Cetacean
Spinner dolphin
Stenella longirostris
A small dolphin known for aerial spinning and large social groups. In Sataya, visitor encounters commonly occur while snorkelling near a resting lagoon, so disturbance controls matter.
- Max size
- Up to about 2.4m
- Habitat
- Tropical offshore water and sheltered daytime resting lagoons
Best places to dive with Spinner dolphin
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Possible around Sataya, usually as a surface snorkelling encounter rather than on scuba.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Spinner dolphins rest in Hawaiian bays by day. Federal approach restrictions apply and they are not promoted here as a dive encounter.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Spinner dolphins are protected by federal approach restrictions and are not a scuba target.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Federal rules prohibit approaching or remaining within 50 yards of Hawaiian spinner dolphins in designated waters. They are not a scuba target.
Sources & last checked
Checked September 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 1 source and checking notes
- Hamata dive sites, CDWS