The Turks and Caicos Islands are special for many reasons. They boast some of the world’s bluest waters, see more than 300 days of sunshine each year, and are home to a particularly friendly dolphin most visitors to the islands can’t wait to meet.
For about four decades, JoJo the Dolphin—a wild Atlantic bottlenose—has delighted both residents and tourists in the Turks and Caicos Islands with his friendly curiosity and interest in humans. In fact, he’s a national treasure: local government declared him one in 1989. Still thriving and well, JoJo often surfs the waves left behind in the wake of boats by himself and with other dolphins, notably his young son Dreamer. You can find JoJo in the island’s azure waters as well as on Instagram at @jojothedolphin.
How to Meet JoJo
JoJo’s often spotted in the crystal-clear waters around Providenciales, particularly near Grace Bay Beach and the eastern keys that separate the island from North Caicos. Tour operators and local boaters know JoJo well enough to spot him from a distance, but for newcomers, he’s most easily identifiable by his scars—unfortunately, years of run-ins with boat propellers have left this dolphin with marked-up skin.
JoJo spottings can happen in a variety of settings, such as on a snorkel expedition, kayak trip, aboard a boat cruise, or even wake surfing. Unlike the dolphins you’ll find in Cuba or Jamaica’s dolphinariums, JoJo is completely wild. That means that there’s never a guarantee of seeing him on an excursion. It also means that there are best practices you should remember when interacting with him and other wild dolphins.
Interacting With Wild Dolphins in Turks and Caicos
While it can be tempting to get up close and personal with these intelligent and curious creatures, it is imperative that you avoid touching and feeding them. Touching wild dolphins can be dangerous for both the dolphin and for yourself. Feeding them can disrupt their natural behaviors and cause them to associate humans with food. Overtime, this could lead to a fed dolphin becoming aggressive or refusing to fend for itself in the wild.
If JoJo or another friendly dolphin pays you a visit while you’re snorkeling or kayaking, give them plenty of space. Don’t chase dolphins or harass them, especially when they’re in a pod. This could lead to an aggressive interaction if the dolphin feels threatened or startled. If a dolphin charges you in the water, leave the water immediately.
Turks and Caicos prides itself on playing host to a truly wild population of dolphins. In fact, JoJo has become an international ambassador for ending captive dolphin programs and promoting ethical wildlife encounters. If you see a person or operator doing something that could potentially harm wild dolphins, don’t be afraid to speak up.
Make Your Island Dreams a Reality at The Strand
The Strand is a luxury residential community in Cooper Jack Bay, Providenciales overlooking the picturesque Caicos Bank that JoJo the dolphin and his pod call home. To learn more about the Turks and Caicos Islands and make The Strand your base for encountering the islands’ plethora of wild creatures, get in touch with us today.
