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

Ocean Atlas · Americas

Americas

United States

Turtle reefs on Maui and Oʻahu, a Florida Keys sanctuary, cool kelp forests at La Jolla and summer whales in Alaska.

Forested cliffs and snowy peaks above the sea in Kenai Fjords, Alaska
Kenai Fjords National Park, near Seward, Alaska · Photo: Eric Zhu 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: Alaska marine mammal viewing guidelines and regulations, NOAA Fisheries; 50 CFR 216.18, approach regulations for humpback whales in Alaska, eCFR; Spinner dolphin species page and 2021 Hawaiian spinner dolphin rule, NOAA Fisheries.

🧭 Travel advice, checked 30 Sep 2026. The UK FCDO travel advice for the USA was last updated on 18 August 2026, with hurricane season information on its safety and security page. No warning against travel appeared in the snippet. Sources: UK FCDO travel advice, United States Advice differs by passport: check your own government before you plan.

FreedivingScubaSnorkellingWhalesTurtles

Why United States

On Maui and Oʻahu, snorkel and scuba trips bring green turtles and reef life, while humpback whales, spinner dolphins and monk seals are watched from shore or boat, with humpbacks roughly November to April. The Florida Keys, around Key Largo, are a protected marine sanctuary for reef diving with turtles. At La Jolla, San Diego and the Channel Islands, cool kelp forests, summer leopard sharks, and seals, sea lions and gray whales to watch complete the picture. In Alaska, around Juneau, Glacier Bay and the Kenai Fjords near Seward, humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, Steller sea lions and puffins are watched from the boat in summer, roughly May to September. The water is very cold and swimming with whales is not allowed, so this is a watch-only journey, always at a respectful distance.

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

CanadaUnited States of AmericaHaitiDominican Rep.RussiaBahamasGreenlandMexicoBrazilColombiaPanamaCosta RicaNicaraguaHondurasEl SalvadorGuatemalaBelizeVenezuelaGuyanaSurinameFrancePuerto RicoJamaicaCubaTrinidad and TobagoFlorida Keys (Key Largo), United StatesLa Jolla and the Channel Islands, United StatesMaui, United StatesOʻahu, United StatesSan Diego and La Jolla, United StatesJuneau and Southeast Alaska, United StatesGlacier Bay, United StatesSeward and Kenai Fjords, United States

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.

US law is strong: in Alaska nobody may approach a humpback closer than 100 yards, swimming with or feeding marine mammals is not allowed, and in Hawaii no one may swim with or come within 50 yards of spinner dolphins. But marine parks still keep orcas and dolphins in captivity. We watch whales, dolphins and seals from a respectful distance, snorkel with turtles without touching, and never visit captive parks.

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

Sources for this check
Places we are exploring

Where in United States

Short notes from our research. Wildlife is never guaranteed.

Florida Keys (Key Largo)

Exploring

A protected marine sanctuary for reef scuba, with turtles and occasional sharks and rays.

🤿 In the water: Reef fish, Turtles, Sharks and rays (occasional)

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Bottlenose dolphins (year-round, from the boat), Nesting turtles on beaches (Mar-Oct)

When: Apr-Jun, Nov. April to early June, or November, avoiding the peak storm months of August to October.

La Jolla and the Channel Islands

Exploring

Cold kelp forests for snorkelling and scuba, with seals, sea lions and migrating gray whales to watch.

🤿 In the water: Kelp and reef fish

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Harbour seals, Sea lions, Gray whales (migration)

When: Year-round. Kelp is there all year. Seal pupping is seasonal.

Rules and fees: Seals and sea lions are watched from legal viewpoints only, at least 50 yards away. Point La Jolla and Boomer Beach are closed all year, and Children's Pool beach is closed from mid December to mid May.

Maui

Exploring

Reef fish and green turtles on snorkel and scuba, with humpback whales and spinner dolphins seen from the boat.

🤿 In the water: Green turtles, Reef fish

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Humpback whales (Nov-Apr), Spinner dolphins (from the boat, 50 yards), Spotted dolphins (from the boat), Bottlenose dolphins (from the boat), Monk seals (occasional)

When: Nov-Apr. Humpbacks visit November to April, peaking January to March. April to October suits reef trips.

