How to Tell the Difference Between Common and Bottlenose Dolphins on Your  Watching Tour

Dolphins are some of the most exciting marine animals to encounter on a whale-watching tour in Dana Point, but did you know there are different species you might see? Two of the most frequently spotted dolphins in Southern California waters are the common dolphin and the bottlenose dolphin. While they may seem similar at first, a few key characteristics can help you tell them apart.

Common Dolphin

Bottlenose Dolphin

Size and Shape

• Common Dolphins are smaller, typically ranging from 5 to 8 feet in length. Their bodies are sleek and streamlined, built for high-speed swimming.
• Bottlenose Dolphins are much larger, usually between 8 and 12 feet long, with a sturdier, more muscular build. They often appear bulkier compared to the slim common dolphin.

Coloration and Markings

• Common Dolphins have a distinctive hourglass pattern on their sides, featuring a mix of golden, tan, and gray tones with a white belly. Their striking color contrast makes them easy to identify.
• Bottlenose Dolphins are solid gray, with a lighter underside. Their shade can vary from light to dark gray, but they lack the dramatic markings of common dolphins.

Facial Features

• Common Dolphins have a long, slender beak and a noticeable separation between their forehead and beak, giving them a more pointed appearance.
• Bottlenose Dolphins have a shorter, thicker snout and a smooth, rounded forehead that contributes to their famous “smiling” look.

Behavior and Speed

• Common Dolphins are incredibly fast and acrobatic, capable of reaching speeds of up to 37 mph. They love to leap, surf the wake of boats, and perform aerial flips, often traveling in huge pods of hundreds or even thousands.
• Bottlenose Dolphins are strong and powerful swimmers but not as quick as common dolphins. They can reach speeds of about 22 mph and are known for their intelligent and curious nature. While they may not be as flashy in the air, they often swim close to boats and interact with passengers.

Social Behavior and Pod Size

• Common Dolphins are highly social and travel in large, energetic pods. They often mix with other dolphin species and even interact with whales.
• Bottlenose Dolphins tend to stick to smaller, close-knit pods of 10–30 individuals but can sometimes be seen in larger groups. They exhibit complex social bonds and are among the most intelligent marine mammals.

Where You’ll See Them

• Common Dolphins prefer offshore waters and are often seen farther from the coastline in deep waters.
• Bottlenose Dolphins are more commonly spotted closer to shore, near harbors, estuaries, and along the coastline.

Next time you’re on a Dana Wharf Whale Watching tour, keep an eye out for these incredible dolphins and see if you can tell which species you’re spotting! Book your trip today and experience the magic of Dana Point’s marine wildlife up close.