The Maldives' most commonly seen dolphin, famed for hurling itself from the water and rotating up to seven times in mid-air. By day, large pods rest and socialise inside atoll lagoons; by night they head offshore to hunt in deep water. Bow-riding spinners are a signature Maldivian moment.
- Size
- ~2 m, ~60–75 kg
- Weight
- ~23–79 kg.
- Diet
- Small mesopelagic fish, squid and shrimp, hunted at depth at night.
- Lifespan
- ~20–25 years.
- Depth
- Rests in shallow lagoons; dives ~200–300 m to feed.
- Reproduction
- ~10-month gestation; calving interval ~3 years; nurses 1–2 years.
- Snorkel or dive
- Boat-based watching
- Best season
- Year-round; afternoon trips best
- Conservation
- Least Concern
How to recognise it
Slim body, long thin beak, tall triangular dorsal fin; tri-tone grey colouring.
Behaviour in the wild
Famous for spinning leaps; rests in lagoons by day, feeds offshore at night; large pods.
Where to see it in the Maldives
Channels of South Ari, Baa and Vaavu; pods of 40–100+, best on late-afternoon cruises.
Visual field notes
See spinner dolphin from more than one angle.
3 human-reviewed photographs chosen for identity, habitat and behaviour.
01 · Field portrait · Species reference
PhotoGiles LaurentCC BY-SA 4.0web-adapted
02 · Behaviour & scale · Maldives photograph
PhotoAlexia Pihier for MDC SeaMarc MaldivesCC BY-SA 4.0web-adapted
03 · Habitat · Maldives photograph
Photo(c) John Hepburn, some rights reserved (CC BY)CC BY 4.0web-adapted
Conservation context
Tuna-fishery bycatch (historically severe), boat disturbance to resting pods, noise.
IUCN · Least Concern
Watch responsibly
Don't chase, encircle or swim into resting daytime pods — day is their rest period; let boats pass slowly.
Field notes
Can complete up to ~7 spins in a single leap — the most acrobatic of all dolphins.
The purpose of the aerial spin is still debated — likely acoustic signalling or dislodging parasites.
Collective noun · a pod of dolphins
Profile references
References are shown transparently; profile copy may also include editorial synthesis. Seasons and sightings vary with wild conditions.