Rules and fees: Humpback whales are protected by US law, so we stay at least 100 yards (about 91 m) away, in the water or on a boat. Hawaiian spinner dolphins need 50 yards (about 46 m), and swimming with them is not allowed.

Oʻahu

Exploring

Look-only reef and wreck diving with green turtles, plus humpback whales, spinner dolphins and monk seals from shore or boat.

🤿 In the water: Green turtles (look only), Reef life (look only), Wrecks

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Humpback whales (Dec-Apr), Spinner dolphins (resident, from the boat), Monk seals

When: Year-round. Turtles and reef year-round. Humpbacks December to April. South-shore water is best May to September.

Rules and fees: Humpback whales are protected by US law, so we stay at least 100 yards (about 91 m) away, in the water or on a boat. Hawaiian spinner dolphins need 50 yards (about 46 m), and swimming with them is not allowed.

San Diego and La Jolla

Exploring

A cool-water coast with kelp, freediving and summer gatherings of leopard sharks, plus seals and whales to watch.

🤿 In the water: Kelp and reef fish

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Harbour seals and California sea lions, Gray whales (winter), Bottlenose dolphins (near shore, year-round), Common dolphins (from the boat)

When: Aug-Sep. Leopard sharks gather in summer and autumn, most strongly Aug to Sep. Gray whales pass in winter.

Rules and fees: Seals and sea lions are watched from legal viewpoints only, at least 50 yards away. Point La Jolla and Boomer Beach are closed all year, and Children's Pool beach is closed from mid December to mid May.

Juneau and Southeast Alaska

Exploring

Inside Passage waters where humpback whales feed in summer, sometimes together in bubble nets, with orcas, sea lions and sea otters to watch.

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Humpback whales (summer, 100 yards or more), Orcas, Steller sea lions, Harbour seals, Sea otters, Bears and salmon on shore (summer)

When: May-Sep. Humpbacks feed here roughly May to September. Big cruise ship days make Juneau busy, so quieter bases and early starts help.

Glacier Bay

Exploring

A national park of tidewater glaciers where whales, sea otters and seals are watched from permitted boats.

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Humpback whales (a quarter nautical mile or more), Sea otters, Harbour seals, Steller sea lions, Orcas (occasional)

When: Jun-Aug. Summer is the season, when park boats run and humpbacks are feeding. Boat numbers are limited by the park.

Seward and Kenai Fjords

Exploring

Fjord boat days from Seward to watch orcas, humpbacks, sea otters, Steller sea lions and puffins near tidewater glaciers.

⛵ From the boat or shore, never in the water: Humpback whales, Orcas, Gray whales (spring migration), Steller sea lions, Sea otters, Harbour seals, Puffins

When: May-Sep. Gray whales pass in spring, around March to May. Most boat days run in summer, when humpbacks, orcas and puffins are around.

