Species profile
About this species
The bottlenose dolphin is a highly intelligent & social marine mammal found in warm & temperate oceans worldwide. Known for its distinctive curved mouth that gives the appearance of a permanent smile, it typically grows between 2 & 4 metres in length. It is one of the most studied & recognisable cetaceans, often observed bow-riding alongside boats & leaping acrobatically from the water.
Bottlenose dolphins inhabit warm & temperate coastal waters, bays, estuaries & open ocean environments worldwide, often found close to shore in shallower regions as well as in deeper offshore waters.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Bottlenose Dolphin with us in the United States.
These departures are part of our North America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning light offers the best conditions, providing warm tones & calmer seas. Summer & early autumn are ideal in temperate regions when dolphins are most active near shore & frequently encountered on boat trips.
Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze the dolphin's rapid movement & capture sharp detail mid-leap. Position yourself at water level when possible - shooting from a low angle adds drama & context to the ocean environment. Anticipate behaviour by watching the pod's movement pattern, as dolphins often repeat leaps & surface sequences, giving you time to pre-focus on a likely spot.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Bottlenose Dolphin
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.