Top 15 Stunning Places to Spot Dolphins in India 2025

To help you find these amazing creatures, we’ve put together a list of the 15 best places to spot dolphins in India. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable experience watching dolphins dance and play in their natural habitat.

Seeing dolphins leap out of the water is a magical sight. These intelligent and playful creatures are some of the most remarkable beings in the ocean.

India is home to several species of dolphins, and there are specific locations across the country where you can catch a glimpse of these friendly creatures.

Top 15 Stunning Places to Spot Dolphins in India

Wondering where you can spot dolphins in India? I’ve done some thorough research and even visited a few of these places myself. Based on my findings, here are the top 15 locations in India where you can see dolphins in all their glory.

1. Goa

Goa, famous for its stunning beaches, is also one of the best places in India to see dolphins. This beautiful coastal state is a perfect blend of sun, sand, and the incredible experience of watching dolphins in the wild.

Some of the popular beaches for dolphin spotting in Goa include Sinquerim Beach, Baga Beach, Morjim Beach, Candolim Beach, Cavelossim Beach, and Coco Beach.

The best way to see dolphins in Goa is by taking a cruise into the Arabian Sea. If you want to maximize your chances of spotting these playful creatures, it’s best to set out early in the morning.

• Dolphin Spotting Location in Goa: Sinquerim, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim
• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

How to Reach Dolphin Beach in Goa?

Reaching the dolphin beaches in Goa is quite convenient by air. The nearest international airport is Dabolim, located near Vasco da Gama.

2. Vikramshila Dolphin Gangetic Sanctuary, Bihar

The Gangetic dolphins are an endangered species that are sadly facing the threat of extinction. One of the best places to see them is the Vikramshila Dolphin Gangetic Sanctuary in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar. This sanctuary is a safe haven for these dolphins, protecting the few hundred that still remain.

Stretching over 60 kilometers, this sanctuary is dedicated to preserving these incredible creatures. Barari Ghat is the top spot within this area where you have the highest chance of seeing dolphins in their natural environment.

• Sanctuary Location: Bhagalpur, Bihar, India
• Best Time to Visit: October to June

3. National Chambal Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh

The National Chambal Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh is not only known for its large population of gharials but is also home to the endangered Ganges dolphins. This scenic sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to witness these dolphins along with other rare wildlife species and over 320 species of birds.

A boat ride on the Chambal River is a fantastic way to experience the sanctuary. It allows you to get up close to the gharials and the Gangetic dolphins, making it a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts.

• Sanctuary Location: Spread across the Chambal River, Katarniaghat Sanctuary, and other areas like Sarah River in Ayodhya, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Hamirpur, Garhmukteshwar, Ekdala, Banda, Chilla, and Fatehpur.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March

4. Dapoli, Maharashtra

Dapoli is one of the top spots to see dolphins in India. This beautiful coastal town in Maharashtra is a great place to discover marine life. Located about 227 km south of Mumbai, Dapoli is known for its dolphin sightings.

Some of the best places in Dapoli to catch a glimpse of these playful creatures include Murud Beach, Harihareshwar, Kuravde Beach, and Dabhol Port. A dolphin safari in Dapoli is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Maharashtra.

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• Location: Dapoli, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra
• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Timings: Early morning is the best time
• Type of Species: Ocean Dolphins

How to Reach: Visitors can reach Dapoli by rail, road, air, or sea. The nearest domestic airport is in Mumbai (Santa Cruz Domestic Airport). Major railway stations like Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, and Kolhapur are also well-connected.

5. Chilika Lake, Odisha

Chilika Lake in Odisha is famous for being the largest brackish water lagoon in India and is home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. A boat ride on this stunning lake is the best way to spot these unique creatures as the guides often point them out to visitors.

Chilika Lake is also a thriving ecosystem, home to a variety of wildlife and beautiful islands that make for perfect stops during your boat ride. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and dolphin enthusiasts.

• Location: Chilika Lake, Odisha
• Best Time to Visit: November to February

6. Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep, an archipelago off the southwestern coast of India, is famous for its stunning islands and rich biodiversity. It has become one of the top tourist destinations in India, known not only for its natural beauty but also for its incredible marine life.

Dolphin safaris in Lakshadweep give you the chance to see playful Bottlenose Dolphins in their natural habitat. Besides dolphin watching, this paradise offers thrilling water sports like snorkeling, canoeing, scuba diving, and more.

• Location: Lakshadweep
• Best Time to Visit: October to mid-May
• Type of Species: Bottlenose Dolphins

How to Reach: Visitors can easily reach Lakshadweep by availing ship services from Cochin.

7. North Button Island National Park, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

North Button Island National Park, located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is one of the best places in India to spot dolphins and Dugongs. This serene national park offers visitors a chance to stay close to the sea and enjoy the sights of various marine creatures in their natural environment.