Animals

Animals recorded in United States

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 ConcernGreen turtle resting on the reef, shell and head pattern in sharp detailGreen turtleChelonia mydasSeen in 103 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernReef manta ray gliding over a sandy lagoonReef manta rayMobula alfrediSeen in 20 countries in the AtlasVulnerableHawksbill turtle swimming, pointed beak in profileHawksbill turtleEretmochelys imbricataSeen in 88 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredCommon bottlenose dolphin swimming over a seagrass bedCommon bottlenose dolphinTursiops truncatusSeen in 89 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernTwo blacktip reef sharks swimming over sunlit sand in turquoise waterBlacktip reef sharkCarcharhinus melanopterusSeen in 38 countries in the AtlasVulnerableSchool of bumphead parrotfish swimming over coralBumphead parrotfishBolbometopon muricatumSeen in 16 countries in the AtlasVulnerableWhitetip reef sharks resting stacked in a reef creviceWhitetip reef sharkTriaenodon obesusSeen in 43 countries in the AtlasVulnerableCalifornia sea lions diving together over a rocky reefCalifornia sea lionZalophus californianusSeen in 6 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernOrcas surfacing close together in calm Arctic Norwegian watersOrca (killer whale)Orcinus orcaSeen in 55 countries in the AtlasData DeficientTwo spinner dolphins swimming over sand in clear waterSpinner dolphinStenella longirostrisSeen in 66 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernBargibant's pygmy seahorse camouflaged among pink gorgonian polypsBargibant's pygmy seahorseHippocampus bargibantiSeen in 7 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 DeficientFin whale surfacing, showing its white right lower jawFin whaleBalaenoptera physalusSeen in 37 countries in the AtlasVulnerableGreat barracuda cruising in open blue water, showing jagged teethGreat barracudaSphyraena barracudaSeen in 84 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernSpotted harbor seal lifting its head out of calm waterHarbor sealPhoca vitulinaSeen in 13 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernBump-head sunfish swimming in blue water off Nusa PenidaOcean sunfish (mola)Mola molaSeen in 29 countries in the AtlasVulnerableSpotted garden eels rising from sand, black spots clearly visibleSpotted garden eelHeteroconger hassiSeen in 19 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernMinke whale surfacing and exhaling, seen from aboveCommon minke whale (North Atlantic)Balaenoptera acutorostrataSeen in 30 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernFlorida manatee swimming underwater at Crystal RiverFlorida manateeTrichechus manatus latirostrisSeen in 2 countries in the AtlasEndangeredHawaiian monk seal resting on a palm-fringed Hawaiian beachHawaiian monk sealNeomonachus schauinslandiSeen in 1 country in the AtlasVulnerableLeopard shark gliding through a beam of light in dark waterLeopard sharkTriakis semifasciataSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernYoung northern elephant seal resting on rocks at Piedras Blancas, CaliforniaNorthern elephant sealMirounga angustirostrisSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernSea otter floating on its back among kelp off Vancouver IslandSea otterEnhydra lutrisSeen in 4 countries in the AtlasEndangeredScalloped 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 EndangeredOceanic whitetip shark with pilot fish in sunlit Red Sea waterOceanic whitetip sharkCarcharhinus longimanusSeen in 43 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredShort-finned pilot whale surfacing off Tenerife with the island behindShort-finned pilot whaleGlobicephala macrorhynchusSeen in 43 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernLemon shark seen from above, gliding over a pale sandy seabedLemon sharkNegaprion brevirostrisSeen in 16 countries in the AtlasVulnerableTiger 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 AtlasVulnerableLeatherback hatchling crossing the sand toward the seaLeatherback turtleDermochelys coriaceaSeen in 76 countries in the AtlasVulnerableKemp's ridley turtle nesting female crawling on the beachKemp's ridley turtleLepidochelys kempiiSeen in 8 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredLoggerhead turtle at the surface feeding on Portuguese man o' warLoggerhead turtleCaretta carettaSeen in 89 countries in the AtlasVulnerableBlue whale blowing a tall spout off San DiegoBlue whaleBalaenoptera musculusSeen in 29 countries in the AtlasEndangeredWall 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 AtlasVulnerablePod of common dolphins surfacing in calm blue seaCommon dolphinDelphinus delphisSeen in 53 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernPantropical spotted dolphin gliding at the calm ocean surfacePantropical spotted dolphinStenella attenuataSeen in 56 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernBull 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 AtlasVulnerableGalápagos shark swimming low over a rocky seabedGalápagos sharkCarcharhinus galapagensisSeen in 15 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernNurse shark swimming over a