Swim with humpback whales in Moʻorea, September 2027 · from CHF 4,500See the trip →
Ocean Calling

Ocean Atlas · Pacific

Pacific

Australia

Very different coasts, from manta and whale shark reefs to sea lions, seals and whales watched from the boat, and cool kelp reefs in Tasmania.

Lagoon Beach and coral lagoon at Lord Howe Island, Australia
Lagoon Beach, Lord Howe Island, New South Wales · Photo: Dylan Shaw on Unsplash
Exploring

Ethics pass, with care. We found a way to visit this country that meets our animal-welfare standard, as long as we work with the right local operator. Checked by Ocean Calling on 26 Sep 2026. Sources: Whale shark management in Western Australia, DBCA; Monkey Mia dolphins, DBCA; Sharks drawn to caged tourists off SA coast, ABC News, 2011.

FreedivingScubaSnorkellingWhalesWhale sharks

Why Australia

Around Cairns, Port Douglas and the Ribbon Reefs, and at Lady Elliot Island, reef life includes turtles, sharks and manta rays. Ningaloo is known for seasonal whale sharks, and both Ningaloo and the Ribbon Reefs offer regulated in-water whale encounters with licensed guides. Christmas Island, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Rowley Shoals are remote reef places, and quiet Lord Howe Island suits small-group trips. At Bremer Bay, Barunguba and Narooma, and Baird Bay, orcas, seals, sea lions and dolphins are watched from the boat. In Tasmania, cool water reefs near the Tasman Peninsula and Maria Island hold weedy seadragons, kelp and sponge gardens, while fur seals, southern right whales and humpbacks are watched from the boat. Most of the giant kelp forests here are lost, so every healthy patch is precious.

Conservation-led. Ocean Calling guests never chase, touch or bait animals.

FijiPapua New GuineaIndonesiaSomaliaKenyaFr. S. Antarctic LandsTimor-LesteMadagascarVanuatuNew CaledoniaSolomon Is.New ZealandAustraliaMalaysiaBruneiEthiopiaBaird Bay and Eyre Peninsula, AustraliaBarunguba and Narooma, AustraliaBremer Bay, AustraliaCairns, Port Douglas and the Ribbon Reefs, AustraliaChristmas Island, AustraliaCocos (Keeling) Islands, AustraliaLady Elliot Island, AustraliaLord Howe Island, AustraliaNingaloo, AustraliaRowley Shoals, AustraliaTasman Peninsula and Eaglehawk Neck, AustraliaMaria Island and the east coast, Australia

When to go

Timing changes a lot from place to place. See each place below.

We have researched this place and keep learning about it. There is no trip here yet.

Our ethics check

Can we travel here ethically?

Ethics pass, with care

Good with the right operator. Here is how we choose.

Australia has strong marine parks and clear rules, and at Ningaloo only licensed guides take small groups to swim with whale sharks, at a set distance and never touching. But some well known places still use feeding or berley, and one park keeps dolphins in captivity. We choose natural reef, whale shark and kelp days, and we watch seals and dolphins from the boat.

Checked 26 Sep 2026. Places change, so we look again every year.

Sources for this check
Places we are exploring

Where in Australia

Short notes from our research. Wildlife is never guaranteed.

Baird Bay and Eyre Peninsula

Exploring

A quiet, remote coast home to endangered Australian sea lions and wild dolphins.

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Australian sea lions, Bottlenose dolphins (regular, from the boat), Common dolphins (offshore, from the boat)

When: Oct-Apr. The sea lion and dolphin season runs October to April.

Barunguba and Narooma

Exploring

A coastal island where fur seals, seasonal humpback whales, dolphins, seabirds and penguins may be seen.

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Fur seals, Humpback whales (seasonal), Common dolphins (regular, from the boat), Bottlenose dolphins (occasional, near Narooma)

When: Sep-Dec. NPWS notes large seal numbers from late winter to early December, and spring adds passing whales. The island is normally closed in August, and sightings are never promised.

Bremer Bay

Exploring

A remote coast known for seasonal orcas and other whales, watched from the boat.

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Orcas, Sperm and pilot whales, Common dolphins (seasonal, offshore by boat), Bottlenose dolphins (seasonal, offshore by boat)

When: Dec-Apr. Orca trips run December to April. February is often the peak.

Cairns, Port Douglas and the Ribbon Reefs

Exploring

Broad reef life with sharks, turtles and manta rays, plus regulated dwarf minke whale encounters with licensed guides in June and July.

🤿 In the water: Dwarf minke whales (Jun-Jul, licensed guides), Reef sharks, Turtles, Manta rays, Potato cod

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Humpback whales (seasonal)

When: Year-round. Reef year-round. Dwarf minke whales June to July. August to October is most comfortable.

