Over 1,000 Rare Risso’s Dolphins Spotted Off Mexico’s Coast

Wildlife lovers in Mexico were treated to an unforgettable sight when an enormous pod of Risso’s dolphins appeared near Cabo San Lucas.

According to Discover Wildlife, more than one thousand of these elusive cetaceans were seen swimming in perfect harmony—an extraordinary event for a species that usually dives deep and stays far from shore.

The sighting began when a whale-watching group noticed a small pod of shy dolphins surfacing at a distance. After using a drone to get a closer look, they realized they had stumbled upon Risso’s dolphins—ghost-like marine animals with scarred grey bodies, marks left behind from playful sparring and fierce battles with squid, their favorite prey.

What made the day even more special was the scale of the gathering. As the group observed, spouts and dorsal fins began appearing across the horizon until the ocean seemed alive with movement.

Experts estimate over one thousand Risso’s dolphins were in the water, socializing and diving in unison. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Although Risso’s dolphins are currently listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, they still face mounting threats from bycatch, vessel disturbance, and plastic pollution.

Their vast pod off Mexico’s coast is both a symbol of resilience and a reminder of the fragile balance within the ocean.

Witnessing such a massive gathering highlights the importance of protecting marine life and their ecosystems.

Choosing sustainable seafood alternatives, reducing plastic waste, and supporting marine conservation efforts can all help safeguard dolphins and countless other ocean species. For the dolphins, the ocean is home—not entertainment—and it’s up to us to keep it safe.

This article by Nicholas Vincent was first published by One Green Planet on 2 September 2025. Lead Image Credit: Andrea Izzotti/Shutterstock.