On Chile's convoluted coastline, Chilean dolphins prefer to live near areas of particularly strong tidal flow above a steep dropping shelf. They are most commonly found in channels and open coasts and bays. They are also found in areas of tide rips at the mouth of fjords. They prefer cold, shallow water at depths of 3 to 15 m. They may also enter rivers and estuaries and can be seen as far as 5 kilometers upstream.

Range depth: 20 to 3 m.

Habitat Regions: temperate ; saltwater or marine

Aquatic Biomes: rivers and streams; coastal ; brackish water