Rules and fees: Reef visitors pay a small Environmental Management Charge through their licensed reef trip, which supports care of the Marine Park.

Christmas Island

Exploring

A quiet, remote island with reef sharks, turtles and mantas, plus seasonal whale sharks and red crabs.

🤿 In the water: Reef sharks, Turtles, Manta rays, Whale sharks (seasonal), Tropical reef life

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Red crab migration (on land)

When: May-Oct. Dry-season diving May to October. Whale sharks and red crabs from November to March, with more weather risk.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Exploring

Remote, quiet atolls for small-group diving and snorkelling, with mantas, turtles and local island culture.

🤿 In the water: Manta rays, Green and hawksbill turtles, Reef sharks, Reef fish

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Bottlenose dolphins (regular, from the boat), Common dolphins (regular, from the boat), Dugong (possible)

When: Year-round. Reef diving is possible all year.

Lady Elliot Island

Exploring

Reef manta rays year-round, with turtles, reef sharks and rays around the island.

🤿 In the water: Reef manta rays, Turtles, Reef sharks and rays, Reef fish

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Humpback whales (seasonal)

When: May-Aug. Mantas are here year-round, strongest mid-May to mid-August.

Lord Howe Island

Exploring

A quiet island for small-group reef and nature trips, with turtles, sharks and coral reef fish.

🤿 In the water: Coral reef fish, Turtles, Sharks

When: Sep-Jun. The main dive season is roughly September to June. Spring and autumn are strong.

Rules and fees: Lord Howe Island Marine Park is World Heritage listed and protects the southernmost true coral reef in the world. The park is divided into zones, and the official zoning map and user guide explain what is allowed in each area.

Ningaloo

Exploring

Known for seasonal whale sharks and reef life, plus mantas and regulated in-water whale encounters with licensed guides.

🤿 In the water: Whale sharks (seasonal), Manta rays, Humpback whales (regulated, licensed guides)

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Dugongs in seagrass, Nesting turtles (Nov-Mar)

When: May-Jun. Whale sharks from March to July, best mid May to June. Licensed humpback encounters run from July at Coral Bay and August at Exmouth into October.

Rowley Shoals

Exploring

Remote atolls reached by liveaboard, with mantas, turtles, reef fish and open-ocean species.

🤿 In the water: Manta rays, Turtles, Reef fish, Pelagic fish

When: Sep-Dec. The main expedition season runs September to December.

Rules and fees: Rowley Shoals Marine Park is divided into zones, so the park guide explains where fishing is allowed. Park staff advise carrying a personal locator beacon out here.

Tasman Peninsula and Eaglehawk Neck

Exploring

High sea cliffs and cool kelp reefs with weedy seadragons, and fur seals watched from the boat.

🤿 In the water: Weedy seadragons, Kelp and sponge garden reef life

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Australian fur seals (from the boat, never at the colony), Southern right whales (seasonal), Humpback whales (seasonal), Common dolphins (from the boat)

When: Year-round. Reef diving is possible all year in cool water. Whales pass from about May to November.

Maria Island and the east coast

Exploring

A protected island reserve with quiet coves, kelp reefs, and seals and whales watched from the boat.

🤿 In the water: Reef fish in the marine reserve, Kelp reef life

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Australian fur seals (from the boat), Southern right whales (seasonal), Humpback whales (seasonal), Dolphins (from the boat)

When: Year-round. Snorkelling is most comfortable in late summer. Whales pass from about May to November.

Animals

Animals recorded in Australia

Tap an animal to learn how it lives, where it travels and how to meet it respectfully.

