Dolphins are a popular marine mammal that can be seen in temperate and tropical waters around the world. Dolphin habitats can only be found in oceans near the Arctic and Antarctica. Unlike whales, dolphins prefer warmer water temperatures. The bottlenose dolphin is one of the best-known species. It thrives in water temperatures between 50 and 90 Fahrenheit.

There are many species of dolphins, each with its own needs and preferences in terms of habitat.

Habitat Basics

Dolphins can be found in the open ocean, coastal waters, including bays and inlets as well as river basins, some inland seas, Gulfs, and channels. Dolphins are mammals that breathe through the blowhole on top of their head. They need to come to the surface often to replenish their oxygen supply. Dolphins are voracious eaters, and so spend most of their time where there is a plentiful food supply. This can be at extended depths.

Many species migrate as well. They spend their summers in a particular area and then move on to warmer climates once summer ends and the waters start to cool. Dolphins’ movements are also influenced by the migratory patterns their primary food source. Dolphins can also be flexible in their migration in order to adapt to changes in patterns and availability.

Other Marine Mammals that Share Dolphin Habitats

The marine mammals that live in the same habitat as dolphins can vary depending on climate and ocean conditions. Pacific dolphins that live in coastal habitats are often found with sea lions and sea turtles. They also share their home environment with playful sea otters, seals, and sea lions. Orcas, sperms whales and blue whales are all more common to see in open ocean habitats.

The Pacific Ocean

The Pacific Ocean is home to several species of Dolphin. The bottlenose Dolphin is found from Australia to Japan, as well as the triangle formed by the Hawaiian Islands and Chilean coast, as well as the southern part of the United States. Some populations prefer to live near the shore, and as a consequence have a higher tolerance for colder water.

The Pacific Ocean is home to a number of other dolphin species, including spinner Dolphins from the South Pacific Ocean, Pacific White-sided Dolphins that tends to live in waters near the North Pacific Ocean.

Pacific White-sided Dolphins

The Atlantic Ocean

Bottlenose Dolphins can be found in all oceans, but the Atlantic Ocean is the most abundant. You’ll also see the Atlantic white-sided, humpback, and spotted dolphins swimming in these waters. The Atlantic Ocean is home to dolphins from Nova Scotia to Patogonia, as well as Norway and the southern tip Africa.

The Indian Ocean

Another species of bottlenose Dolphin lives in the Indian Ocean. This dolphin has adapted to the conditions of the region. The Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin lives in the Indian Ocean, along the East African coast, and north and south of China.

The common dolphin and spinner dolphin are also found in the region. The humpback is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world. It lives on the coast of East Africa.

Rivers and Seas

Some dolphin species are only able to survive in freshwater environments. These species are less well-known than oceangoing counterparts. They include the Amazon River dolphin, Yangtze river Dolphin, Indus river dolphin and Ganges river. Indus river dolphins and Ganges River Dolphins are currently listed as endangered species.

Bottlenose Dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, short-beaked Common dolphins and striped dolphins are all found in the Mediterranean Sea. Dolphin populations are declining rapidly in the Mediterranean Sea, and Dolphin Discovery believe that this will continue.