Common Dolphins in Tenerife

Delphinus delphis

what's it like when we see Common dolphins in Tenerife

Common Dolphin Sightings

The Common dolphin is one of the less frequently observed species on our whale and dolphin watching tours from Costa Adeje, Tenerife. We typically observe them in smaller pods of 10-20 individuals. These are oceanic dolphins and unlike their name (named as in some parts of the world they can be seen in the thousands), the Common dolphin makes uncommon appearances in Tenerife. The Common dolphin is an active species, often approaching the boat to bow ride, jump and head slap as they seem to enjoy interacting with our boat.

Our custom built whale and dolphin watching boat with our sightings network gives us the best chance to find pods of Common dolphins as they are found throughout the range of the Teno – Rasca Marine Protected area, but typically not within 1 kilometre of the coast. We have seen Common dolphins accompanied by Atlantic Spotted dolphins and Striped dolphins. Offshore we search for actively hunting sea birds to locate pods of Common dolphins in the deep ocean off Costa Adeje, Tenerife.

Information on the Common dolphin seen along Costa Adeje in Tenerife, Canary Islands.

Common Dolphin Info

The Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) can be found in most of the worlds oceans in the warm temperate and tropical waters. They are a smaller cetacean species reaching approximately 1.8 meters in length and 130 kilograms. Unlike their name suggests they have a very uncommon appearance with a dark grey back and bright yellow sides with a white belly. They live for approximately 40 years.

The Common dolphins here are often seen in pods of 10 – 20 individuals, mixed with adults, juveniles and babies. They are highly social and energetic mixing with other species of dolphins, baleen whales and tuna fish. Common dolphins hunt in the upper water column for small schooling fish and squid. They can be found near areas of deep ocean bordering on steep drop offs where upwelling produces abundant food – like Tenerife.