reef at Fernando de Noronha, BrazilAtlantic nurse sharkGinglymostoma cirratumSeen in 38 countries in the AtlasVulnerableSandbar shark with its tall dorsal fin over a sandy seabed in HawaiʻiSandbar sharkCarcharhinus plumbeusSeen in 19 countries in the AtlasEndangeredWhitespotted eagle ray gliding over reef and sand in BelizeWhitespotted eagle rayAetobatus narinariSeen in 58 countries in the AtlasEndangeredSouthern stingray resting on white sand, St John, US Virgin IslandsSouthern stingrayHypanus americanusSeen in 33 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedBox jellyfish with square bell and long tentacles at nightBox jellyfishChironex fleckeri and other box jellyfish (Cubozoa)Seen in 6 countries in the AtlasNot EvaluatedPortuguese man o' war floating with purple crest off Pico, AzoresPortuguese man o' warPhysalia physalisSeen in 36 countries in the AtlasNot EvaluatedRed 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 speciesPicasso triggerfish with painted pattern over sand in the MaldivesPicasso triggerfish (lagoon triggerfish)Rhinecanthus aculeatusSeen in 41 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernDay octopus beside a coral head on a sandy Red Sea reefDay octopusOctopus cyaneaSeen in 35 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernSmooth hammerhead swimming in clear blue open water off SpainSmooth hammerheadSphyrna zygaenaSeen in 26 countries in the AtlasVulnerableGray whale spouting at the surface, mottled back and barnacles visibleGray whaleEschrichtius robustusSeen in 6 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernCaribbean reef shark swimming close over a reef in the BahamasCaribbean reef sharkCarcharhinus pereziSeen in 19 countries in the AtlasEndangeredAtlantic manta ray gliding over a school of small fish off Holbox, MexicoAtlantic manta rayMobula yaraeSeen in 5 countries in the AtlasNot EvaluatedBasking shark swimming underwater in green water off Argyll, ScotlandBasking sharkCetorhinus maximusSeen in 23 countries in the AtlasEndangeredGrey seal resting on a seaweed rock in Northumberland, UKGrey sealHalichoerus grypusSeen in 13 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernHarbour porpoise rolling at the surface off Berry Head, DevonHarbour porpoisePhocoena phocoenaSeen in 20 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernBowhead whale head with twin blowholes breaking the surfaceBowhead whaleBalaena mysticetusSeen in 8 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernSei whale's tall dorsal fin breaking a calm sea surfaceSei whaleBalaenoptera borealisSeen in 24 countries in the AtlasEndangeredNorth Atlantic right whale head with pale callosities at the surfaceNorth Atlantic right whaleEubalaena glacialisSeen in 4 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredFalse killer whale surging through blue water off Rota, Mariana IslandsFalse killer whalePseudorca crassidensSeen in 41 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedSteller sea lion in Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA, iNaturalist research-grade observationSteller sea lionEumetopias jubatusSeen in 4 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedPacific white-sided dolphins at the surfacePacific white-sided dolphinLagenorhynchus obliquidensSeen in 4 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernDiver beside an Atlantic goliath grouper at Dry Tortugas National ParkGoliath grouperEpinephelus itajaraSeen in 25 countries in the AtlasVulnerableDall's porpoise seen from above in dark blue water, with its white flank patch showingDall's porpoisePhocoenoides dalliSeen in 4 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernBat ray swimming past giant kelp at San Clemente Island, CaliforniaBat rayMyliobatis californicaSeen in 2 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernAdult giant sea bass among giant kelp, Los Angeles County, CaliforniaGiant sea bassStereolepis gigasSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredBroadnose sevengill shark close to the camera in a kelp forest, La Jolla Cove, CaliforniaBroadnose sevengill sharkNotorynchus cepedianusSeen in 8 countries in the AtlasVulnerableAdult garibaldi, bright orange, swimming over a rocky reef covered in algae, Catalina Island, CaliforniaGaribaldiHypsypops rubicundusSeen in 2 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernCalifornia sheephead with a dark head and tail and a pink band across the middle, swimming over sandCalifornia sheepheadSemicossyphus pulcherSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasVulnerableHuge spotted whale shark gliding through open blue waterWhale sharkRhincodon typusSeen in 54 countries in the AtlasEndangeredBryde’s whale surfacing and exhaling in deep blue open oceanBryde's whaleBalaenoptera edeniSeen in 36 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernAfrican penguin standing in the surf at the water’s edgeAfrican penguinSpheniscus demersusSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredPair of blue-footed boobies on lava rock, Isla Isabela, GalápagosBlue-footed boobySula nebouxiiSeen in 11 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernBronze whaler shark swimming in green-blue waterBronze whaler (copper shark)Carcharhinus