Mumbai’s coastline offered a magical surprise this week that felt more like a scene from a tropical vacation than a busy metropolis. A group of dolphins was spotted frolicking in the waters just off the Worli Sea Face, providing a rare moment of “marine magic” amidst the city’s usual hustle and bustle.
The Viral “Dolphin Moment”
The sighting went viral after Instagram user Savin Chauhan posted a serene video with the caption: “Between concrete and chaos… A Dolphin moment.” The footage, which has already amassed over 3.8 million views and 2.5 lakh likes since being shared on December 17, 2025, shows:
- A Captivated Crowd: Onlookers leaning over the concrete promenade, pointing in awe at the water.
- Playful Pods: A small group of dolphins gracefully leaping and fins breaking the surface of the clear blue Arabian Sea.
- Nature’s Harmony: Birds circling above the pod, completing a peaceful scene that looks far removed from Mumbai’s traffic-laden streets.
Scientific Insight: The Indian Ocean Humpback
Marine experts identify these frequent visitors as Indian Ocean humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea). While the sight feels rare to many, conservationists note that these dolphins are actually permanent residents of Mumbai’s coast, often seen between December and May.
They prefer shallow coastal waters (less than 20 meters deep), making spots like Worli, Marine Drive, and Malabar Hill prime locations for sightings. Their presence is often considered a positive indicator of the health of the local marine ecosystem and prey availability.
Netizens Have a Field Day
As with anything viral in Mumbai, the internet was quick to add a touch of humor to the “city visit.”
- The Foodie Theory: “Dolphins came in search of vada pav,” joked one user.
- The Traffic Roast: “Even dolphins are doing city visits, but you’re still stuck in traffic,” commented another.
- The Comparison: “They thought they were in Dubai, but no habibi, it’s Mumbai Worli!”
- The Fan Move: One user jokingly suggested they came to catch a screening of the latest blockbuster, Dhurandhar.