Spot a Snubfin Dolphin in Broome!
December, 2022
SPOT A SNUBFIN DOLPHIN IN BROOME!
A Glimpse into the world of ‘Snubbies’
Not to be missed! A recently discovered species of dolphin found in Broome!
Roebuck Bay, Broome, Western Australia, is the home to the cutest dolphin on the planet – the Australian Snubfin Dolphin. Well, we at Broome Whale Watching think so. Even their nickname “Snubbies” is endearing. And there are plenty of them around.
If you have never seen a snubfin dolphin, you absolutely need to add a Broome Whale Watching dolphin cruise to your Broome bucket list.
Witnessing snubfin dolphins socializing, blowing raspberries, and frolicking with their friends is a truly unique experience. You might also encounter:
- Bottlenose Dolphins: These playful creatures are frequently spotted in the bay.
- Australian Humpback Dolphins: Occasionally sighted, these dolphins add to the diversity of marine life.
- Dugongs: These gentle giants graze on seagrass meadows within the bay.
- Five Species of Sea Turtles: Including the majestic green sea turtle and the critically endangered hawksbill turtle.
- Thousands of Migratory Shorebirds: Roebuck Bay is a vital stopover point for these incredible creatures.
This rare and wonderful snubfin dolphin experience is not something you’ll find on every travel itinerary. It’s a truly unique opportunity for travelers.
These “snubbies” even caught the attention of Sir David Attenborough! He and his crew visited Broome back in 2017 and spent a month capturing footage of these captivating dolphins, famously documenting their unique “spit fishing” technique for the first time. It’s a truly remarkable sight to witness!
Snubfin dolphins are endemic to Australia’s northern coastline. Roebuck Bay boasts the largest permanent population of these dolphins in Australia, with over 130 individuals residing within its waters.
But why are they here in Roebuck Bay?
Roebuck Bay is a veritable feeding ground for these dolphins. The bay is teeming with fish, providing a plentiful food source for the snubfin dolphin population. Furthermore, Roebuck Bay is easily accessible, making it an ideal habitat for these social creatures. This abundance of food in such an accessible location makes Roebuck Bay a hotspot not just for dolphins but also for local fishermen.
A Broome local once quipped, “The weird and rounded face of a snubfin dolphin is one that only a mother can love.” While perhaps a bit of a local joke, these unique dolphins have captured the hearts of many visitors over the years.