These extraordinary photographs show the playful agility of pods of dolphins as they leap above the waves and spin through the air.

They were taken by an adventurous cameraman who has travelled the oceans finding the most picturesque groups of the graceful mammals.

The animals look happy and carefree as they show off their incredible acrobatic skills in the water.

Graceful: Two dolphins leaping in the air in formation, displaying their exceptional athleticism as swimmers and jumpers

Strong: Dolphins in the wild jump out of the water to reduce drag and increase their speed, or help while fighting other animals

American photographer Doug Perrine, 60, captured the images in the Azores, the Bahamas and Honduras.

They show how dolphins not only play on their own, but combine in groups to synchronise their leaping movements.

‘The acceleration they used as they travelled through the air was breath-taking,’ Mr Perrine said. ‘I had to take the photographs as quickly as I could as they were gone and back underwater in an instant.

‘Photographing dolphins is always a fantastic experience.’

Synchronised: Dolphins show a remarkable ability to act in concert as they leap in pairs or larger groups

Pack: Doug Perrine has travelled the world to capture these amazing pictures of dolphins in action

Athletic: To most people, dolphins look not only physically agile but also friendly due to their naturally ‘smiling’ face

Dolphins are known for jumping out of the water for a number of different reasons, ranging from playing with their peers or getting a clearer look at something above sea level, to showing off.

Their smiley faces and gleaming exterior are widely admired by animal lovers, and their gentle personalities give them an image as one of the warmest and kindest mammals.

‘They look as happy as can be because evolution has endowed them with a jaw structure that makes them look as though they are smiling to us humans,’ Mr Perrine says.

‘They are very gentle animals, and most of the time they want to stay near the boat to interact, although occasionally they do get scared and can be out of sight within two seconds.’

Family: This pair of mammals appears to comprise a mother and child swimming through the ocean

Breathtaking: Mr Perrine used an underwater camera to capture these charming photographs

Although all dolphins love to jump above the water, wild dolphins tend to have more experience when it comes to exploring the world above them.

Unlike captured dolphins, they must leap while travelling to reduce drag from the water and gain speed.

When fighting or play-fighting with each other, they may jump to assist them in striking a powerful blow to another dolphin.