From Bihar To Goa, 8 Best Places In India To Spot Dolphins In Rivers, Lakes & Seas

Who doesn’t love dolphins? They’re playful, intelligent, and always bring a sense of joy the moment you spot them. While most people imagine dolphins leaping in the oceans, India is one of those rare countries where you can see both freshwater and marine species. What makes these sightings even more special is that many of these dolphins are endangered, so watching them in their natural homes feels like witnessing a secret treasure of nature.

Best Places In India To Spot Dolphins

1. Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, Bihar

If you’ve ever wanted to see India’s very own freshwater dolphin, the Gangetic dolphin, then this sanctuary in Bihar is the best place. Stretching 60 km along the Ganga River, this sanctuary was created in 1991 to protect these rare creatures. Locally, they are called Soons and are truly fascinating because they are blind. Yes, you read that right; these dolphins can’t see and instead use sound waves, or echolocation, to find their way and catch prey. When you take a boat ride here, spotting a dolphin suddenly jumping out of the water is magical. What makes the trip even more exciting is that you might also see gharials basking on the banks, playful otters, freshwater turtles, and lots of birds flying over the river.

2. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Assam

Tucked away in the northeastern state of Assam, Dibru-Saikhowa is a paradise for wildlife lovers. Imagine riding a small boat through calm waters surrounded by swamp forests and grasslands, and suddenly, a Gangetic dolphin surfaces nearby. That’s exactly what you can experience here. This national park is also known for something unusual: feral horses that are believed to be descendants of horses left behind during World War II. Dolphin sighting here feels especially unique, like a private moment between you and nature.

3. National Chambal Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan

The Chambal River is one of India’s purest and most pristine rivers. This sanctuary, which spans three states, provides a safe haven for the Ganges river dolphin and the critically endangered gharial, a long-snouted crocodile that eats fish. The boat safaris are what make dolphin spotting here so thrilling. Dolphins frequently surface to breathe as you glide down the river, and gharials peacefully snooze on the banks. For those who enjoy wildlife but are looking for more than a fleeting sighting, it’s the ideal combination of adventure and tranquillity.

4. Chilika Lake, Odisha

Chilika Lake is one of the most magical places in India. This 1,100-square-kilometre brackish water lagoon is the largest in Asia and the only location in India where you can see the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. These dolphins are unique; they like swimming in schools, have round heads, and smile warmly. Sometimes, bottlenose dolphins may even sneak in from the Bay of Bengal! There’s more to this experience than dolphins. Imagine travelling across this enormous blue-green lake in a boat as fishermen cast their nets in the distance and hundreds of migratory birds soar overhead. The Irrawaddy dolphins offer the perfect finishing touch as they play close to your boat. This lake actually feels like a natural theatre.

Also Read: From Royal Bengal Tiger To Saltwater Crocodile: 10 Animals To Spot At Sundarbans National Park

5. North Button Island National Park, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The Andaman Islands are the best place to go if you want to see dolphins in a tropical paradise. Despite its small size, North Button Island National Park is surrounded by pristine waters that are extremely rich in marine life. Here, dolphins swim alongside dugongs (sea cows), blue whales, and vibrant coral reefs. While it is possible to see dolphins from a boat, you can also dive or snorkel to see them gliding gracefully underwater. With the turquoise seas, colourful fish, and forests everywhere, it feels like you’ve entered a nature documentary. 

6. Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

The Sundarbans are world-famous for their Bengal tigers, but the rivers and creeks here are just as exciting. The waters are home to both Irrawaddy dolphins and Gangetic dolphins, along with spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Some even say you can spot whales here! A boat ride through the maze of mangroves is an experience in itself. The trees rise dramatically from the water, and the silence is broken only by bird calls and the splash of your oar. Suddenly, a dolphin breaks the surface, and you realise how alive these waters are. The Sundarbans give you the rare chance to see multiple species of dolphins in one place, all while being surrounded by one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth.

7. Dapoli, Maharashtra

On the Konkan coast, Dapoli is a hidden gem for dolphin spotting. At Murud Beach, local fishermen take you out in their boats early in the morning, when the sea is calm and quiet. The rule here is simple—stay silent, keep your eyes open, and wait. You will eventually see sleek fins moving through the water, sometimes in clusters of two or more. It is a serene and exhilarating experience. Just as you’re enjoying the refreshing breeze in the Arabian Sea, a dolphin unexpectedly jumps out of the water. The boatmen here are so experienced that they won’t return until you’ve seen at least one dolphin.

8. Goa

One of the greatest spots in India to see dolphins, Goa is more than just beaches and nightlife. Here, you can spot two kinds: the friendly Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and the shy finless porpoises. The fun part is that dolphin tours are easily available everywhere, from Palolem in the south to Coco and Sinquerim in the north. You can even combine your dolphin spotting trip with snorkelling or scuba diving at Grand Island. Imagine sitting on a boat, sipping a cool beverage, and watching a school of dolphins swim and jump right next to you. It’s playful, lively, and perfectly Goa.

Every dolphin-spotting experience in India is unique, from the blind Gangetic dolphins in Bihar to the Irrawaddy dolphins of Odisha’s Chilika Lake. They all serve as a reminder of how enchanted and full of surprises nature can be.

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Mike Prince