Like nature shows on tv, our nature boat trip to Bird Key to see the Brown Pelican chicks included some mating. This time is was not birds, but Dolphins.

Bottlenose Dolphins Mating
Bottlenose Dolphins Mating

Our boat captain and guide spotted a pod of Dolphins on our return trip up the Kiawah River. He was quick to say he thought we'd also see some mating based on his interpretation of what we were seeing.

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Bottlenose Dolphins Mating

From our distance on a bobbing boat it was hard to say for sure, but scenes frozen by the camera tell the story. Before you scroll on I'll tell you that even at a distance they are graphic. And amazing.

Bottlenose Dolphins Mating
Bottlenose Dolphins Mating

Bottlenose Dolphins Mating
Bottlenose Dolphins Mating

Bottlenose Dolphins Mating
Bottlenose Dolphins Mating

Bottlenose Dolphins Mating
Bottlenose Dolphins Mating

Bottlenose Dolphins Mating
Bottlenose Dolphins Mating

The gestation period for Bottlenose Dolphins is twelve months. Tune in a year from now and we may see a calf.

Bottlenose Dolphins Mating
Bottlenose Dolphins, other individuals from the pod were not far off during the mating

Kiawah River, SC
July 12, 2021