Types of Dolphins you will see:

Gibraltar has the pleasure to enjoy sharing our waters with three different dolphin species. Both the smaller species co-exist and tend to enjoy their presence and thrive together, whilst they tend to avoid the large Bottlenose Species. 

Common Dolphin

As the name suggests, this is the most common species that most often get to see. They have fascinating markings, with dark brown back and dorsal fin, which contrasts with their pale yellow patch at the front of their body.

They grow up to 2.5 meters in length and weigh between 80 and 150 kilos. They are naturally curious and friendly, often swimming up close to boats to interact with passengers.

Striped Dolphin

The Striped dolphin has different markings to the Common Dolphin. The striped dolphin has a two-tone grey colour with white stripes sweeping down either side of their bodies. Striped dolphins grow to the same size as their Common cousins.

Not as conditioned to human interaction as the Common dolphins, the Striped dolphins are still very friendly and curious. The Striped dolphin frequently enjoys aquatics, leaping, jumping and surfing behaviours which is always a favourite to passengers onboard Dolphin Trips.

Bottlenose Dolphin

The Bottlenose is the largest of all the species, they are twice the size of the common and striped. It is usual for the smaller species to avoid the area when the bottlenose are around, although the reason why is not fully understood.

It is suspected that the Bottlenose may bully the smaller species, or that the bottlenose hunt for bigger fish which in turn disturb the hunting pattern of the smaller dolphin species.