Wild dolphin viewing

Make five responsible viewing choices

Keep your distance, limit viewing time, and leave wild dolphins undisturbed.

Your five choices

View wild dolphins from at least 50 yards away by land or sea.

Spend no more than 30 minutes viewing a dolphin or group of dolphins.

Do not feed or attempt to feed a wild dolphin.

Do not chase, encircle, trap, swim with, pet, touch, or try to get a reaction from wild dolphins.

Do not touch or swim with a wild dolphin, even if it approaches you. Move away cautiously if it shows signs of stress.

This page covers only national viewing behavior. It does not provide place-specific wildlife or business information.

It does not provide legal consequences, animal care steps, changing beach information, or contact details.

How far should I stay from a wild dolphin?: View wild dolphins from at least 50 yards away by land or sea.; Source: NOAA Fisheries feeding and harassment questions (opens in a new tab)
How long should I view a wild dolphin?: Spend no more than 30 minutes viewing a dolphin or group of dolphins.; Source: NOAA Fisheries feeding and harassment questions (opens in a new tab)
Can I feed a wild dolphin?: Do not feed or attempt to feed a wild dolphin.; Source: NOAA Fisheries feeding and harassment questions (opens in a new tab)
What should I do if a wild dolphin approaches me?: Do not touch or swim with a wild dolphin, even if it approaches you. Move away cautiously if it shows signs of stress.; Source: NOAA Fisheries feeding and harassment questions (opens in a new tab)