Flipper and Lopaka

Flipper and Lopaka
Company type	Animated television series
Industry	Animation, Television
Founded	1999
Founder	Yoram Gross enterprises
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Products	Animated television series

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Flipper and Lopaka, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 11 August 2025

Flipper and Lopaka is an Australian animated television series created by the Yoram Gross enterprises: Yoram Gross-Village Roadshow (Season 1) and Yoram Gross-EM.TV (Seasons 2–3). It was broadcast on Australia's Seven Network and subsequently on ABC3, a channel dedicated to children's programming.

Setting

The narrative takes place on Iloka, an island in the Millhouse archipelago where residents live traditionally without modern technology, inhabiting bamboo huts and gathering native fruits. Beneath the sea lies Quetzo, an underwater sunken island inhabited by marine creatures and influenced by contemporary elements. The plot centers on Lopaka, a young Polynesian boy gifted with the ability to converse with sea animals and hold his breath for long durations underwater. Alongside his dolphin companion Flipper and other aquatic allies, Lopaka strives to thwart Dexter, an octopus intent on conquering Quetzo, thereby preserving harmony in their submerged realm.

All seasons

Lopaka (voiced by Jamie Oxenbould) – an 11-year-old Polynesian boy identified as a menehune, possessing the unique skill to communicate with sea life and sustain breath underwater for extended periods. After being saved from drowning by Flipper, they become inseparable friends. Lopaka is distinguished by his red skirt and arm band typical of Iloka males. He is brave and devoted but tends to keep his extraordinary talents hidden until Season 3.

Flipper (voiced by Keith Scott) – Lopaka’s intelligent, swift, and faithful bottlenose dolphin companion. Flipper descends from ruling parents of Quetzo and leads the ocean inhabitants during crises. Known as Quetzo's most dependable sea creature, Flipper features a light blue underside with a darker blue back.

Ottie, Ray, and Puffy – Flipper’s close associates include Ottie, a sea otter capable of venturing onto land; Ray, a compassionate manta ray who inspires the group; and Puffy, a blowfish who utilizes his inflation ability despite personal doubts.

Dexter – the primary antagonist, a large purple octopus determined to dominate Quetzo. Though cunning and manipulative, Dexter is cowardly when confronted with danger. Despite repeatedly scheming against Flipper and being rescued multiple times, he boasts about his "excellence" but lacks true intelligence.

Serge – a bright green sea snake acting as Dexter’s chief tactician. He devises many plans against Flipper but often shoulders blame when these fail.

Finn, Nip, and Bubbles – three great white sharks serving as Dexter’s unthinking henchmen.

Dolores – Dexter’s sister who disapproves of his selfish behavior and is the only figure he fears. Occasionally, she entrusts him with caring for her daughter Inky. Dolores forms friendships with Flipper’s group and later achieves fame as a renowned star in Seadom.

Inky – Dolores' daughter and Dexter's niece; she is friendly toward Flipper despite her uncle’s objections.

Nola – a young Polynesian girl wearing a yellow dress and leg bracelet; possibly an orphan.

Professor Kerava – an elder resident and ally of Chief Kepuna who recounts Iloka’s history through storytelling. When interacting with Flipper’s group, he transforms into a sea turtle named "Calabash" and eventually becomes their spiritual guide.

Bomana – Lopaka’s strict father who, along with Chief Kepuna and his wife, encourages Lopaka to meet their expectations.

Bolo – Chief Kapona’s son, a playful Polynesian boy dressed in a blue skirt who frequently teases Lopaka.

Chief Kapona – village leader and father of Bolo.

Mia – spouse of Chief Kapona and mother of Bolo; she maintains strict discipline within her family.

Season 2

Professor Troy, Spike, and Goose – Professor Troy is a researcher delving into the origins of Quetzo and the sinking of Iloka. Her son Spike, a companion of Lopaka, is fascinated by the Milihune way of life, which lacks modern technology, and attempts to introduce them to essentials from the 20th century. Goose, Troy’s reserved assistant, speaks with a unique accent and is typically seen wearing an aqua vest paired with jeans.

Season 3

Captain Barnibus Crab, Kim, Simon – Captain Crab operates as a contemporary pirate exploring the waters around Iloka in search of Neptune’s Statue and Trident. His niece Kim, a tech-savvy teenager eager to learn the pirate trade, aids him in gaining hands-on experience. Simon, the large and clumsy deckhand who also serves as the chef, is gentle despite his frequent mishaps.

