Hey travelers, today we talk about a curious and fascinating topic: dolphins in Venice Italy. In this guide – by Venice Insider Guide – you will find out: where and when you can see them, what to know about their presence in the lagoon and what to do if you see one.
Yes, you read that right. You might think it’s strange to imagine these beautiful creatures swimming in the city of gondolas, but they have become unexpected stars in the last few years.
Get ready, because you’re about to find out everything in this guide by Venice Insider Guide.
Are there dolphins in Venice Italy? Yes
The short answer is: yes, dolphins are in Venice sometimes. They are not permanent residents, they don’t live in the lagoon like in other Italian coastal areas, but sometimes they enter the canals and the St. Mark’s Basin on their own.
In the last few years, with the clearer water and reduced traffic, there have been several sightings that have amazed tourists and Venetians. It’s not a daily occurrence, but when it happens it’s magic: imagine a dolphin swimming between the gondolas in front of the Doge’s Palace.
So, are there dolphins in Venice Italy? Yes, it’s true: dolphins visit the Venice area and the lagoon, but it’s not a frequent and ordinary sight.
The species involved is mainly the Tursiops truncatus (common / bottlenose dolphin) that populates the northern Adriatic.
Recently, a single individual – nicknamed Mimmo – was spotted in the lagoon near the St. Mark’s Basin, increasing the interest (and caution) towards these encounters.So the answer is “yes”, but we need to understand the conditions, exceptions and implications.
Where are the dolphins in Venice?
Dolphins in Venice don’t follow a fixed path. They are free animals and choose where to go on their own. But there are areas of the city where they might appear more easily.
Dolphins in the Venice lagoon
In the Venice lagoon dolphins can enter through the ports: Lido, Malamocco and Chioggia. From there they can move towards the inner areas, especially when they follow a school of fish or when the water is particularly calm and clean.
The most frequent sightings are in the St. Mark’s Basin, where the water moves between the sea and the lagoon, creating currents suitable for their navigation.
In previous sightings (e.g. COVID-19 lockdown, March 2021) two dolphins were spotted in Venice up to the Grand Canal.
When do you see dolphins in Venice?
There is no guaranteed season, but some conditions favor sightings:
calm water, favorable tides, less boat traffic and plenty of fish.
In the last few years, dolphin sightings in Venice have been more frequent in spring and early summer.
Multiple dolphin sightings in Venice
There is no fixed schedule, but sightings seem to be more likely when the nautical traffic is low or when there is plenty of fish in the lagoon.
For example, during the 2021 lockdown – with fewer boats – two dolphins swam up to the Grand Canal.In 2025, the Venice dolphin named Mimmo entered the lagoon in June 2025 and was frequently spotted in the St. Mark’s Basin from October-November.
Among the most iconic moments:
– the couple of dolphins that swam up the Grand Canal in 2021, filmed by many viral videos.
– several passages in the area between St. Mark’s and Lido, monitored by the Coast Guard and marine biologists.
Dolphins in Venice 2025
The forecasts and studies for 2025 indicate that the water quality and reduction of some types of traffic could lead to new sightings.
Experts say it’s impossible to predict their presence, but the phenomenon might continue.
For many tourists, seeing a dolphin in Venice has become a personal dream.
Mimmo Dolphin in Venice
Among the dolphins that have become “famous stars” on social media, stands out Mimmo, a dolphin in Venice spotted several times in the St. Mark’s Basin and Lido area, nicknamed by the Venetians for his friendly and habit of surfacing near the boats.
His appearances have raised awareness about the need to protect marine life and keep the lagoon environment cleaner.
Dolphins in Venice Grand Canal
One of the most exciting events in recent years has been the dolphins in the Grand Canal, a place usually crowded with gondolas, vaporetti and water taxis.
Seeing them swim between historic buildings, Gothic palaces and iconic bridges creates a unique contrast.
It’s a rare and precious phenomenon: when it happens, the city stops, suspended between wonder and amazement.
How to see dolphins in Venice
There are no organized tours to see dolphins in Venice, because they are not stationary animals. However, you can increase your chances by being in the right places at the right time.
Prefer the early morning, when the traffic in the lagoon is less. Move to the banks of the St. Mark’s Basin, observe the Grand Canal in the open stretches, or reach the areas near the ports.
Here are some practical tips:
- Plan a visit to the Venice lagoon: choose an area with less traffic and maybe take a motorboat or a tour that goes towards the entrance of the lagoon, not just the central canals.
- Check the recent sightings: areas like St. Mark’s Basin, Giudecca, Punta della Dogana have been indicated as Mimmo’s spots.
- Be early in the morning: calmer water + less traffic = better conditions.
- Respect the rules: don’t chase the dolphin, don’t throw objects, keep at least 50 meters away if you’re on a boat (or stay on the shore). The authorities require it.
- Bring binoculars or camera, and watch out for the sun reflection on the water.
- Don’t go with a “to-do list” but with curiosity and respect.
How to get to the dolphins in Venice
If you hear about a sighting in progress, the best way to get there is by vaporetto or on foot, without disturbing the animals.
Never approach with private motorboats unless you’re an expert and don’t break the safety rules. Dolphins are protected and their well-being comes before any photo.
Why see dolphins in Venice
Seeing a dolphin in Venice means living a unique moment. Besides the intrinsic charm of spotting a wild animal in such an urban and rare context, it also reminds us of the ecological value of this phenomenon. Their presence means the marine environment and the lagoon water quality is improving.
It’s a powerful natural message that makes Venice even more amazing.
Why see dolphins in Venice:
- It’s an unusual experience: not many places can boast of dolphins in urban-lagoon contexts.
- It connects you with the nature behind the beauty of Venice: the lagoon is not just bridges and gondolas but a living ecosystem, and seeing a dolphin reminds you how amazing the world can be.
- It can raise awareness: as in Mimmo’s case, you become a witness of fauna, traffic, noise, human vs animal habitat.
- It’s a “travel story”: being able to say “I saw (or tried to see) a dolphin in Venice” makes the trip unique.
But: remember that the goal is not just “seen and done”, but to see with respect.
FAQ
Are there always dolphins in Venice?
No, it’s an occasional sighting.
Is it safe for the dolphins to swim in the lagoon?
It depends on the conditions: the Coast Guard always monitors the situation when they appear.
Can I swim near the dolphins?
Absolutely not. It’s dangerous for them and for you.
Can I take photos of the dolphins?
Yes, but from a distance. Don’t disturb or chase the animals.
Conclusion
And here we are at the end of this dive into the secrets (and possibilities) of dolphins in Venice. Yes, they exist. But they’re not a guaranteed show, they’re rare and delicate guests of the lagoon. If you decide to include this goal in your Venice trip, do it with curiosity, respect and an open mind.
Seeing a dolphin in Venice is a rare and wonderful experience that makes the visit to this city suspended between water and history even more special. Even if it’s not guaranteed, the possibility adds a touch of magic to your trip.
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