Land animals
Humpback whale swimming close with long pectoral finHumpback whaleMegaptera novaeangliaeSeen in 87 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernHuge spotted whale shark gliding through open blue waterWhale sharkRhincodon typusSeen in 54 countries in the AtlasEndangeredReef manta ray gliding over a sandy lagoonReef manta rayMobula alfrediSeen in 20 countries in the AtlasVulnerableBump-head sunfish swimming in blue water off Nusa PenidaOcean sunfish (mola)Mola molaSeen in 29 countries in the AtlasVulnerableScalloped hammerhead shark cruising in deep blue Red Sea waterScalloped hammerheadSphyrna lewiniSeen in 57 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredGreat hammerhead seen from above over rippled white sandGreat hammerheadSphyrna mokarranSeen in 20 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredTiger shark with clear stripes swimming over a reefTiger sharkGaleocerdo cuvierSeen in 47 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedSperm whale mother raising her fluke beside her calf off DominicaSperm whalePhyseter macrocephalusSeen in 114 countries in the AtlasVulnerableFlatback turtle resting on a nesting beachFlatback turtleNatator depressusSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasData DeficientLoggerhead turtle at the surface feeding on Portuguese man o' warLoggerhead turtleCaretta carettaSeen in 89 countries in the AtlasVulnerableTwo blacktip reef sharks swimming over sunlit sand in turquoise waterBlacktip reef sharkCarcharhinus melanopterusSeen in 38 countries in the AtlasVulnerableTawny nurse sharks swimming in sunlit Maldives waterTawny nurse sharkNebrius ferrugineusSeen in 15 countries in the AtlasVulnerableWall of grey reef sharks cruising in blue waterGrey reef sharkCarcharhinus amblyrhynchosSeen in 33 countries in the AtlasEndangeredWhite shark swimming under sunlit surface with small fish nearbyWhite sharkCarcharodon carchariasSeen in 17 countries in the AtlasVulnerableWhitetip reef sharks resting stacked in a reef creviceWhitetip reef sharkTriaenodon obesusSeen in 43 countries in the AtlasVulnerableHawksbill turtle swimming, pointed beak in profileHawksbill turtleEretmochelys imbricataSeen in 88 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredGreen turtle resting on the reef, shell and head pattern in sharp detailGreen turtleChelonia mydasSeen in 103 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernCommon bottlenose dolphin swimming over a seagrass bedCommon bottlenose dolphinTursiops truncatusSeen in 89 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernPod of common dolphins surfacing in calm blue seaCommon dolphinDelphinus delphisSeen in 53 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernPod of bottlenose dolphins swimming over a Red Sea coral reefIndo-Pacific bottlenose dolphinTursiops aduncusSeen in 29 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedPygmy blue whale spouting at the surface off New ZealandPygmy blue whaleBalaenoptera musculus brevicaudaSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasData DeficientPale Australian sea lion walking on white sand in South AustraliaAustralian sea lionNeophoca cinereaSeen in 1 country in the AtlasEndangeredGalápagos shark swimming low over a rocky seabedGalápagos sharkCarcharhinus galapagensisSeen in 15 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernSandbar shark with its tall dorsal fin over a sandy seabed in HawaiʻiSandbar sharkCarcharhinus plumbeusSeen in 19 countries in the AtlasEndangeredBlue-spotted ribbontail ray resting on sand, seen from aboveBlue-spotted ribbontail rayTaeniura lymmaSeen in 22 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernWhite-spotted eagle rays gliding over coral at Heron Island, Great Barrier ReefSpotted eagle ray (ocellated eagle ray)Aetobatus ocellatusSeen in 28 countries in the AtlasEndangeredPink whipray and a blacktip reef shark in Moʻorea's lagoon, mountains behindPink whiprayPateobatis faiSeen in 11 countries in the AtlasVulnerableRound ribbontail ray swimming over rocks at Santa Cruz, GalápagosRound ribbontail rayTaeniurops meyeniSeen in 18 countries in the AtlasVulnerableBox jellyfish with square bell and long tentacles at nightBox jellyfishChironex fleckeri and other box jellyfish (Cubozoa)Seen in 6 countries in the AtlasNot EvaluatedLaboratory photo of an adult Irukandji jellyfish, bell about 5 mm acrossIrukandji jellyfishCarukia barnesi, Malo kingi and relativesSeen in 1 country in the AtlasNot EvaluatedPale reef stonefish resting between anemones in KwajaleinReef stonefishSynanceia verrucosaSeen in 25 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernRed lionfish with spread fins over sand in Dauin, PhilippinesLionfish (red and common lionfish)Pterois volitans and Pterois milesSeen in 80 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernWell camouflaged scorpionfish on dark sand in Lembeh StraitScorpionfishScorpaenopsis speciesSeen in 22 countries in the AtlasVaries by speciesTitan triggerfish swimming over a reef slope in blue waterTitan triggerfishBalistoides viridescensSeen in 40 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernPicasso triggerfish with painted pattern over sand in the MaldivesPicasso triggerfish (lagoon triggerfish)Rhinecanthus aculeatusSeen in 41 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernClown triggerfish with big white spots over