The Spinner Dolphin is named for its spectacular aerial spinning leaps, rotating up to seven times per axis during a single jump—a behavior thought to aid in communication and removing parasites. It rests in shallow coastal bays during the day and moves offshore at night to hunt. Large herds of spinner dolphins in the eastern tropical Pacific were tragically caught incidentally in tuna purse-seine nets for decades.
Best time to see a Spinner Dolphin
The best time to see a Spinner Dolphin is January–July, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 977 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Spinner Dolphin? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Spinner Dolphin sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Spinner 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 Spinner 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.