brachyurusSeen in 11 countries in the AtlasVulnerableEstuary 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 AtlasEndangeredJuan Fernandez fur seal swimming just below the surfaceJuan Fernández fur sealArctocephalus philippiiSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernTwo long-finned pilot whales surfacing side by sideLong-finned pilot whaleGlobicephala melasSeen in 24 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernMale magnificent frigatebird perched on a mangrove branchMagnificent frigatebirdFregata magnificensSeen in 52 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernScarred Risso's dolphin spyhopping out of the waterRisso's dolphinGrampus griseusSeen in 56 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernSicklefin devil ray swimming in open blue waterSicklefin devil ray (Chilean devil ray)Mobula tarapacanaSeen in 9 countries in the AtlasEndangeredWhite-spotted eagle rays gliding over coral at Heron Island, Great Barrier ReefSpotted eagle ray (ocellated eagle ray)Aetobatus ocellatusSeen in 28 countries in the AtlasEndangeredStriped dolphin leaping, dark flank stripe clearly visibleStriped dolphinStenella coeruleoalbaSeen in 43 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernDwarf minke whaleBalaenoptera acutorostrata (dwarf form)Seen in 30 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernHeavily spotted adult Atlantic spotted dolphin with young, AzoresAtlantic spotted dolphinStenella frontalisSeen in 22 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernBluestreak 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 ConcernFraser's dolphin porpoising out of the waterFraser's dolphinLagenodelphis hoseiSeen in 18 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernWild beluga lifting its head from the brown water near Churchill, ManitobaBeluga whaleDelphinapterus leucasSeen in 10 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernMelon-headed whales leaping together through a splash of white waterMelon-headed whalePeponocephala electraSeen in 22 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernTwo rough-toothed dolphins leaping together, blotchy grey skin visibleRough-toothed dolphinSteno bredanensisSeen in 36 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernOlive 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 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 ConcernSpinetail devil ray gliding in blue water off Crete with small fishSpinetail devil rayMobula mobularSeen in 18 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredClown triggerfish with big white spots over reef in the Coral SeaClown triggerfishBalistoides conspicillumSeen in 29 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernNarwhal surfacing with its spiral tusk showing, Nunavut, CanadaNarwhalMonodon monocerosSeen in 5 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernLion's mane jellyfish with long hair-like tentacles, Highland, ScotlandLion's mane jellyfishCyanea capillataSeen in 13 countries in the AtlasNot EvaluatedMoon jellyfish in a harbour in Zeeland, NetherlandsMoon jellyfishAurelia aurita and other Aurelia speciesSeen in 33 countries in the AtlasNot EvaluatedCommon octopus crawling over a rocky seabed in FranceCommon octopusOctopus vulgarisSeen in 32 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernA male northern bottlenose whale lifting its head above the surface in the Gully, Nova Scotia, during a research expeditionNorthern bottlenose whaleHyperoodon ampullatusSeen in 15 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedShortfin 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 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 ConcernLongsnout seahorse holding a red sponge stalk with its tail against blue waterLongsnout seahorseHippocampus reidiSeen in 25 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedAngelshark with a flat, mottled brown body swimming just above a sandy seabed in dark waterAngelsharkSquatina squatinaSeen in 14 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 AtlasVulnerableAtlantic white-sided dolphin leaping clear of the sea, showing its pale flank stripeAtlantic white-sided dolphinLagenorhynchus acutusSeen in 12 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernWhite-beaked dolphin surfacing, head and beak at the water lineWhite-beaked dolphinLagenorhynchus albirostrisSeen in 14 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernNassau grouper with its mouth open, photographed at Los Indios in Jardines de la Reina, CubaNassau grouperEpinephelus striatusSeen in 20 countries in the AtlasCritically EndangeredSpotted seal with its dark-spotted coat, photographed by NOAA Fisheries staffSpotted sealPhoca larghaSeen in 5 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernAtlantic puffin spreading its wings on a cliff in IcelandAtlantic puffinFratercula arcticaSeen in 21 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 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 ConcernQueen conch with a reddish spiny shell resting on seagrass over sandy seabedQueen conchAliger gigasSeen in 32 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedLittle penguin standing on wet rocks, with blue-grey back and white frontLittle