reef in the Coral SeaClown triggerfishBalistoides conspicillumSeen in 29 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernDay octopus beside a coral head on a sandy Red Sea reefDay octopusOctopus cyaneaSeen in 35 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernMimic octopus with banded arms spread over dark sandMimic octopusThaumoctopus mimicusSeen in 7 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernGreater blue-ringed octopus showing bright blue rings on white sand in Raja AmpatBlue-ringed octopusesHapalochlaena spp.Seen in 5 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernSmooth hammerhead swimming in clear blue open water off SpainSmooth hammerheadSphyrna zygaenaSeen in 26 countries in the AtlasVulnerableBasking shark swimming underwater in green water off Argyll, ScotlandBasking sharkCetorhinus maximusSeen in 23 countries in the AtlasEndangeredSouthern right whale surfacing with V-shaped blow and pale callosities, ArgentinaSouthern right whaleEubalaena australisSeen in 7 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernOrcas surfacing close together in calm Arctic Norwegian watersOrca (killer whale)Orcinus orcaSeen in 55 countries in the AtlasData DeficientTwo long-finned pilot whales surfacing side by sideLong-finned pilot whaleGlobicephala melasSeen in 24 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernDugong grazing on seagrass over a sandy seabedDugongDugong dugonSeen in 32 countries in the AtlasVulnerableDwarf minke whaleBalaenoptera acutorostrata (dwarf form)Seen in 30 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernBlue whale blowing a tall spout off San DiegoBlue whaleBalaenoptera musculusSeen in 29 countries in the AtlasEndangeredClose view of a New Zealand fur seal with its head raised and whiskers fanned out, another seal behind itNew Zealand fur sealArctocephalus forsteriSeen in 2 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernLittle penguin standing on wet rocks, with blue-grey back and white frontLittle penguinEudyptula minorSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernMany fur seals resting on pale sloping rock, some lying close togetherAustralian fur sealArctocephalus pusillus doriferusSeen in 1 country in the AtlasLeast ConcernWeedy seadragon drifting over pale sand, with leaf-like appendages along its back and tailWeedy seadragonPhyllopteryx taeniolatusSeen in 1 country in the AtlasVulnerableClose view of a red handfish with a pink body and red patches, resting on reef among small seaweedsRed handfishThymichthys politusSeen in 1 country in the AtlasCritically EndangeredSpotted handfish resting next to a shell-filled hollow on sandy seabed in TasmaniaSpotted handfishBrachionichthys hirsutusSeen in 1 country in the AtlasCritically EndangeredPygmy right whale swimming in green water off southern Australia, seen from the side with its head and flipper visiblePygmy right whaleCaperea marginataSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernLeopard seal resting on rocks at the water's edge with its mouth wide openLeopard sealHydrurga leptonyxSeen in 7 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernPotato cod resting on sand under a coral overhang at Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs, Great Barrier ReefPotato codEpinephelus tukulaSeen in 6 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernSnubfin dolphin at the surface in turquoise water, showing its rounded head with no beak and a small dorsal finAustralian snubfin dolphinOrcaella heinsohniSeen in 1 country in the AtlasVulnerablePale grey Australian humpback dolphin at the surface, with its head, long snout and low dorsal fin visible, at Amity, QueenslandAustralian humpback dolphinSousa sahulensisSeen in 1 country in the AtlasVulnerableTwo giant Australian cuttlefish close together on an algae-covered reef at Port Bonython, South AustraliaGiant Australian cuttlefishAscarosepion apamaSeen in 2 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedSchool of bumphead parrotfish swimming over coralBumphead parrotfishBolbometopon muricatumSeen in 16 countries in the AtlasVulnerableBryde’s whale surfacing and exhaling in deep blue open oceanBryde's whaleBalaenoptera edeniSeen in 36 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernLarge school of chevron barracuda in deep blue waterChevron barracudaSphyraena qenieSeen in 19 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernSchool of bigeye trevally swirling near the seabed at AmedBigeye trevallyCaranx sexfasciatusSeen in 48 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernBroadclub cuttlefish hovering with arms raised over reefBroadclub cuttlefishAscarosepion latimanusSeen in 15 countries in the AtlasData DeficientShort-finned pilot whale surfacing off Tenerife with the island behindShort-finned pilot whaleGlobicephala macrorhynchusSeen in 43 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernTwo spinner dolphins swimming over sand in clear waterSpinner dolphinStenella longirostrisSeen in 66 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernFin whale surfacing, showing its white right lower jawFin whaleBalaenoptera physalusSeen in 37 countries in the AtlasVulnerableHumphead wrasse swimming over a coral reef in Raja AmpatHumphead wrasse (Napoleon wrasse)Cheilinus undulatusSeen in 34 countries in the AtlasEndangeredSpotted garden eels rising from sand, black