Spinner Dolphin

About Spinner Dolphin

Spinner dolphins are famous for their acrobatic leaps, spinning multiple times around their body axis before splashing back into the water. They live in large pods of up to 200 individuals and rest during the day in sheltered lagoons and bays. In the Red Sea, they are found year-round, particularly at Sataya Reef and Samadai (Dolphin House) near Marsa Alam. These highly social cetaceans are among the most commonly encountered marine mammals in Egyptian waters, delighting snorkellers and divers alike with their playful behaviour and graceful underwater acrobatics.

Quick Facts

• Habitat: Tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide, preferring sheltered bays, lagoons and reef systems for daytime resting
• Diet: Small mesopelagic fish, squid, and shrimp – hunted at night in deep water (200–300m)
• Best season: Year-round in the Red Sea, mornings offer the best encounters

Fun Facts

A single spin can involve up to 7 full rotations in mid-air,Scientists believe spinning helps dislodge parasites,They hunt at night in deep water and return to shallow lagoons to rest during the day,Spinner dolphins can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes

Diving Tips

Spinner dolphins are best observed while snorkelling or freediving, as scuba bubbles can disturb them.