2 Types of Dolphins in Alaska
Alaska's coastal waters host a few dolphin species, most commonly orcas, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and Dall's porpoises. Harbor porpoises are also frequent but often confused with dolphins. Your best bet for sightings is along the Inside Passage or the Gulf of Alaska from May to September.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 7, 2026.
- 4
- species recorded
- June, July, August
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
2 types of dolphins recorded in Alaska
2 dolphin species have a verified observation record in Alaska across the oceanic dolphin family (Delphinidae), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
1
2
Plus 2 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
1,134 verified observations on iNaturalist of dolphin have been recorded in Alaska, most often in June, July, August.
When dolphin are recorded in Alaska
Alaska's coastal waters host a few dolphin species, most commonly orcas, Pacific white-sided dolphins, and Dall's porpoises. Harbor porpoises are also frequent but often confused with dolphins. Your best bet for sightings is along the Inside Passage or the Gulf of Alaska from May to September.
1. What are the types of dolphins found in Alaskan waters?
Alaska's marine mammal list includes several dolphin species, though only a handful are regularly seen. The three most reliable are the orca (killer whale), Pacific white-sided dolphin, and Dall's porpoise (a porpoise often mistaken for a dolphin). You'll also encounter harbor porpoises and, rarely, Risso's dolphins or short-beaked common dolphins. For a broader overview of dolphin species worldwide, check out ouranimals/dolphinpage.
2. Which dolphin species is most common in Alaska?
The orca is the most frequently sighted dolphin in Alaska, especially in the Inside Passage, Prince William Sound, and around the Kenai Fjords. Pacific white-sided dolphins are also common, often seen in large pods in the Gulf of Alaska. Both are easily distinguished by size: orcas are much larger (up to 30 feet) with striking black-and-white markings, while Pacific white-sided dolphins are smaller (around 8 feet) with a gray back and white belly.
3. How can you identify a harbor porpoise vs a dolphin in Alaska?
Harbor porpoises are often mistaken for dolphins, but they have a shorter, stockier body, a blunt snout, and a small triangular dorsal fin. Dolphins have a more elongated beak and a curved dorsal fin. Harbor porpoises are shy and surface briefly, while dolphins like Pacific white-sided are more acrobatic. For more details on identification, see ourwildlife/alaska/dolphin/typesguide.
4. Where and when are orcas most likely seen in Alaska?
Orcas are present year-round but are easiest to spot from May to September when whale-watching tours run. Prime locations include the Inside Passage, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Glacier Bay. Resident pods (fish-eaters) stay near the coast, while transient pods (mammal-eaters) roam wider. Start your planning with ourwildlife/alaskaoverview for Alaska wildlife viewing.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. How do Pacific white-sided dolphins differ from Dall's porpoises?
Pacific white-sided dolphins are true dolphins with a distinct white stripe on their flanks and a tall, falcate dorsal fin. Dall's porpoises are porpoises, not dolphins, but often grouped here. They have a thick black body with a white belly and a triangular dorsal fin. Both are fast swimmers, but Pacific white-sided dolphins are more social and likely to bow-ride. For comparison photos, visit ouranimals/dolphinhub.
6. What about less common dolphin visitors to Alaska?
Risso's dolphins occasionally appear in the Gulf of Alaska, especially in warmer water years. They have a round head, no beak, and a tall dorsal fin. Short-beaked common dolphins are rare but possible. These sightings are unpredictable, so don't count on them. For a deeper dive into dolphin species, ourwildlife/alaska/dolphin/typespage covers all possibilities.
7. What gear helps with dolphin spotting in Alaska?
After a day on the water, show your love for these animals with dolphin-themed gear. Here are a few options:
Aquatic Underwater Reef Dolphins 2 Sided V Tie Dye T-shirt
This tie-dye shirt features a vibrant reef and dolphin design, perfect for casual wear.Check Price and Availability
Retro Dolphin Graphic T-Shirt
A classic retro print that captures the fun of dolphin watching.Check Price and Availability
Vintage Dolphin Graphic Tee
This space‑themed dolphin tee is a conversation starter.Check Price and Availability
For more dolphin‑inspired items, browse ourtote-bagscollection.