penguinEudyptula minorSeen in 3 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernTwo Humboldt penguins on a rocky ledge, one with its head tipped backHumboldt penguinSpheniscus humboldtiSeen in 6 countries in the AtlasVulnerableClymene dolphins leaping low over choppy open waterClymene dolphinStenella clymeneSeen in 5 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernAdult 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 ConcernScarlet ibis in flight against a pale blue sky, photographed in Georgetown, GuyanaScarlet ibisEudocimus ruberSeen in 22 countries in the AtlasLives on landLeast 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 ConcernThree 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 ConcernGiant Pacific octopus on the seabed at 65 m depth off Point Pinos, California, filmed by a research submersibleGiant Pacific octopusEnteroctopus dofleiniSeen in 5 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernWolf eel looking out from a rocky den, its textured face and eye visibleWolf eelAnarrhichthys ocellatusSeen in 2 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernA single silvery herring angled through deep blue water off Skjervoy, northern NorwayAtlantic herringClupea harengusSeen in 21 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernWhite-tailed eagle in flight low over calm water with a fish in its talons, near Raftsund, Lofoten, NorwayWhite-tailed eagleHaliaeetus albicillaSeen in 38 countries in the AtlasLives on landLeast ConcernTarpon swimming in open blue water with a dense school of small fish behind it, off St John in the US Virgin IslandsAtlantic tarponMegalops atlanticusSeen in 24 countries in the AtlasVulnerableBlacknose shark swimming in clear blue water, seen from the sideBlacknose sharkCarcharhinus acronotusSeen in 6 countries in the AtlasEndangeredAmerican crocodile resting on a sandy river bank at the water's edge in Costa RicaAmerican crocodileCrocodylus acutusSeen in 17 countries in the AtlasVulnerableGiant trevally swimming close to a coral head, with small reef fish in blue water behind itGiant trevallyCaranx ignobilisSeen in 33 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernTwo 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 ConcernCrowd of brown pelicans packed together on a coastal roost, one adult with a pale head and coloured bill facing the cameraBrown pelicanPelecanus occidentalisSeen in 48 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernCommon smooth-hound swimming just above a sandy seabed, with a slim grey-brown body and two dorsal finsCommon smooth-houndMustelus mustelusSeen in 35 countries in the AtlasEndangeredSmall 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 ConcernGuadalupe fur seal sitting upright on sunlit rocks at San Pedro Mártir, looking toward the cameraGuadalupe fur sealArctocephalus townsendiSeen in 2 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernTwo Gervais' beaked whales at the surface in the Gulf Stream off North CarolinaGervais' beaked whaleMesoplodon europaeusSeen in 9 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernAmerican flamingo wading in shallow water with its head lowered toward the surface, Yucatán, MexicoAmerican flamingoPhoenicopterus ruberSeen in 47 countries in the AtlasLives on landLeast ConcernNorthern fur seal with its mouth open, head and shoulders in profile against a brown backgroundNorthern fur sealCallorhinus ursinusSeen in 4 countries in the AtlasVulnerableRinged seal lying on snow and ice, dark with pale ring markings on its backRinged sealPusa hispidaSeen in 13 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernYoung hooded seal with a spotted coat lying on drifting sea iceHooded sealCystophora cristataSeen in 8 countries in the AtlasEndangeredHarp seal raising its head and chest out of green water with spray around itHarp sealPagophilus groenlandicusSeen in 10 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedPolar bear looking up at the camera on sea ice, close view of the face and earsPolar bearUrsus maritimusSeen in 5 countries in the AtlasLives on landVulnerableLarge bearded seal resting on snow and ice with its head raisedBearded sealErignathus barbatusSeen in 7 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedCaribbean spiny lobster at the edge of a reef overhang with long antennae trailing across sandCaribbean spiny lobsterPanulirus argusSeen in 30 countries in the AtlasData DeficientGreat 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 ConcernClose view of a northern gannet face, with pale blue eyes and a golden headNorthern gannetMorus bassanusSeen in 38 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernScopoli's shearwater skimming just above calm blue waterScopoli's shearwaterCalonectris diomedeaSeen in 37 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernLeach's storm-petrel in flight over water, wings spread, with a pale patch at the base of the tailLeach's storm-petrelHydrobates leucorhousSeen in 35 countries in the AtlasVulnerableManx 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 ConcernNeotropic cormorant perched among willow branches beside the waterNeotropic cormorantNannopterum brasilianumSeen in 29 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 