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Sha' ab Samadai, better known as Dolphin House, is a kidney-shaped reef with a natural lagoon. Spot reef fish. Oogle at colorful corals. Swim with spinner dolphins, if you are fortunate. Sixty or so of these acrobats rest and play in the shallows of the reef's lagoon. But their presence isn't guaranteed; a small matter to bear in mind.

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Spinner Dolphin Facts

There are lots of fun facts about Spinner Dolphins. Did you know that?

The Spinner Dolphin, Stenella longirostris, is a member of the Delphinidae family and belongs to the Cetacea order like whales, porpoises and all other dolphins.
Spinner Dolphins have long slender snouts called beaks and vary in color from light gray to near black. Some species of Spinner Dolphins, such as the Whitebelly spinner, have a white patch on their belly.
The Spinner Dolphin isn't the smallest member of the Delphinidae family but it is smaller than most species. Spinner Dolphins measure 7 feet (2.1m) in length and weigh up to 170 lbs (77 kg).
Spinner Dolphins inhabit the deep waters of the world's tropical oceans and spend their days at near 3,000 feet (900 m).
The Spinner Dolphin gets it name from its acrobatic displays. Spinner Dolphins spin on their body axis as they leap through the air.
Spinner Dolphins eat mainly fish and squid. They feed at night when their food swims to the surface. The Spinner Dolphin is prey for killer whales and sharks.
The Spinner Dolphin uses echolocation to track objects and 'see' in the dark. They use whistle sounds and body slaps to communicate.
Spinner Dolphins live in groups called pods that can number more than 1,000.