spots clearly visibleSpotted garden eelHeteroconger hassiSeen in 19 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernBronze whaler shark swimming in green-blue waterBronze whaler (copper shark)Carcharhinus brachyurusSeen in 11 countries in the AtlasVulnerableDense Cape gannet colony at Lambert's Bay, Western CapeCape gannetMorus capensisSeen in 7 countries in the AtlasEndangeredBlue-spotted maskray resting on a sandy seabed beside a shellBlue-spotted stingrayNeotrygon kuhlii complexSeen in 15 countries in the AtlasVaries by speciesMinke whale surfacing and exhaling, seen from aboveCommon minke whale (North Atlantic)Balaenoptera acutorostrataSeen in 30 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernGreat barracuda cruising in open blue water, showing jagged teethGreat barracudaSphyraena barracudaSeen in 84 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernEstuary seahorse with textured orange skin on dark sandCommon (estuary) seahorseHippocampus kudaSeen in 25 countries in the AtlasVulnerableGiant oceanic manta with T-shaped white shoulder patches and remorasOceanic manta ray (giant manta)Mobula birostrisSeen in 31 countries in the AtlasEndangeredScarred Risso's dolphin spyhopping out of the waterRisso's dolphinGrampus griseusSeen in 56 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernSei whale's tall dorsal fin breaking a calm sea surfaceSei whaleBalaenoptera borealisSeen in 24 countries in the AtlasEndangeredSilvertip shark swimming in open blue waterSilvertip sharkCarcharhinus albimarginatusSeen in 28 countries in the AtlasVulnerableStriped dolphin leaping, dark flank stripe clearly visibleStriped dolphinStenella coeruleoalbaSeen in 43 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernZebra shark resting on sandy reef floor, spotted body and ridgesZebra sharkStegostoma tigrinumSeen in 17 countries in the AtlasEndangeredAntarctic minke whale surfacing among sea ice in AntarcticaAntarctic minke whaleBalaenoptera bonaerensisSeen in 6 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedFalse killer whale surging through blue water off Rota, Mariana IslandsFalse killer whalePseudorca crassidensSeen in 41 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedBluestreak cleaner wrasse with black stripe and blue tailBluestreak cleaner wrasseLabroides dimidiatusSeen in 51 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernCuvier's beaked whale surfacing, pale scarred head and small dorsal finCuvier's beaked whaleZiphius cavirostrisSeen in 42 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernAdult pink Chinese white dolphin swimming beside a grey calf in Pearl River estuary waterChinese white dolphinSousa chinensisSeen in 17 countries in the AtlasVulnerableFraser's dolphin porpoising out of the waterFraser's dolphinLagenodelphis hoseiSeen in 18 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernLeatherback hatchling crossing the sand toward the seaLeatherback turtleDermochelys coriaceaSeen in 76 countries in the AtlasVulnerableMelon-headed whales leaping together through a splash of white waterMelon-headed whalePeponocephala electraSeen in 22 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernPantropical spotted dolphin gliding at the calm ocean surfacePantropical spotted dolphinStenella attenuataSeen in 56 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernPygmy spinner dolphinStenella longirostris roseiventrisSeen in 2 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernOceanic whitetip shark with pilot fish in sunlit Red Sea waterOceanic whitetip sharkCarcharhinus longimanusSeen in 43 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredOlive ridley turtles nesting on Playa Ostional, Costa RicaOlive ridley turtleLepidochelys olivaceaSeen in 40 countries in the AtlasVulnerablePygmy killer whale surfacing in turquoise waterPygmy killer whaleFeresa attenuataSeen in 11 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernSilky shark swimming near the surface in blue waterSilky sharkCarcharhinus falciformisSeen in 48 countries in the AtlasVulnerableSicklefin lemon shark swimming over coral among butterflyfish in French PolynesiaSicklefin lemon sharkNegaprion acutidensSeen in 11 countries in the AtlasEndangeredBull shark swimming in clear blue water off Quintana Roo, MexicoBull sharkCarcharhinus leucasSeen in 30 countries in the AtlasVulnerableBlacktip shark swimming in green water in the GalápagosBlacktip sharkCarcharhinus limbatusSeen in 49 countries in the AtlasVulnerableAdult male Blainville's beaked whale surfacing in the BahamasBlainville's beaked whaleMesoplodon densirostrisSeen in 14 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernDwarf sperm whale leaping clear of the open seaDwarf sperm whaleKogia simaSeen in 22 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernBanded sea krait with yellow lip rising over dark sandBanded sea krait (yellow-lipped sea krait)Laticauda colubrinaSeen in 18 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernBlue-lipped sea krait with blue and black bands on sandBlue-lipped sea kraitLaticauda laticaudataSeen in 12 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernWhitespotted eagle ray gliding over reef and sand in BelizeWhitespotted eagle rayAetobatus narinariSeen in 58 countries in the AtlasEndangeredPortuguese man o' war floating with purple crest off Pico, AzoresPortuguese man