Bottlenose dolphins are indigenous to the Laguna Madre – the body of water located between mainland Texas and South Padre Island. They are friendly, often riding the waves created by Breakaway Cruises dolphin watch and eco-tour boats. Here are some interesting facts about our friends of the Laguna Madre:

  1. The dolphins species that calls the Laguna Madre ‘home’ are known as bottlenose dolphins.
  2. Bottlenose dolphins can stay submerged up to 20 minutes.
  3. They love sandy water because it helps conceal them while hunting prey
  4. They have up to 100 teeth, but typically swallow fish whole.
  5. As they age their teeth wear out and they are unable to eat.
  6. They are very vocal! Dolphins make a lot of clicking sounds which works like sonar – bouncing off items and relaying information back, which helps them identify what is fish, metal, wood, etc.
  7. The bay dolphins grow 6 to 8 feet, as opposed to offshore dolphins which can reach 8 to 10 feet in length.
  8. Bottlenose dolphins are ‘live born’ after an 18 months gestation period.
  9. They stay with the mother for approximately 4 years.
  10. Bottlenose dolphins have a lifespan of up to 45 years.