Dive into the ocean and get ready to draw one of the smartest and friendliest creatures in the sea! Dolphins are known for their sleek bodies and happy smiles. This drawing guide uses easy curves and shapes to show you how to draw a cute cartoon dolphin leaping through the water!
I have also crafted a free printable PDF worksheet just for you! It has a step-by-step guide with easy-to-follow directions and space for kids to practice their dolphin drawing skills.
So, grab a pencil, and let’s start drawing your dolphin!
More Drawing Related to Dolphin
Easy 6-Step Dolphin Drawing + Free PDF Practice Worksheet
Follow these six simple steps to draw a cute cartoon dolphin!
Drawing Materials
- Paper
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
- Our Dolphin Drawing Guide PDF Worksheet (optional)
Start by drawing lightly so that you can easily erase if you make any mistakes.
Step 1: Draw the Head and Body Curve
Start by drawing a large, slightly curved tear-drop shape for the head and main body. The front should be rounded for the nose, and the back should taper slightly.
Step 2: Add the Dolphin’s Tail Fluke
At the tapered end of the body, draw a wide, curved V-shape for the tail fluke (the tail fin).
Step 3: Draw the Dorsal Fin
Draw a small, curved triangle on the middle of the dolphin’s back for the dorsal fin.
Erase any part of the body outline where the dorsal fin attaches to make it look connected.
Step 4: Add Flippers and the Belly Line
Draw two curved, pointed flippers (pectoral fins) on the chest area, one facing towards the viewer and one facing away.
Draw a final, long curved line running from the chest area towards the tail to indicate the lighter belly line.
Step 5: Draw the Dolphin’s Face Details
Let’s give our dolphin a cute face!
- Draw the beak by adding a curved, pointy shape to the front of the dolphin’s head.
- Draw a smooth, curved line from the tip of the beak that goes down and back to define the dolphin’s happy mouth line.
- Add a small circle for the eye with a tiny dot for the pupil.
Erase any part of the head outline where the beak attaches to make it look connected.
Step 6: Color Your Jumping Dolphin!
It’s time to add color! Dolphins are usually gray or blue. Color the upper body a light blue or gray, and color the belly area (below the line from Step 4) a pale white or cream color. Fill in the eye with black and add a pink dot for a rosy cheek.
Dive Into Dolphin Drawing! Get your Free PDF Practice Worksheet!
Ready to bring an intelligent and graceful dolphin to life on your paper? Download our super fun, free worksheet and follow the easy steps. There’s plenty of space to practice your sketching skills and create your own amazing underwater masterpiece. Get your blue and gray colors ready and let your imagination swim free!
Click below to get your printable worksheet and have fun drawing!
Terms of Use: You can print as many copies as you need for your kids, students, or groups. To share, please link to this page. Please don’t sell, email, post, or share these files in any other way. Thank you!
dolphin drawing worksheet pdfGet Creative with Our 22 Dolphin Coloring Pages
Ready for more ocean adventure? 🌊✨
If you loved drawing a dolphin, you’ll be thrilled with our 22 FREE printable dolphin coloring pages! Visit our page to download a whole pod of beautiful dolphin illustrations just waiting for your artistic touch. Grab your brightest colors and bring these sleek, jumping creatures to life! Let your imagination swim wild!
5 Ways to Make Your Dolphin Drawing More Fun!
Draw a Splash: Add large, splashy curved lines and drops of water around the dolphin to show it jumping out of the sea.
Add Bubbles: Draw small circles around the dolphin’s mouth to show it talking or blowing bubbles underwater.
Give It a Ball: Draw a colorful beach ball near its nose to show it playing.
Draw Waves: Create a wavy blue and white background to represent the ocean surface.
Add a Pattern: Draw unique colorful spots or stripes along the dolphin’s body for a personalized look.
How to Fix Common Dolphin Drawing Mistakes
- Body Shape: The body started in Step 1 should be sleek and curved, like an elongated football, not too round or too skinny.
- Tail Fluke: The tail fluke added in Step 2 should be wider horizontally than it is tall vertically.
- Dorsal Fin: The dorsal fin added in Step 3 should look smooth and slightly curved, not sharp like a shark’s fin.
- Flippers: Ensure the flippers and belly line added in Step 4 are smooth and correctly positioned on the lower body curve.
- Sleek Smile: Make sure the mouth line detailed in Step 5 is gently curved to match the natural shape of the dolphin’s jawline.
Helpful Dolphin Drawing Tips and Tricks For Kids
- Smooth Lines: Use long, smooth strokes when drawing the body to give it that sleek, fast look.
- Shading: When coloring, use a slightly darker blue or gray near the top of the dorsal fin and back to give the drawing dimension.
- Highlight: Leave a small, uncolored spot on the top of the dolphin’s head to make it look shiny and wet.
- Underwater Scene: Draw some seaweed, small fish, or coral in the background to complete the ocean scene.
Dolphin Fun Facts for Kids
- Highly Intelligent: Dolphins are considered one of the smartest animals in the world, capable of learning complex tricks and communicating.
- Mammals, Not Fish: Even though they live entirely in the water, dolphins are mammals—they breathe air, are warm-blooded, and nurse their young!
- A Fast Swimmer: The average dolphin can swim up to 18 miles per hour (30 kilometers per hour)!
- Sleep with One Eye Open: Dolphins must consciously breathe, so when they sleep, they rest only half of their brain at a time, keeping one eye open and remaining aware of their surroundings.
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