o' warPhysalia physalisSeen in 36 countries in the AtlasNot EvaluatedSpinetail devil ray gliding in blue water off Crete with small fishSpinetail devil rayMobula mobularSeen in 18 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredMoon jellyfish in a harbour in Zeeland, NetherlandsMoon jellyfishAurelia aurita and other Aurelia speciesSeen in 33 countries in the AtlasNot EvaluatedShortfin mako shark at Condor Bank in the North Atlantic, AzoresShortfin makoIsurus oxyrinchusSeen in 40 countries in the AtlasEndangeredBlue shark swimming in open blue water off the Azores with a diver in the backgroundBlue sharkPrionace glaucaSeen in 50 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedTwo dusky dolphins leaping above the water off Kaikōura, New Zealand, with mountains behindDusky dolphinLagenorhynchus obscurusSeen in 7 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernLarge southern elephant seal resting on a wet beach, face turned to the cameraSouthern elephant sealMirounga leoninaSeen in 11 countries in the AtlasVulnerableTwo pygmy sperm whales at the sea surface off the Azores, low backs and small hooked dorsal fins showingPygmy sperm whaleKogia brevicepsSeen in 23 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernFreshwater sawfish (largetooth sawfish) in the Townsville region, Queensland, AustraliaSawfish (largetooth and smalltooth)Pristis pristis and Pristis pectinataSeen in 7 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredSpiny dogfish resting on the seabed at the Josephine Marie shipwreck, Stellwagen Bank National Marine SanctuarySpiny dogfishSqualus acanthiasSeen in 47 countries in the AtlasVulnerableWedge-tailed shearwaters resting togetherWedge-tailed shearwaterArdenna pacificaSeen in 46 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernMasked booby on Ascension IslandMasked boobySula dactylatraSeen in 80 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernGrey noddy in Northland Region, New Zealand, iNaturalist research-grade observationGrey noddyAnous albivittaSeen in 5 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernRed-tailed tropicbird in Glendowie, Auckland, New Zealand, iNaturalist research-grade observationRed-tailed tropicbirdPhaethon rubricaudaSeen in 28 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernMauve stinger jellyfish in Girona, ES-CT, ES, iNaturalist research-grade observationMauve stinger jellyfishPelagia noctilucaSeen in 20 countries in the AtlasNot EvaluatedBlack noddy perched in a shrub on Tern Island, French Frigate ShoalsBlack noddyAnous minutusSeen in 37 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernGiant clam on the reef at Michaelmas Cay, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, AustraliaGiant clamTridacna gigasSeen in 12 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredSmalltooth sand tiger shark at the Northampton SeamountSmalltooth sand tiger sharkOdontaspis feroxSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasEndangeredClose head-on view of a tasselled wobbegong with a fringe of skin flaps around its faceTasselled wobbegongEucrossorhinus dasypogonSeen in 2 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernDark seahorse holding on among stalks and plants on a sandy seabed in green-tinted waterGreat seahorseHippocampus kelloggiSeen in 7 countries in the AtlasVulnerablePale seahorse with a long snout holding a blade of green weed against a dark backgroundThree-spot seahorseHippocampus trimaculatusSeen in 11 countries in the AtlasEndangeredAdult brown booby standing on a rock with its bill open against blue sky, PrincipeBrown boobySula leucogasterSeen in 104 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernSailfish swimming in open blue water, seen from below, with its long bill and tall dorsal finSailfishIstiophorus platypterusSeen in 31 countries in the AtlasVulnerableAtlantic bluefin tuna leaping out of choppy water, recorded in Hovedstaden, DenmarkAtlantic bluefin tunaThunnus thynnusSeen in 39 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernAdult king penguin standing on short grass beside a large brown downy chickKing penguinAptenodytes patagonicusSeen in 10 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernGentoo penguins in shallow turquoise water at the shore, one leaping out of the sea, photographed in the Falkland IslandsGentoo penguinPygoscelis papuaSeen in 9 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernClose view of a rockhopper penguin with yellow crest feathers, red eye and orange-red bill, standing in tussock grassSouthern rockhopper penguinEudyptes chrysocomeSeen in 9 countries in the AtlasVulnerableThree black-browed albatrosses with their bills together at a Steeple Jason Island colony, against blue skyBlack-browed albatrossThalassarche melanophrisSeen in 21 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernClose view of a red-footed booby head with blue, pink and red bill and throat skin among green leavesRed-footed boobySula sulaSeen in 91 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernBroadnose sevengill shark close to the camera in a kelp forest, La Jolla Cove, CaliforniaBroadnose sevengill sharkNotorynchus cepedianusSeen in 8 countries in the AtlasVulnerableSilver-cheeked toadfish resting just above sandy seabed, with its pale belly and dark-spotted backSilver-cheeked toadfishLagocephalus sceleratusSeen in 19 