Ultra – A pink dolphin raised in a laboratory environment after being separated from her family. Captured by pirates for exploration of the ocean depths, Ultra becomes an important ally and eventually reunites with her parents and sister Delta.

Season 1 (1999)

#	Title	Summary	Air date
1	The Lost City	Lopaka stands trial before Dexter but manages to save everyone caught in a fishing net alongside Flipper.	10 September 1999
2	The Secrets of Quetzo	While Dexter schemes to seize control over Quetzo and Iloka, Lopaka delivers a sacred stone to the temple on Quetzo.	11 September 1999
3	The Volcano	Dexter lures troublemakers to Quetzo and attempts to trigger the volcano on Iloka.	12 September 1999
4	The White Whale	Flipper rescues a white whale and her calf hiding from an exploration vessel; they later assist a scientist studying the area.	13 September 1999
5	Lopaka's Gift	Lopaka searches for a present for Nola's birthday and helps Flipper retrieve pearls stolen by Dexter.	16 September 1999
6	The Showdown	The killer whale Orci returns seeking revenge on Flipper but ultimately peace is achieved.	17 September 1999
7	The Good Shark	Flipper persuades Fang, leader of invading sharks, that his allies are not trustworthy friends.	18 September 1999
8	The Sea Serpent	Pollution caused by Dexter harms a giant serpent; Lopaka aids both the creature and conquers his own fear.	19 September 1999
9	The Drought	Dexter plans to freeze Iloka using an iceberg but instead ends the drought affecting the island.	20 September 1999
10	Lights, Camera, Dexter!	Dexter kidnaps a film director seeking fame but is stopped by Lopaka and Flipper.	21 September 1999
11	King for a Minute	A crown swap engineered by Dexter causes turmoil in Iloka’s leadership until Flipper and Lopaka restore stability.	22 September 1999
12	The Castaway	A supposed lost brother turns out to be only his parrot; meanwhile Bunty is discovered on another island.	23 September 1999
13	The Little Blue Fish	Jojo, a small fish, demonstrates his value by saving Dexter’s life.	8 October 1999
14	The Oil Spill	An oil leak threatens Iloka’s environment; manatee Charlie identifies it originates from one faulty barrel.	11 October 1999
15	The Circus	After Iloka’s New Year celebration, Dexter launches his own circus; Lopaka and Flipper recover stolen equipment.	12 October 1999
16	The Sting of the Stonefish	A shunned stonefish accidentally poisons Nola; Lopaka cures her and gains acceptance for the stonefish community.	13 October 1999
17	The Secret Weapon	Dexter steals confidential information to build a cannon; Lopaka stops its deployment.	14 October 1999
18	Dexter's Wedding	Running for mayor, Dexter needs a spouse; Flipper intervenes when he tries to wed a jellyfish.	19 October 1999
19	High Tide	A rising tide threatens Iloka; Dexter declares himself king but is swept away by Flipper and Lopaka.	20 October 1999
20	Dexter's Delinquents	Dexter recruits bullies for his team; Flipper trains Finball who narrowly defeats Dexter’s cheating squad.	21 October 1999
21	Girl Power	Nola prepares for an island race while Dexter’s niece Inky joins Ocean Explorers; both showcase female strength.	25 October 1999
22	Bolo the Runaway	Bolo escapes chores; Lopaka rescues him after reuniting a lost seal pup with its mother.	1 November 1999
23	Surf's Up!	Lopaka introduces surfing; Dexter opposes it until a waterspout endangers Iloka and captures him instead.	5 November 1999
24	The Trap	Dexter traps Lopaka aiming for fame but fails while Bolo saves Flipper from being stranded.	11 November 1999
25	The Monster from Quetzo	Dexter traps Flipper among ruins and invades the island with diving gear as sharks attack fleeing Ilokanians.	12 November 1999
26	The Homecoming	Dexter locates Quetzo Crown; Flipper rescues Lopaka’s father; Flipper’s parents prevent Dexter’s coronation.	13 November 1999

Season 2 (2000)

