If you’re looking to spot bottlenose dolphins this summer, your chances are high in Hampton Roads and the Outer Banks, with six of the top 20 U.S. cities for dolphin sightings located in these areas. Buxton, North Carolina, tops the list, followed by Virginia Beach, Nags Head, and Chincoteague, all in Virginia. Norfolk and Wanchese also feature in the rankings.
The analysis, based on data from OBIS-SEAMAP, a marine wildlife database, shows that all but five of the top sightings cities are on the East Coast. While Buxton recorded the highest number of dolphins (20,128), Virginia Beach is noted for its accessibility to the Chesapeake Bay and warm summer waters, making it an ideal spot for dolphin-watching cruises.
The full rankings include:
1. Buxton, NC: 20,128 dolphins
2. Isle of Palms, SC: 16,588 dolphins
3. Virginia Beach, VA: 15,429 dolphins
4. Folly Beach, SC: 14,443 dolphins
5. Nags Head, NC: 13,292 dolphins
6. Chincoteague, VA: 8,972 dolphins
7. Norfolk, VA: 6,066 dolphins
This summer, plan your trip to these hotspots for a good chance of seeing dolphins!
Source link
