Common Dolphin

(Delphinus delphis)

IUCN Status – Least Concern

NZ Classification – Not Threatened

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The common dolphin is easily recognised by its distinctive hourglass pattern of colours – it is one of the only tricolour dolphin species in the world. These sleek, streamlined dolphins are capable of travelling at over 30km per hour. They like to approach our vessel in large schools to ride in the bow wave – all of which makes for some great photos!

Keen to learn more? Check out the larger bottlenose dolphin and the orca/killer whale (yes, they’re actually part of the dolphin family!)

See them for yourself on the next Auckland whale and dolphin watching tour.

Check out 10 facts you didn’t know about common dolphins on our blog.