Dolphins can typically hold their breath underwater for about 8 to 10 minutes on average. Some species, like bottlenose dolphins, have been known to hold their breath for up to 15 or even 20 minutes in exceptional cases
. Certain deep-diving dolphin species can exceed this, with reports of some holding their breath for more than 20 minutes. For example, a Risso's dolphin was recorded diving for 30 minutes before surfacing, and long-finned pilot whales, a dolphin species, can hold their breath for up to 31 minutes
. Dolphins achieve these long breath-holds by slowing their heart rate to conserve oxygen and prioritizing blood flow to vital organs like the brain and heart. They also efficiently exchange up to 80% of their lung volume in a single breath and can fill and empty their lungs 2-3 times faster than humans, despite having smaller lungs relative to body size
. In summary:
- Average breath-hold: 8 to 10 minutes
- Bottlenose dolphins: up to 15-20 minutes
- Some species/deep divers: 20+ minutes, up to 31 minutes reported
- Exceptional cases (e.g., Risso's dolphin): ~30 minutes
This remarkable ability allows dolphins to dive deeply and hunt underwater while still relying on lungs for breathing air
