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Common dolphin

Delphinus delphis

Megapods — sometimes thousands strong — are the most reliable wildlife show off SoCal. Bow-rides nearly every trip.

Stats

At a glance

LENGTH
6–8 ft
WEIGHT
150–200 lbs
LIFESPAN
25–35 yrs
DIET
Schooling fish, squid
RARITY
Daily
SEASON
Year-round
How to ID

What to look for

Hourglass side pattern, megapods of hundreds to thousands.
BEHAVIORS TO WATCH FOR
Bow-ridingMegapod travelSynchronized leaping
When

Best months to see

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Archive

Last 30 days

Total seen
43,642
Days active
30/30
Last seen
May 1
DAILY SIGHTING COUNT HOVER A BAR
TODAY
Book

Operators that often spot this species

NW
Newport Whales
NEWPORT BEACH · NEXT 11:00 AM
Visit →
DL
Davey's Locker
NEWPORT BEACH · NEXT 12:30 PM
Visit →
DW
Dana Wharf
DANA POINT · NEXT 10:00 AM
Visit →
HB
Harbor Breeze
LONG BEACH · NEXT 12:00 PM
Visit →
FC
Flagship Cruises
SAN DIEGO · NEXT 1:30 PM
Visit →