Orcaella brevirostris

Irrawaddy Dolphin

MammalBest Season: Jan–Dec

Best locations

Expert creators

Field Reports (12 months)

About this species

The blunt-headed, endearing Irrawaddy Dolphin inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, and large rivers in eastern India. Chilika Lake in Odisha hosts one of the most accessible populations in the world — boat trips regularly encounter pods of 5–20 dolphins in the outer channel near the sea mouth. Watch Irrawaddy Dolphins at Chilika Lake and the Sundarbans. Rare aquatic mammal — boat safari guide and best seasons.

Field Reports

0 total reports

No field reports yet for this species.

Best locations for Irrawaddy Dolphin

Reserves and landscapes where our photographers reliably encounter this species, with links to place-specific guides.

Map preview

Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary

Odisha, India

0 creators here

Wildlife Creators Specialising in Irrawaddy Dolphin

View all

No specialists are listed yet — try our search for nearby creators.

Upcoming Trips Targeting Irrawaddy Dolphin

No active trips are targeting this species right now — ask a guide on our search page.

When and Where to Photograph Irrawaddy Dolphin

Plan field days around Jan–Dec: light is often strongest at dawn and dusk, when many mammals and birds are most active. Work with a naturalist who knows local movement patterns — they will position you ethically while improving your odds of a encounter in Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary.

Related species