanillo, and Puerto Viejo, gliding through the water in small family groups called pods.

These dolphins are permanent residents in this region. They’re curious, intelligent, and often come close to boats just to take a look at who’s visiting their home. When the sea is calm and the sun is shining, you can sometimes spot them leaping through the waves or swimming alongside our tour boats as if they’re showing us around their ocean.

Key Facts

• Scientific Name: Tursiops truncatus

• Average Size: 2 to 4 meters (6 to 13 feet)

• Weight: 200 to 400 kilograms (440 to 880 pounds)

• Diet: Fish, squid, and small crustaceans

• Lifespan: 40 to 50 years

• Habitat: Warm coastal waters near coral reefs and river mouths

• Activity: Active in the morning and late afternoon

Appearance

Bottlenose Dolphins have smooth gray skin, lighter bellies, and curved dorsal fins that make them easy to identify. Their faces naturally curve into a shape that looks like a smile, which suits their friendly personality perfectly. Each dolphin has its own pattern of scars and markings, so local researchers can tell them apart, just like fingerprints.

Habitat and Behavior

These dolphins prefer shallow, warm water where food is easy to find. Along our Caribbean coastline, they spend most of their time near coral reefs, lagoons, and river mouths. They’re highly social animals that live in small pods, usually six to twelve individuals.

Each Bottlenose Dolphin has a unique whistle that acts like its name. They use these sounds to identify each other and stay connected, even when the group spreads out. They also communicate through clicks, squeaks, and body language — slapping their tails, leaping out of the water, or nudging each other gently.

They use echolocation to locate fish, sending out sound waves that bounce back like sonar. This allows them to hunt efficiently, even when visibility is low.

Interesting and Lesser-Known Facts

• Bottlenose Dolphins only sleep with half of their brain at a time so they can keep swimming and breathing.

• They can see both underwater and above the surface, adjusting their focus like a camera lens.

• In some regions, they’ve been observed teaching their young to use sea sponges to protect their snouts while searching for food on the seafloor.

• They recognize themselves in mirrors, which shows self-awareness…something very rare in the animal kingdom.

• They form long-lasting friendships and have been seen helping injured dolphins by lifting them to the surface to breathe.

These incredible behaviors are part of what makes them so special to encounter here in Costa Rica.

Where to See Bottlenose Dolphins in Costa Rica

Bottlenose Dolphins live along our coastline year-round, especially between Cahuita and Manzanillo. The calm conditions and clear water make dolphin watching one of the most popular family-friendly activities here on the Caribbean side.

• Cahuita National Park Snorkel and Dolphin Tour
  Join our guided boat and snorkel tour through Cahuita’s coral reef. We often see dolphins swimming nearby before guests jump in to explore the reef’s colorful fish and coral gardens. This tour combines wildlife watching, snorkeling, and a short walk through the national park.

• Dolphins, Snorkeling, and Organic Farm Visit
  One of our favorite tours for guests who want a little bit of everything. This day trip includes dolphin watching in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, snorkeling through calm coral reefs, and visiting a local organic farm to learn about sustainable life on the Caribbean coast…with lunch and transportation included!

• Bucket List Puerto Viejo Package
  The ultimate experience for anyone who wants to see it all. This package combines dolphin watching in both Cahuita and Manzanillo, plus snorkeling, beach time, and a taste of local culture. It’s the perfect way to explore the best of our coastline in one unforgettable day.

All of our dolphin tours are guided by locals who know these waters and the animals well. We follow responsible wildlife practices, keeping a safe and respectful distance so dolphins can continue to live freely and naturally.