Dolphins
Dolphins and Whales in Port Phillip Bay
Port Phillip is the home to three species of resident dolphins, short-beaked common dolphins, common bottlenose dolphins and our own unique species called the Burrunan dolphin (very similar to a bottlenose dolphin).
Common dolphins can regularly be found along a stretch of the south-eastern coast. Bottlenose dolphins are often found in the southern end of Port Phillip during the warmer months. A number of tour boats take advantage of their presence in this area of the bay and are licensed to take passengers out to swim with the dolphins between October and April.
The common bottlenose and Burrunan dolphins are often reported swimming in the northern section of the bay during the cooler months, and can occasionally be seen chasing fish in the Maribyrnong and Yarra rivers,or swimming off shore from Port Melbourne to St Kilda.
Apart from our resident dolphins, other species of cetacean can occasionally visit Port Phillip.
Humpback whales have been known to drop into our bay during their northern or southern migration, usually between June and October. Southern right whales also visit during this time. Killer whales are known to come into our bay from time to time; people that are lucky enough to see them are extremely privileged.
More information about the dolphins and whales in Port Phillip can be found on www.dolphinresearch.org.au
