Dolphins?

[Ariel 2021]

Booked my first cruise (San Diego to Mexico on the Wonder) for spring break 2021 and am wondering if we should expect to see dolphins around the ship. I have seen them surrounding much much smaller ferries from LA to Catalina Island. Do dolphins usually ride alongside cruise ships the same way they do with smaller boats? My kids would love this but I don’t want to mention the possibility unless I know for certain. Thanks!

 

[Marc D]

We saw plenty of them on a non-DCL cruise on the same route. It was not at all times but we had a group follow us for at least 2-3 hours. It was very impressive as they were at least 100 of them.

 

[Rob1872]

My kids would love this but I don’t want to mention the possibility unless I know for certain. Thanks!

Then don't mention the possibility. I've had dolphins playing in my bow wake when pulling in and out of the Point Loma (San Diego) submarine base, but you can't ever say for CERTAIN that you will see dolphins.

 

[Geomom]

You could tell your kids to be on the lookout for some marine mammals while you're cruising.

 

[gilsan]

I have been on 8 cruises and have seen whales or dolphins on 2 of the cruises, usually by chance.

 

[MomOTwins]

On our Fantasy cruise out of port canaveral there was a group of dolphins following us as we left the port. Different waters than your west coast cruise, but in terms of dolphin behavior, it appears they do like to follow larger cruise ships in addition to small ferries.

 

[ArielRae]

I have been on 6 cruises and this last cruise was the first time I saw dolphins swim along side the ship. These were tiny juveniles. Took this photo from the promenade lounge porthole window while we were doing a drawing class.