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernBowmouth guitarfish seen from above, swimming over the seabed in hazy blue water, with a long shark-like tailBowmouth guitarfishRhina ancylostomaSeen in 8 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredGiant trevally swimming close to a coral head, with small reef fish in blue water behind itGiant trevallyCaranx ignobilisSeen in 33 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernRobber crab on rough coral rock with bent legs and large claws, in daylightRobber crab (coconut crab)Birgus latroSeen in 17 countries in the AtlasLives on landVulnerableAbbott's booby in flight against a clear blue sky, white body with dark wingsAbbott's boobyPapasula abbottiSeen in 4 countries in the AtlasEndangeredFrigatebird perched on a branch with its bill raised, wings open against a blue skyChristmas Island frigatebirdFregata andrewsiSeen in 6 countries in the AtlasVulnerableMilk sharkRhizoprionodon acutusSeen in 33 countries in the AtlasVulnerableTwo spotted ragged-tooth sharks resting under a rocky overhang at Aliwal Shoal, South AfricaRagged-tooth shark (sand tiger)Carcharias taurusSeen in 17 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredCommon dolphins feeding on a dense shoal of sardines off the east coast of South Africa during the sardine runSouthern African sardine (sardine run)Sardinops sagaxSeen in 13 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernSmall spotted pufferfish swimming just above a sandy seabed, with a yellow-ringed eye; listed on iNaturalist as Torquigener flavimaculosusOrange-spotted toadfishTorquigener hypselogeneionSeen in 10 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernSaltwater crocodile resting on a muddy bank beside mangrove rootsSaltwater crocodileCrocodylus porosusSeen in 14 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernGiant guitarfish (whitespotted wedgefish) resting on a sandy seabed off Durban, South AfricaWhitespotted wedgefishRhynchobatus djiddensisSeen in 9 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredGreat cormorant perched on a branch, with white head plumes and a glossy blue-black backGreat cormorantPhalacrocorax carboSeen in 90 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernHuge flock of sooty shearwaters flying low over the sea beside a rocky coastSooty shearwaterArdenna griseaSeen in 53 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedGreat frigatebird in flight, with long angled wings and a forked tailGreat frigatebirdFregata minorSeen in 44 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernWilson's storm-petrel resting on calm water with its wings raised above its backWilson's storm-petrelOceanites oceanicusSeen in 41 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernLesser frigatebird soaring against a blue sky with its wings spread and tail forkedLesser frigatebirdFregata arielSeen in 39 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernManx shearwater banking just above the sea, white underparts and dark upperparts visibleManx shearwaterPuffinus puffinusSeen in 34 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernGreat shearwater flying low over calm water, its reflection belowGreat shearwaterArdenna gravisSeen in 32 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernSargasso shearwater gliding over a grey sea, dark above and pale belowSargasso shearwater (Audubon's shearwater)Puffinus lherminieriSeen in 27 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernTope shark swimming in clear shallow water, seen from the sideTope shark (school shark)Galeorhinus galeusSeen in 25 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredShort-tailed shearwater resting on the open seaShort-tailed shearwaterArdenna tenuirostrisSeen in 24 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernCommon thresher shark leaping clear of the water, its long upper tail lobe trailing belowCommon thresherAlopias vulpinusSeen in 16 countries in the AtlasVulnerableBulwer's petrel flying low over blue water, its long pointed tail visibleBulwer's petrelBulweria bulweriiSeen in 17 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernSwinhoe's storm-petrel flying low over a grey sea, seen at a distanceSwinhoe's storm-petrelHydrobates monorhisSeen in 16 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedTahiti petrel in flight over the sea, dark above with a white bellyTahiti petrelPseudobulweria rostrataSeen in 15 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedSharpnose sevengill sharkHeptranchias perloSeen in 15 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedOriental darter lifting its head and bill out of the water with a catchOriental darterAnhinga melanogasterSeen in 14 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernWhite-chinned petrel floating on blue water with its white chin patch showingWhite-chinned petrelProcellaria aequinoctialisSeen in 14 countries in the AtlasVulnerableArrowhead dogfishDeania profundorumSeen in 13 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedLongnose velvet dogfishCentroselachus crepidaterSeen in 11 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedDusky shark swimming just under the surface of blue waterDusky sharkCarcharhinus obscurusSeen in 11 countries in the AtlasEndangeredLittle pied cormorant head and neck by the water, with a white face and yellow billLittle pied