50 Dolphin Tattoos: Best Designs & Meanings

The dolphin is considered one of the smartest creatures in the world (along with humans, of course).  Long before people began to notice the depths and true expanses of the seas, there were already stories of dolphins guiding those who lost their way among the lonely waves.

Sailors report countless encounters with dolphins swimming around the hulls of their boats, and the ancient Greeks considered them a good omen for their voyage. Dolphins were considered the bearers of messages and blessings from sea nymphs and were associated with Amphitrite, the Greek goddess of the sea.

The ubiquitous smile of a dolphin evokes in everyone who comes across these majestic creatures a sense of a strong bond with these wild animals. Dolphins are free spirits and very sociable creatures; they exhibit a sense of camaraderie and unity that is rarely found in the animal kingdom.

The meaning of the dolphin tattoo

In general, dolphins speak of our playful and responsive nature. In the wild, these creatures take time to form strong social bonds with their group members and take care of each other. Dolphins have been observed to be especially protective of pregnant women. Most people feel a strong bond with these mammals because they are live performances:

• Playful character
• Free spirit
• Intelligence
• Harmony
• Prosperity
• Please
• From the community and family
• Protection and guidance

Dolphin tattoo variations

1. Tribal dolphins

When dolphins are depicted in tribal designs, they symbolize a cultural connection with the ocean, grace and harmony. Dolphin tribal tattoos also symbolize strong family ties. These drawings are generally associated with (but not limited to) Polynesian culture due to the long-standing relationship between islanders and dolphins.

2. Celtic dolphins

Celtic tattoos are deeply rooted in spirituality and paganism. In general, Celtic knots symbolize the interdependence of several elements of a spiritual nature. The intricate interlacing of the lines of Celtic tattoos symbolizes the connection that exists between lovers or people, God and nature. Celtic dolphin tattoos represent a deep spiritual harmony with nature, society and family.

3. Dolphins-butterflies

This combination is fairly common as the two creatures represent different natural elements; water and air. In addition, they symbolize the need to be free. Butterfly tattoos represent a connection with nature, innocence, freedom and transformation, and dolphins are the personification of grace and frivolity. Usually, people who feel trapped in a situation express their desire for freedom through a tattoo that includes these two elements.

4. Dolphins and hearts

The heart not only symbolizes love, but also personifies spiritual morality, joy, compassion and emotional connection. Heart tattoos, which also include dolphins, represent harmony, community, strong family ties and friendship.

5. Dolphins Yin and Yang

In Taoism, the Yin and Yang symbol represents a balance between equal, but opposite forces - good and evil, night and day, female and male, etc. Both of them are interdependent and complement each other, each force gives life to the other. This symbolism is present in Yin and Yang tattoo designs that include dolphins and represent life in harmony and balance.