Many people describe their in-water encounter with a dolphin, whether captive or free ranging, as one of the most exhilarating and transformative experiences they’ve ever had. Some report feeling a sense of euphoria and intimate kinship with the dolphins; others assert that dolphins are aliens or angels with special healing powers. The question of dolphin “intelligence” has long bee n a subject of intense speculation and dispute, ranging from early zealous affirmations (e.g., Lilly, 1961, 1967) to vigorous denials (e.g., Manger, 2006). Here, I review what has been learned about dolphin cognition through 30+ years (1969-2003) of scientific.