The 10,000 Islands Dolphin Research Project, based aboard the Dolphin Explorer, just kicked off its 20th year of monitoring Marco Island’s local bottlenose dolphins. This ongoing study tracks the range, social behavior, feeding habits, genealogy, and overall well-being of these intelligent marine mammals.

Two Decades of Research & Stewardship

Since February 2005, the Dolphin Explorer’s team has not only conducted in-depth scientific research, but also served as passionate environmental stewards. Dolphins are considered an “indicator species”—meaning their health reflects the condition of their surrounding ecosystem. If dolphins are doing well, so is the environment. The crew remains dedicated to protecting this special corner of the Gulf.

Life, Leaders & Newborns in Local Waters

After two decades of daily monitoring, researchers have uncovered fascinating insights into Marco Island’s dolphin society. The best news? The population here is stable and even growing. Thanks to the area’s shallow, warm waters and lack of large predators, the conditions are ideal for dolphin life.

Many of the dominant males have ruled these waters for over 20 years, but change is on the horizon as younger males bulk up and challenge for top spots.

Current Dolphin Demographics:

• 40 adult females
• 15 adult males
• 23 calves (ages newborn to 4, still with mom)
• ~50 juveniles (no longer with mom, not yet fully mature)

On average, about 10 new calves are born each fall. While some don’t survive due to inexperience of new mothers or natural predators like bull and hammerhead sharks, survival rates here exceed the global average.

In 2024, 10 new calves were born—all still thriving. One mom welcomed her seventh documented calf, and the team is hopeful that long-time resident Avery may give birth to her eighth this fall—a new record!

They’ve even documented 11 grandmothers within the local dolphin society. In an exciting first, a dolphin named KayCee and her daughter Manhattan each gave birth in the same year. And if Fireball, now of breeding age, has a calf soon, she will make her mom a great-grandmother—another first for the team!

Built for Marco: Dolphins of the Bays

The dolphins around Marco Island are well-adapted to the shallow coastal waters. Unlike their offshore cousins, they don’t need large lungs or bulky bodies for deep dives. Instead, they work smarter, using sandbars and mangrove shorelines to trap fish close to the surface.

As a result, these coastal dolphins are about 30% smaller than those in deeper waters. A dominant male here might weigh 500 lbs and reach 10 feet in length, compared to 1,200 lbs and 15 feet offshore.

Names, Numbers & Personality

While each dolphin has an official catalog number, guests on Dolphin Explorer tours get to name the newly spotted babies. Sometimes that leads to surprises: Trixie is a male and Batman is a busy mom of three!

The research team sees these dolphins like family. Observing changes in their behavior and social structures gives scientists a deeper understanding of how dolphins adapt, evolve, and thrive.

Come Aboard & Learn More

Want to meet these dolphins in person? Join one of the Dolphin Explorer‘s public excursions and experience marine science in action. You’ll have a chance to spot dolphins, learn from naturalists, and connect with Marco Island’s vibrant marine world.

Check our ad in the e-magazine or visit the Dolphin Explorer team online to learn more and book your adventure.

Bob is the Lead Naturalist for the 10,000 Islands Dolphin Study Project aboard the Dolphin Explorer. He is the author of two books and a national award-winning columnist. A regular speaker and passionate educator, Bob and the entire team are committed to raising awareness and inspiring action to protect local marine life.