The Hourglass Dolphin is a small, boldly patterned dolphin of Antarctic and subantarctic waters, with a striking black and white hourglass design on its flanks. It is the only small cetacean regularly encountered in Antarctic waters and is almost never seen at North American latitudes, making any sighting of one extraordinary. It is frequently seen bow-riding Antarctic research vessels.
Not certain it is a Hourglass Dolphin? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Hourglass Dolphin sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Hourglass Dolphin? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Hourglass Dolphin is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love mammals? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.