The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is home to 30 different species of Cetaceans, more commonly referred to as Whales & Dolphins. Some species can be seen all year like the Spinner and Bottlenose Dolphins.

Often on the trip out to the reef the boat is escorted for a period by Spinner or Bottlenose Dolphins.  They look similar but the Spinner is much smaller reaching just 2 meters in length.  They are dark grey ranging into brown with a white belly.  The Spinner's snout in long and thin and their dorsal fins tend to be high and straight.  Their name comes from their ability to leap out of the water while swimming at great speeds. Generally you will see Spinner dolphins in large schools, occasionally in smaller groups.

Bottlenose dolphins are nearly twice as big as Spinners growing to 4 meters.  They are similar in shape but distinguishable by the lighter color of their back and shorter stubby snout.  Their upturned mouth-line gives the impression that they are always smiling at you.  Their playful nature will certainly put a smile on your face in return.