We show that geomechanically-induced orthorhombic velocity predictions are consistent with wide-azimuth anisotropic seismic data observations in the Gulf of Mexico. We predict anisotropic velocity perturbations around a salt dome by means of 3D geomechanical modeling and the application of rock-physics predictions. Ultimately, geomechanically predicted seismic velocities may therefore be used in velocity model building and imaging workflows and are expected to improve seismic images in areas with complex salt tectonics including the Gulf of Mexico, the North Sea, offshore West Africa and offshore Brazil.