There's nothing quite like a surprise encounter with some of the Mediterranean’s most enchanting marine residents – and nature photographer Clive Muscat just gave us all a reason to smile with his stunning snapshots of bottlenose dolphins enjoying a splash in Maltese seas!

Captured during a boat trip over the weekend, the photos show a pod of bottlenose dolphins in their element, gliding effortlessly through the open water and putting on a show of pure joy. These sightings are always a treat, offering a glimpse into the beautiful marine life that often remains hidden under the sea that surrounds our islands.

Native to the Mediterranean and Black Sea, the bottlenose dolphin (‘il-denfil geddumu qasir’ in Maltese) is one of the most commonly spotted dolphin species in the region. Known for their playful nature and intelligence, they tend to stay close to coastal or inshore waters, making the Maltese coastline a perfect habitat.

Males can grow up to 4 metres long and are slightly larger than females. Easily recognisable by their short bottle-shaped snout, these dolphins sport a dark grey back and a lighter underside. Their diet includes fish, squid, and shrimp, and they’re not picky eaters either, often consuming up to 7kg of food daily!

These incredible creatures often display unique hunting techniques depending on where they live, showing just how adaptable they are to different environments. Whether you're out on a boat or lucky enough to spot them from shore, seeing dolphins in the wild is a heartwarming reminder of the beauty that thrives in Maltese waters.

Thank you Clive, for capturing and sharing this magical moment with us!