cormorantMicrocarbo melanoleucosSeen in 10 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernSpottail sharkCarcharhinus sorrahSeen in 10 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedBottlenose wedgefish swimming close past a reef, white spots along its backBottlenose wedgefishRhynchobatus australiaeSeen in 9 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredAntarctic fur seal rising upright out of the water with wet fur and closed eyesAntarctic fur sealArctocephalus gazellaSeen in 8 countries in the AtlasEndangeredLittle black cormorant perched on a rock at the water's edge, speckled grey-green plumage and slender billLittle black cormorantPhalacrocorax sulcirostrisSeen in 7 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernImperial shag perched on a rock at the water's edge, with an orange knob at the base of the billImperial shagLeucocarbo atricepsSeen in 7 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernThree macaroni penguins on a rocky slope, golden crest feathers over the eyesMacaroni penguinEudyptes chrysolophusSeen in 7 countries in the AtlasVulnerableCoach whipray gliding over seagrass in the Red Sea, long tail trailing behindCoach whipray (reticulate whipray)Himantura uarnakSeen in 7 countries in the AtlasEndangeredShortnose spurdogSqualus megalopsSeen in 6 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernBlackbelly lanternsharkEtmopterus luciferSeen in 6 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernBroad cowtail ray resting on pale sand in shallow water, seen head-on with its tail behindBroad cowtail rayPastinachus aterSeen in 6 countries in the AtlasVulnerableBrownbanded bamboo shark swimming low over a rubbly reef flatBrownbanded bamboo sharkChiloscyllium punctatumSeen in 6 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedTwo subantarctic fur seals calling with open mouths on a rocky shoreSubantarctic fur sealArctocephalus tropicalisSeen in 5 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernChinstrap penguin leaping clear of rippled blue water while swimmingChinstrap penguinPygoscelis antarcticusSeen in 4 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernStrap-toothed whale porpoising through grey-blue open water in the Drake PassageStrap-toothed whaleMesoplodon layardiiSeen in 4 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernCrabeater seal lying on pack ice, pale golden coat marked with long scarsCrabeater sealLobodon carcinophagaSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernRoyal penguin standing on rocks, yellow-orange crest and white faceRoyal penguinEudyptes schlegeliSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernNorthern rockhopper penguin in profile with yellow crest, red eye and orange billNorthern rockhopper penguinEudyptes moseleyiSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasEndangeredTwo Gray's beaked whales surfacing at sea, grey backs and small dorsal finsGray's beaked whaleMesoplodon grayiSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernEastern rockhopper penguin standing on a rock, with a yellow crest above its red eyeEastern rockhopper penguinEudyptes filholiSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasNot EvaluatedSouthern bottlenose whale surfacing with a blow, its back marked with pale scratchesSouthern bottlenose whaleHyperoodon planifronsSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernGinkgo-toothed beaked whaleMesoplodon ginkgodensSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasData DeficientAdélie penguin resting on rocks beside two grey chicksAdélie penguinPygoscelis adeliaeSeen in 2 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernFiordland crested penguin standing on a rock, yellow eyebrow crest visibleFiordland crested penguinEudyptes pachyrhynchusSeen in 2 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedTwo erect-crested penguins side by side in tussock on Antipodes IslandErect-crested penguinEudyptes sclateriSeen in 2 countries in the AtlasEndangeredShepherd's beaked whale seen underwater near Inaccessible Island, Tristan da Cunha, with body parts labelledShepherd's beaked whaleTasmacetus shepherdiSeen in 2 countries in the AtlasData DeficientBurrunan dolphin surfacing in Port Phillip Bay, showing its grey back and curved dorsal finBurrunan dolphinTursiops australisSeen in 1 country in the AtlasNot EvaluatedAndrews' beaked whaleMesoplodon bowdoiniSeen in 1 country in the AtlasData DeficientHector's beaked whaleMesoplodon hectoriSeen in 1 country in the AtlasData Deficient

Read before you go

Responsible travel and conservationWhy We Leave the Flash Off Around Marine WildlifeRead ↗Whales and wildlife ethicsNingaloo’s Whale Shark Code: What Each Rule ProtectsRead ↗Whales and wildlife ethicsDwarf Minke Whales on the Reef: Why Swimmers Hold a RopeRead ↗Whales and wildlife ethicsWhale sharks and humpbacks at Ningaloo, AustraliaRead ↗Responsible travel and conservationWhat Ningaloo Gets Right About Whale Shark TourismRead ↗Whales and wildlife ethicsHolding the Rope: How Dwarf Minke Encounters Work on the ReefRead ↗Whales and wildlife ethicsWhere to See Tiger Sharks in the World, HonestlyRead ↗Whales and wildlife ethicsDugongs: The Sea Cow We Hope to Meet by LuckRead ↗Responsible travel and conservationGuaranteed Whale Swim Ads: How to Read the Small PrintRead ↗
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