6Ningaloo Reef, Australia

Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia is world-famous for sightings of whale sharks and manta rays. But this small beautiful reef is fast becoming one of the best places in the world to encounter dolphins.

Common and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins cruise past Rockingham’s bays and Islands while large pods of common dolphins can be found in the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park. With an idyllic location, awesome marine life, and great weather, it is a little slice of paradise that is well worth visiting. When to Go: Year round Type of Dolphins: Common, bottlenose, and Indo-Pacific dolphins