How far under the ocean can a dolphin swim?

Dolphins are amazing swimmers, but they don't dive to the extreme depths that some other marine animals do.

Here's what we know:

* Most dolphins stay in shallower waters: They typically prefer waters less than 300 meters (about 984 feet) deep.

* Some species can dive deeper: Bottlenose dolphins have been recorded diving up to 500 meters (1,640 feet) in search of food.

* Deeper dives are rare: These deeper dives are less common and are usually short-lived.

Important to note: Dolphins are mammals and need to breathe air. They can hold their breath for a significant amount of time, but they eventually need to surface to breathe.