Photo: Dusky Dolphin Watching Tour Encounter Kaikoura New Zealand

Dusky Dolphins jump and play in the water around the East Coast of the South Island of New Zealand as seen during a dolphin watching tour with Encounter Kaikoura, a tour company based out of Kaikoura, New Zealand.

Dusky Dolphins, proper name Lagenorhynchus obscurus, jump and play in the water during a dolphin watching tour with Encounter Kaikoura, off the coast of Kaikoura on the East Caost of the South Island of New Zealand. These tours operate regularly during the summer months and are very popular with tourists as it is a chance to get to see these dolphins up close and personal.

Dusky Dolphins are known for being really adventurous in the water and for their acrobatic tricks, it almost seems like they enjoy showing off for viewers as often as possible and will put on quite a show if they are able!

This species of dolphin are only found in the waters of the southern hemisphere, and were first discovered by John Edward Gray in 1818. ... continue below the picture...

This picture is part of the photo album "Dolphin Pictures" - there are more beautiful images waiting for you.

... They are a very close relative of the Pacific White-Sided Dolphin, but they are different enough to be considered their own species.

These dolphins are quite small in size and this helps them be more agile in the water and they can do flips and spins better than a larger dolphin. They are not an endangered species but their numbers are being watched closely at the moment as they have been in decline but it is not yet known why and conservationists want to make sure they don't disappear.

Dusky Dolphins, Lagenorhynchus obscurus, during a dolphin watching tour with Encounter Kaikoura, Kaikoura, Canterbury, East Coast, South Island, New Zealand.