You can also head to Havelock Island in Andaman, where spotting dolphins is a common treat for visitors.

• Location: North Button Island, North Andaman Island
• Best Time to Visit: November to May
• Type of Species: Irrawaddy Dolphins

How to Reach: Visitors can take direct daily flights to Port Blair from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and others.

8. Dibru Saikhowa National Park, Assam

Dibru Saikhowa National Park in Assam is one of the best places to see freshwater Gangetic dolphins. Nestled in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts, this national park is surrounded by three rivers: the Lohit, Dibru, and Brahmaputra. As a Biosphere Reserve, it offers a rich experience of both flora and fauna.

Dolphins are often spotted in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the rare Pink River Dolphins!

• Location: Laika Gaon, Assam
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Visit Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)

9. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

The Sundarbans National Park is a vast mangrove forest located in the Ganges Delta, famous as the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger. However, it’s also a sanctuary for the endangered Irrawaddy and Gangetic dolphins. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar Wetland is a must-visit for nature lovers.

Taking a river cruise through the Sundarbans is a popular activity, where local guides help you spot these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

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• Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
• Best Time to Visit: September to March
• Visit Timings: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

10. Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Tamil Nadu

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park consists of 21 small islands surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. It’s a rich marine ecosystem where you can spot several species of dolphins, including Spinner dolphins, by taking a glass-bottomed boat ride.

These boats offer a unique way to enjoy the scenic view of the sea and witness the delightful sight of Spinner dolphins swimming gracefully.

• Location: Rameshwaram Beach, Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Gulf of Mannar National Park
• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Visit Timings: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
• Type of Species: Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins

How to Reach: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, and you can also reach the park by train or road.

11. Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park, Gujarat

The Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park in Gujarat is renowned for its rich marine life, featuring rare species and a variety of dolphins. This fragile ecosystem is under constant care and study to preserve its unique wildlife.

Visitors can spot Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, and Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins in these waters. The area is also famous for its large Flamingo colonies, adding to its vibrant natural beauty.

• Location: Jamnagar, Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat
• Best Time to Visit: Late October to late February

12. Harike Wildlife Sanctuary, Punjab

Harike Wetland is well-known for its rich birdlife, but it’s also a great spot to see dolphins! Located at the confluence of the Satluj and Beas rivers, this sanctuary is home to a population of Indus dolphins, which were previously thought to be extinct in this area.

• Location: Harike Wetland, Jakopur Khurd, Punjab, India
• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Visit Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

13. Daman & Diu

Diu, part of the Union Territory of Daman and Diu, is a charming coastal town where you might catch sight of dolphins playing in the sea. Some of the best places to spot these friendly creatures are Dunny Point and the island of Beyt Dwarka.

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• Places to Spot Dolphins: Marine Wildlife Sanctuary and Beyt Dwarka
• Best Time to Visit: August to October
• Type of Species: Humpback Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins

How to Reach: The nearest railway station is Una, located just 12 km from Diu. The closest major railhead is in Veraval, about 90 km away, which is connected to Ahmedabad (370 km away).

14. Cherai Beach, Kerala

Cherai Beach in Kerala is renowned for its picturesque backwaters. Taking a boat ride from this beach can lead you to some amazing sights, including Humpback dolphins swimming alongside you. While you’re out on the water, you can also enjoy views of various birds and fish that thrive in the local ecosystem.

• Location: Cherai Beach, Vypin, Kochi, Kerala
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Visit Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Type of Species: Humpback Dolphins

How to Reach: Cochin has two main railway stations: Ernakulam Town Station and Ernakulam Junction Station. From there, you can easily catch a bus or take a taxi to reach Cherai Beach.

15. Om Beach, Karnataka

Karnataka is a beautiful southern state in India, famous for its stunning coastal beaches. One of the highlights here is Om Beach, where you can spot playful humpback dolphins.

Visitors can enjoy regular boat rides that take you out into the Arabian Sea, offering a fantastic view of the vibrant marine life. After your dolphin-watching adventure, you can relax and unwind on the pristine sands of Om Beach, making for a perfect day by the sea.

• Location: Om Beach, Devbagh Beach, Kudle Beach, Kurumgad Island, Murudeshwar Beach, Paradise Beach
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Type of Species: Humpback Dolphins
• Visit Timings: No specific timings

How to Reach: The major railway station in Karnataka is in Bangalore, which connects to various trains making it easy to reach the state.

So there you have it—a carefully curated list of the 15 Best Places to Spot Dolphins in India! We hope this guide answers all your questions about where to see dolphins, whether you’re looking for locations in Kerala, the Gangetic dolphins in India, or even dolphin shows in Chennai.

These exciting destinations offer the perfect opportunity to experience nature and wildlife in all their glory. So, why not plan your next vacation to one of these incredible spots?

Stay tuned for more amazing travel blogs, where we’ll continue to explore the beauty of our world together.