#	Title	Summary	Air date
27	Mysterious Island	In the absence of Flipper's parents, Dexter returns with his allies to reclaim Quetzo. Meanwhile, Lopaka and Nola track Bolo’s trail on Tabu Island.	5 February 2000
28	Strangers in Paradise	Dexter relocates to Tabu Island as scientist Troy arrives to study Quetzo. Flipper rescues Troy from Dexter, while Spike visits Iloka.	15 February 2000
29	The Eclipse	Dexter attempts to seize Flipper’s throne by exploiting a solar eclipse and Troy’s submarine, but Flipper manages to regain control.	19 February 2000
30	Secret of the Seven Crystals	Adopting Troy’s method to reverse Quetzo’s catastrophe, Dexter competes with Lopaka and Flipper to secure the crystals first.	26 February 2000
31	Puffy the Pied Piper	During a Quetzo carnival, Dexter uses Puffy to trap fish in an effort to undermine Flipper, but Flipper successfully thwarts the scheme.
32	Treasure Hunt	While Spike embarks on a treasure quest, Flipper urges Dexter to remove Troy for the safe birth of Franny the manatee; later, Lopaka assists Troy.
33	The Big Wave	Dexter plots to manipulate Quetzo’s crown succession with a counterfeit crown. Lopaka warns Iloka about an approaching tsunami.
34	Flying is not for the Foolish	Bolo attempts to construct a flying device, inspiring others’ efforts. Dexter believes he is destined to fly, which Troy exploits for gain.
35	Dexter's Big Gulp	Troy and Goose retrieve a crystal from the Temple of the Four Elements; Dexter accidentally swallows it and requires Achuca berries to survive.
36	Magic Medicine	Chief Kapuna suffers from Iloka fever; Lopaka and Flipper seek a remedy in Dexter’s grotto, drawing Troy’s interest in the healing plant.
37	Terrible Titan of Tabu	Dexter obtains a Quetzo machine intending to invade Flipper’s palace; Nola aids Lopaka in discovering its vulnerability.
38	The Crystal Cave	After Dexter steals a power crystal causing a cave-in by Troy, Flipper rescues it while Lopaka clears Spike from theft accusations.
39	Big Bones	Dexter steals an ancient key that triggers dinosaur resurrection; Lopaka lures the creatures and reverses the summoning process.
40	Ghosts and Monsters	Failing to recover an emerald necklace, Lopaka rescues Nola and Spike stranded on an island and helps locals defeat the Morgue beast.
41	Legend of the Sea Dragons	Troy captures a rare sea dragon and its egg; Lopaka rescues them and temporarily has Dexter take their place.
42	Goose's Ghost	Spike tricks Goose into searching for Captain Cutlass' ship, putting Ray’s family at risk; after resolving the ghost issue, the ship is returned underwater.
43	Electric Soup	Lopaka and Flipper discover a storm-generating power crystal; Goose disturbs it, prompting Lopaka to recover it.
44	Day of Rest	Barracudas abduct Dexter’s niece Inky during his babysitting; Flipper and Lopaka rescue her while Goose and Spike confront a giant spider during their break.
45	All Great Creatures	Troy captures Flipper, Dexter, and sharks as birthday presents; Flipper convinces Jeffrey to release them.
46	The Carnival	Dexter hires Orci to manage Quetzo’s carnival, sidelining Flipper who ultimately saves Orci’s mother from Troy’s trap and reclaims his position.
47	The Visitors	Visitors Professor Hefty and Jessica arrive; Dexter unleashes an ancient crab defeated by a temporarily deaf Flipper; Spike exposes Jessica as a thief.
48	Fire and Ice	Dexter seizes fire and ice power crystals aiming to boil Quetzo and freeze Tabu Island; Lopaka combines both crystals to restore harmony.
49"Flipper's Twin"	Dexter enlists Storm, a dolphin raised by sharks, as Flipper's replacement; Lopaka rescues Flipper who convinces Storm he was manipulated by Dexter.
50"Holiday Island"	Tourists bring modernization to Iloka amidst a sea snake rampage caused by neglected traditions; Lopaka performs a tribute that calms the creature.
51"Mirror, Mirror"	Flipper locates the power crystal control panel, secures a weapon and final crystal; using these, Lopaka frees Spike and Bolo trapped in a mine.
52"Edge of Doom"	Dexter gathers all seven crystals for Troy’s sacrificial experiment; Spike persuades Troy against it while Dexter’s actions lead to Tabu Island's destruction.

