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Komodo's waters are home to 10 or more species of dolphins, and sightings from dive boats during transits to and from dive sites are relatively common, particularly in the early morning.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Best time of day | Early morning (06:00–08:00) during boat transit to dive sites |
| Common locations | Open water between Labuan Bajo and northern dive sites, channels between islands |
| Pod sizes | 10 to 100+ individuals (spinner dolphins often in large, active pods) |
| Behaviour | Bow-riding (swimming in the boat's pressure wave), spinning, breaching |
While dolphin sightings from the boat are common, in-water encounters are rare and not typically arranged. Wild dolphins in Komodo are fast-moving and generally do not linger near swimmers. Dive operators may slow the boat to allow observation and photography, but deliberate swim-with-dolphin activities are not part of standard dive trip offerings.
This is actually a positive — unregulated swim-with-dolphin operations can be disruptive to wild populations. Observing dolphins from the boat as they naturally interact with the vessel is the most responsible way to enjoy these encounters.