EndangeredAnhinga holding a fish in its long, pointed billAnhinga (American darter)Anhinga anhingaSeen in 24 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernShort-tailed shearwater resting on the open seaShort-tailed shearwaterArdenna tenuirostrisSeen in 24 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernNorthern fulmar sitting on a cliff ledge, facing the cameraNorthern fulmarFulmarus glacialisSeen in 19 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernBluntnose sixgill shark swimming over the seabed at depth in the Gulf of MexicoBluntnose sixgill sharkHexanchus griseusSeen in 18 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedCommon 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 ConcernAtlantic torpedo (electric ray)Tetronarce nobilianaSeen in 15 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernClose view of a double-crested cormorant with an orange-yellow throat patch and a turquoise eyeDouble-crested cormorantPhalacrocorax auritusSeen 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 AtlasVulnerableSpiny butterfly ray resting on a sandy seabed among seagrassSpiny butterfly rayGymnura altavelaSeen in 14 countries in the AtlasEndangeredSpinner shark swimming just under the surface of calm water, seen from aboveSpinner sharkCarcharhinus brevipinnaSeen in 14 countries in the AtlasVulnerableSmooth butterfly rayGymnura micruraSeen in 13 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedBigeye thresherAlopias superciliosusSeen in 13 countries in the AtlasVulnerableStarry ray resting on a sandy seabed, with a spotted back and thorns along the tailStarry ray (thorny skate)Amblyraja radiataSeen in 12 countries in the AtlasVulnerableClose view of an adult Nazca booby with a pale orange bill and dark face mask, perched on a rock on EspañolaNazca boobySula grantiSeen in 12 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernTwo dark dorsal fins of porbeagle sharks cutting the sea surfacePorbeagleLamna nasusSeen in 11 countries in the AtlasVulnerableDusky shark swimming just under the surface of blue waterDusky sharkCarcharhinus obscurusSeen in 11 countries in the AtlasEndangeredYellow stingray resting on a dark reef floor, its round disc covered in pale spotsYellow stingrayUrobatis jamaicensisSeen in 10 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernRoughtail stingray resting half-buried in wet sand at the water's edgeRoughtail stingrayBathytoshia centrouraSeen in 10 countries in the AtlasVulnerableFinetooth sharkCarcharhinus isodonSeen in 9 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedPelagic cormorant standing on a rock with wings held open to dryPelagic cormorantUrile pelagicusSeen in 8 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernSowerby's beaked whale surfacing, with its long beak and grey back above the waterSowerby's beaked whaleMesoplodon bidensSeen in 8 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernPortuguese dogfishCentroscymnus coelolepisSeen in 8 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedBlack dogfishCentroscyllium fabriciiSeen in 7 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernNorth Pacific right whale rolling at the surface in the Bering Sea, rough head callosities visibleNorth Pacific right whaleEubalaena japonicaSeen in 6 countries in the AtlasEndangeredPod of Baird's beaked whales at the surface of grey water, with scarred backs and rounded foreheads visibleBaird's beaked whaleBerardius bairdiiSeen in 4 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernMale ribbon seal resting on pack ice, showing white bands on a dark coatRibbon sealHistriophoca fasciataSeen in 2 countries in the AtlasLeast ConcernStejneger's beaked whaleMesoplodon stejnegeriSeen in 2 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedHubbs' beaked whaleMesoplodon carlhubbsiSeen in 2 countries in the AtlasData DeficientCoastal bottlenose dolphin leaping out of the waterTamanend's bottlenose dolphinTursiops erebennusSeen in 1 country in the AtlasNot EvaluatedTwo dark northern right whale dolphins leaping togetherNorthern right whale dolphinLissodelphis borealisSeen in 1 country in the AtlasLeast ConcernRice's whale surfacing, showing a broad dark grey back and sprayRice's whaleBalaenoptera riceiSeen in 1 country in the AtlasCritically EndangeredTwo True's beaked whales swimming underwater off Pico in the AzoresTrue's beaked whaleMesoplodon mirusSeen in 1 country in the AtlasLeast Concern

Read before you go

Responsible travel and conservationSwimming with Dolphins in Hawaiʻi: Wild vs Hotel RulesRead ↗Whales and wildlife ethicsHawaiʻi’s 100-Yard Whale Rule Includes SwimmersRead ↗Whales and wildlife ethicsWhere to See Tiger Sharks in the World, HonestlyRead ↗Responsible travel and conservationGuaranteed Whale Swim Ads: How to Read the Small PrintRead ↗Responsible travel and conservationHow “Ethical” Dolphin Tours Turn Into ChasesRead ↗Whales and wildlife ethicsLovina Dolphins: What to Know Before a Sunrise Boat TripRead ↗Whales and wildlife ethicsWhale approach rules in Hawaii and the United StatesRead ↗Responsible travel and conservationUS Ocean Protection Changes: What They Mean for Whales and TurtlesRead ↗
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