Best place to watch dolphins

(Best: May-Sep for calmer seas) The Azores has some of the most abundant dolphin sightings, with seven species commonly seen alongside sperm whales and orcas. This is one of the best places to swim with dolphins, with expert guides and boat drivers who can monitor the behaviour of each species. Week-long trips offer the chance to build your confidence in the open water and use a snorkel around the curious cetaceans.

These classic, tropical islands are an idyllic backdrop for dolphin tours. The islands are well set up for seeing these frolicking creatures, and operators offer both boat tours and swimming with dolphins – which makes you wonder why there is also a need to have captive dolphins putting on daily shows in an “aquatic theatre” in Oahu. Leave the circus behind, and see these magnificent mammals in their natural habitat.

(Best: Mar-Jun) The second smallest Canary Island is a great base for nature loving dolphin-watchers. As well as several dolphin species, including bottlenose, striped and rough-toothed, there are pilot, fin and sperm whales to look out for on the ocean, while on land the Garajonay National Park (a UNESCO site) protects unique flora and luscious landscapes. Scuba diving, biking and yoga are just some of the available activities.

Namibia is one of Africa’s great wildlife safari destinations, but not all of its animal attractions are to be found on land. Walvis “Whale” Bay is popular for marine tourism, and among the residents are colonies of bottlenose and Heaviside’s dolphins – dusky dolphins are also sometimes seen off the Namibian coast but further out, along with many other cetacean species.

The Inner and Outer Hebrides provide habitat for an extraordinary range of marine wildlife, from huge colonies of seabirds to seals, otters and whales. But for many visitors here one of the most hoped-for sightings is a pod of playful dolphins, and they are frequently observed during boat trips particularly around the Isle of Mull in the Inner Hebrides. Some sea safaris are accompanied by marine biologists, and your trip helps with their vital conservation projects.

(Best: Oct-Apr) Marine biologists and environmental scientists lead tours to swim with bottlenose dolphins in sandy Koombana Bay, to discover them in their natural environment. An interpretative centre offers more information so you can learn about your swimming companions. Fishing, walking through the mangroves or scuba diving in the Indian Ocean are also available here.