Leaping Dolphins
At one point on the Baja trip we were surrounded by a superpod of Long-beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis). We estimated about 3000 individuals that made the sea effervesce as far as they eye could see in all directions. When I looked down there were dozens of them riding the bow and they remained with us for at least half an hour. Most were just rising out of the water en masse but a few individuals leapt clear of the water, like this one at the front.
We have Common Dolphins in British waters but this is a different species; Delphinus delphis that has a shorter beak and a kinder looking face. Long-beaked Common Dolphins are only found in warmer waters around the tropics. But both species have the hourglass markings on the flanks.
Leaping Dolphins
At one point on the Baja trip we were surrounded by a superpod of Long-beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis). We estimated about 3000 individuals that made the sea effervesce as far as they eye could see in all directions. When I looked down there were dozens of them riding the bow and they remained with us for at least half an hour. Most were just rising out of the water en masse but a few individuals leapt clear of the water, like this one at the front.
We have Common Dolphins in British waters but this is a different species; Delphinus delphis that has a shorter beak and a kinder looking face. Long-beaked Common Dolphins are only found in warmer waters around the tropics. But both species have the hourglass markings on the flanks.