Are you fascinated by dolphins? Did you know that numerous species of dolphins live in the waters of Florida? With so many types of dolphins in Florida, it can be difficult to track them all.
Following our blog post, we’ll look at the different types of dolphins in Florida and where you might spot them.
From the common bottlenose to the less-seen rough-toothed dolphin, get to know the unique species of dolphins that call Florida home. Can we move now?
1. Atlantic Spotted Dolphin
The Atlantic Spotted Dolphin is one of the most commonly spotted types of dolphins in Florida waters.
As their name suggests, they have distinct skin spots ranging from light gray to dark brown.
These playful and social dolphins can often be seen jumping and leaping out of the water and are known for their acrobatic displays.
They are also frequently observed in large pods, sometimes numbering in the hundreds.
The best part is their diet, which mainly consists of small fish, squid, and shrimp.
2. Pantropical Spotted Dolphin
The Pantropical Spotted Dolphin is also one of Florida‘s most common types of dolphins.
They are easily recognizable by their unique spotted patterns, which vary in color from light gray to dark brown.
These dolphins are often spotted in groups of up to a hundred individuals and are known for their playful behavior and acrobatic leaps.
3. Fraser’s Dolphin
Fraser’s Dolphin is one of the rarest and most elusive types of dolphins in Florida.
These dolphins are only occasionally spotted off the coast and are characterized by their unique coloration and slender build.
Despite being relatively unknown, Fraser’s Dolphins are important indicators of the health of the ocean ecosystem and are an exciting sight for lucky visitors.
4. Spinner Dolphin
Spinner dolphins are one of the most acrobatic dolphins in the world.
They are commonly seen off the coast of Florida and are known for their spinning jumps out of the water.
Let me tell you the facts! These small dolphins are recognized by their long, slender snout and distinctive tri-colored pattern.
Spinner dolphins are highly social and often travel in groups of 100 or more individuals.
5. Striped Dolphin
The Striped Dolphin is also one of the medium-sized types of dolphins in Florida waters.
They have a distinct appearance with blue and white stripes along their body, which sets them apart from other dolphin species.
Striped Dolphins are very social and often seen in large groups of up to hundreds of individuals.
They are also known to be very acrobatic, with impressive jumping and spinning abilities.
While Striped Dolphins are not as commonly seen as other dolphin species in Florida, they are still an important part of the state’s diverse marine ecosystem.
6. Clymene Dolphin
The Clymene Dolphin is a relatively small dolphin species found in the waters off the coast of Florida.
They have a distinctive dorsal fin that is tall and curved, making them easy to identify.
These types of dolphins in Florida are highly social and are often found in large groups, swimming and playing together.
Despite being a less well-known dolphin species, the Clymene Dolphin is still an important part of Florida’s marine ecosystem.
7. Long-beaked Common Dolphin
Long, sleek fish between 6 and 8.5 feet (1.8 and 2.6 meters) in length, having long fins and a broad tail.
Common dolphins have a distinctive color pattern with hourglass-shaped gray and yellowish-tan markings on the sides. The body is mostly dark gray, with a pale gray or white belly.
Long-beaked Common dolphins live in tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters that are warm and close to the coast.
They are easier to observe than other dolphins in Florida because they hunt in very shallow water.
This species is excellent at cooperating to encircle schools of fish like sardines and anchovies.
8. Common Bottlenose Dolphin
You can’t believe a common bottlenose dolphin can be found in various settings.
Many populations easily migrate into harbors, bays, and estuaries along the coastline, whereas some live far offshore in frigid waters.
Due to their raucous and self-assured personalities, coastal populations of bottlenose dolphins are simple to observe as they approach boats and beaches. They are playful and acrobatic, and they enjoy bow riding.
And guess what? These dolphins are also quite social with various other animals, including whales.
A powerful, curving creature between 6 and 13 feet (1.8 and 4 meters) in length, with a stocky frame.
Depending on the temperature of their habitat, the back can be light or dark gray, while the belly can range from pale gray to buff.
9. Short-beaked Common Dolphin
As we draw the cotton, Short-beaked Common dolphins are widespread and adaptive. They can be found in various settings, from warm tropical waters to chilly arctic waters.
And the best part? However, they spend most of their time offshore, in deeper seas than the continental shelf.
They have a slightly different habitat choice compared to their long-beaked ancestors. They are a tiny species, 6 feet (1.8 meters) long, and with a stocky build.
Common dolphins have a distinctive color pattern with hourglass-shaped gray and yellowish-tan markings on the sides. The body is mostly dark gray, with a pale gray or white belly.
