Dolphin Watching Holidays
Below you will find details of some of the dolphins you can see on our dolphin watching holidays, and where to see them. Including Peale's Dolphins, Commerson's Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, Risso's Dolphins, Fraser's Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, and the Pantropical Dolphin.
For an overview of all our dolphin watching holidays, click here!
Peale's Dolphins
Peale's dolphins (Lagenorhynchus australis) are a small species, normally around 1 metre in length and reaching up to 2.1 metres when fully mature, weighing approximately 115 kilogrammes as an adult. Commonly known as the black-chinned dolphin, a specific trait is their dark grey face and chin. With a single off-white stripe running down the back on each side and a distinct 'armpit' marking behind the pectoral fin, Peale's dolphin is an unmistakable and beautiful creature. Endemic to the waters of South America, specifically around Chile and Argentina, Peale's dolphins also roam further south into The Drake Passage and as far out as the Falklands Islands! These dolphins are commonly seen on the Oceans Worldwide 'Great Antarctica Voyage', either bow-riding or playing alongside the vessel. Commerson's Dolphins
Commerson's dolphins, (Cephalorhynchus commersonii), are similar in nature to Peale's dolphins and indeed both species can be seen on the 'Great Antarctica Voyages'. Common nicknames include skunk dolphin, piebald dolphin and panda dolphin - due the magnificent black and white markings. They have a black head, dorsal fin and fluke, with a white throat and body. Sometimes confused with a porpoise, Commerson's is one of the smallest dolphins , growing to around 1.5 metres in length. There are large populations of Commerson's dolphin in South America, specifically in Argentina, along the Strait of Magellan and near the Falkland Islands. Spinner Dolphins
Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) are famed for their acrobatic leaps and 'spinning' through the waters. Small in size and usually dark grey in colour, they are distinctive because of their long and thin beaks and large fins - features that are normally much smaller for dolphins this size. Adults vary in length between 1.25 and 2.25 metres. The highest density of spinner dolphins occurs between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, but they are found in all the world's tropical oceans. Despite this, the size of the total population is unknown, and spinner dolphins are still considered to be an endangered species. Oceans Worldwide suggests a relaxing Caribbean getaway between April and November for superb tropical whale and dolphin watching opportunities. Risso's Dolphin
Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) is characterized by its rounded head, dark grey colouring and extensive white scarring, which consists of scratches, squid bites, blotches caused by parasites, or fights with other Risso's dolphins. Typically reaching 3 metres in length and weighing between 300-600 kilogrammes, they are often found in deep waters rather than close to land - specifically the warmer and more tropical parts of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Between May and August, voyage around The Azores and explore the beautiful waters of the Atlantic in search of Risso's dolphins. For something a little closer to home, the Pembrokeshire Islands in June and July also offer fantastic opportunities to watch dolphins and whales. Fraser's Dolphins
Frasers dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei) is primarily found in deep waters in the Pacific Ocean, but can also be seen in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Dolphin watching doesn't get much more dramatic than seeing a tightly-packed group of up to a thousand Fraser's dolphins cutting through the waters! Reaching 2.75 metres in length and weighing 200 kilogrammes in maturity, their small fins and beak appear insubstantial compared to the robustness of their build. Bottlenose Dolphins
The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is one of the most intelligent mammals on earth. They have developed the use of an artificial language, and useg echolocation to communicate and determine the size and shape of objects. Often living in groups, or 'pods', of around 10-30 dolphins, bottlenose dolphins are found in tropical oceans and warm waters around the world. Varying in size, adults can range from 2 to 4 metres in length and weigh up to 650 kilogrammes when fully grown. July is a wonderful month to visit the resident bottlenose dolphin population in Scotland, and Oceans Worldwide's popular trip to The Moray Firth offers fantastic opportunities for both boat and land -based dolphin watching. Visit the Caribbean Sea between April and November to watch dolphins in a tropical climate against the irresistible rainforest backdrop of Dominica. Common Dolphins
The common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) is medium sized i.e. smaller than the more popular bottlenose dolphin. Adults range from between 1.9 to 2.5 metres long and weigh in at between 80 and 235 kilogrammes. Their unusual coloured patterning either side - a dark back and white belly - makes them very distinctive. The beautiful creatures are often found in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, but generally live in both warm temperate and tropical waters all around the world. They also reside in the Strait of Gibraltar alongside its bottlenose dolphins. Schools of hundreds - even thousands - of common dolphins, can provide an exhilarating dolphin watching experience! Pantropical Spotted DolphinsPantropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) are spotted regularly on Ocean Worldwide's 'Dolphin and Whale Watching in the Caribbean' trip. Along with the bottlenose dolphin, this is one of the most abundant dolphin species in the world. Renowned for leaping high above the surface of the water, they put on hugely entertaining 'shows' for onlookers! Adults are generally between 1.5 and 2 metres in length and weigh 120 kilogrammes on average. Unsurprisingly, their key defining characteristic is their spots. For an overview of all our dolphin watching holidays, click here! |