Season 3 (2003–2005)

#	Title	Summary	Air date
53	Something Old, Something New	Quetzo experiences earthquakes; Dexter attempts a takeover but is expelled by Flipper, Ultra, and Lopaka.	1 December 2003
54	Starstruck	Newcomers posing as filmmakers are revealed as pirates. Flipper rescues Ottie with reluctant assistance from Dexter.	2 December 2003
55	Sink or Swim	Bolo sneaks onto a pirate submarine and becomes trapped. Ultra conquers her fears to aid in the rescue mission.	3 December 2003
56	Island Idol	During Iloka's talent competition, Lopaka exposes Barnacle and his crew as pirates.	5 February 2004
57	Blasts from the Past	Flipper and Lopaka travel through time to sink the cursed Neptune statue, preventing Captain Redbeard from exploiting it.	18 February 2004
58	Dolphin Deception	The group plans to eliminate Barnacle's ship. Ultra, initially spying for the pirates, turns against Dexter’s sabotage efforts.	12 September 2004
59	Murky Waters	Pirates return; Flipper repels Barnacle and Kim while Lopaka rescues Simon from drowning.	14 September 2004
60	Leaps of Faith	Simon kidnaps Puffy; Flipper and Bolo are captured during rescue attempts but Lopaka comes to their aid; Ultra allies with Flipper.
61	Secrets and Lies	Dexter obtains pirate dynamite; Lopaka shares secrets to unite Milahouni and dolphins against Dexter’s scheme.
62	Crash Course Crisis	A massive shark menaces Iloka; Flipper accidentally uses it to protect the community from an unmanned pirate vessel.
63	Dads and Lads	Lopaka is injured and stranded; Dexter captures Flipper's father but is outsmarted during rescues by Flipper and Bermana.
64	Charming Disarmings	Captain Barnacle pollutes the ocean; Sparky, an electric eel encouraged by Flipper, disables the pirate ship with a short circuit.
65	Friends in Need	Kim escapes her uncle but becomes trapped with others; she coordinates rescues, including saving Captain Barnacle and Simon from a sea chasm.
66	Pipe Dreams	Dexter’s organ causes damage; his hostage-taking of Ultra fails as Quetzo fish assist Flipper in sabotaging the organ, forcing Dexter out of Quetzo.
67	Dexter's Demons	Dexter animates gargoyle statues that turn hostile toward him; he collaborates with Flipper to break their spell.
68	Tossed, Lost and Bossed	After a storm, Flipper saves Inky from vampire fish but is trapped by Dexter until Dolores intervenes to free him.
69	Bad Boy Flipper	Under Dexter’s hypnosis, Flipper is manipulated until Lopaka sacrifices a quest to restore him and, with Dexter’s help, save Iloka and Quetzo.
70	In Sickness and Health	Pirates search for food in Iloka; Captain Barnacle is poisoned but healed by Milehouni, while Quetzo cares for an injured Dexter.
71	Space Junked	Space debris crashes into Quetzo school; Barnacle retrieves it but rival Slapbeard captures Kim and Lopaka until dolphins summon the coast guard.
72	Roboshark	Kim loses control of a robotic shark to Dexter who captures Flipper; sharks free him to reclaim their roles while Lopaka chases mistaken explosives.
73	He Ain't Heavy, He's My Statue	Lulu La Rue abducts Ottie; Ultra rescues her but pirates seize Neptune's statue as ransom for Ultra’s release.	1 January 2005
74	Trident Trickery	Bolo bluffs about the trident leading to Chief Kapuna’s kidnapping; Milehouni create a fake trident securing his freedom.	12 January 2005
75	Guess Who's Coming for Dinner	Dolphins and Lopaka leave Dexter free to take over Quetzo; Ottie, Ray, Puffy outsmart him while rescuing Bluey and pirates from peril.	18 January 2005
76	Family Ties	Lopaka disables pirate radar; Ultra reunites with family and helps expel aggressive swordfish alongside friends and pirates.	22 January 2005
77	Trident Au Go Go	In Seadom, Dolores holds Neptune's trident; Dexter steals it for Barnacle but Dolores assists in recovering it.	23 January 2005
78	Destiny's Children	Amid storms, Dexter hands the trident over to pirates; Lopaka convinces Kim to surrender the statue, freeing Quetzo and Iloka from curses after its return to the abyss.	25 January 2005

Sources

External links

Flipper and Lopaka on ABC3