8. Frequently Asked Questions about dolphins in Alaska
**Are there dolphins in Alaska?** Yes, several species inhabit Alaskan waters, with orcas and Pacific white-sided dolphins being most common. **What is the best time to see dolphins in Alaska?** May through September offers the highest chances, especially during whale-watching tours. **Can you see dolphins from shore?** Rarely; most sightings require a boat trip to deeper channels. **Are orcas considered dolphins?** Yes, orcas are the largest members of the dolphin family. **How many dolphin species live in Alaska?** At least five: orca, Pacific white-sided dolphin, Risso's dolphin, common dolphin, and harbor porpoise (often mistaken for a dolphin).
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the types of dolphins found in Alaskan waters?+
Alaska's marine mammal list includes several dolphin species, though only a handful are regularly seen. The three most reliable are the orca (killer whale), Pacific white-sided dolphin, and Dall's porpoise (a porpoise often mistaken for a dolphin). You'll also encounter harbor porpoises and, rarely, Risso's dolphins or short-beaked common dolphins. For a broader overview of dolphin species worldwide, check out ouranimals/dolphinpage.
2. Which dolphin species is most common in Alaska?+
The orca is the most frequently sighted dolphin in Alaska, especially in the Inside Passage, Prince William Sound, and around the Kenai Fjords. Pacific white-sided dolphins are also common, often seen in large pods in the Gulf of Alaska. Both are easily distinguished by size: orcas are much larger (up to 30 feet) with striking black-and-white markings, while Pacific white-sided dolphins are smaller (around 8 feet) with a gray back and white belly.
3. How can you identify a harbor porpoise vs a dolphin in Alaska?+
Harbor porpoises are often mistaken for dolphins, but they have a shorter, stockier body, a blunt snout, and a small triangular dorsal fin. Dolphins have a more elongated beak and a curved dorsal fin. Harbor porpoises are shy and surface briefly, while dolphins like Pacific white-sided are more acrobatic. For more details on identification, see ourwildlife/alaska/dolphin/typesguide.
4. Where and when are orcas most likely seen in Alaska?+
Orcas are present year-round but are easiest to spot from May to September when whale-watching tours run. Prime locations include the Inside Passage, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Glacier Bay. Resident pods (fish-eaters) stay near the coast, while transient pods (mammal-eaters) roam wider. Start your planning with ourwildlife/alaskaoverview for Alaska wildlife viewing. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. How do Pacific white-sided dolphins differ from Dall's porpoises?+
Pacific white-sided dolphins are true dolphins with a distinct white stripe on their flanks and a tall, falcate dorsal fin. Dall's porpoises are porpoises, not dolphins, but often grouped here. They have a thick black body with a white belly and a triangular dorsal fin. Both are fast swimmers, but Pacific white-sided dolphins are more social and likely to bow-ride. For comparison photos, visit ouranimals/dolphinhub.
6. What about less common dolphin visitors to Alaska?+
Risso's dolphins occasionally appear in the Gulf of Alaska, especially in warmer water years. They have a round head, no beak, and a tall dorsal fin. Short-beaked common dolphins are rare but possible. These sightings are unpredictable, so don't count on them. For a deeper dive into dolphin species, ourwildlife/alaska/dolphin/typespage covers all possibilities.
7. What gear helps with dolphin spotting in Alaska?+
After a day on the water, show your love for these animals with dolphin-themed gear. Here are a few options: ### Aquatic Underwater Reef Dolphins 2 Sided V Tie Dye T-shirt This tie-dye shirt features a vibrant reef and dolphin design, perfect for casual wear.Check Price and Availability ### Retro Dolphin Graphic T-Shirt A classic retro print that captures the fun of dolphin watching.Check Price and Availability ### Vintage Dolphin Graphic Tee This space‑themed dolphin tee is a conversation starter.Check Price and Availability For more dolphin‑inspired items, browse ourtote-bagscollection.
Keep exploring
More places to see dolphin
More wildlife in Alaska