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Bottlenose Dolphins

Bottlenose Dolphins can be seen around Cornwall's coastline at any time of year, with a resident Southwest England pod of 36 identified individuals. They are usually are seen in pods but lone individuals are seen from time to time.
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About Bottlenose Dolphins

Scientific Name: Tursiops truncatus
The Southwest of England has a resident inshore pod of the Bottlenose Dolphins. Photo identification of their dorsal fins has identified 36 individuals and they travel around the sheltered inshore waters of our coastline.
Just like the Common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphins are also extremely sociable and playful, although they tend to live in smaller pods and can be less predictable in where they may show up. There are 36 known Bottlenose Dolphins that reside in the shallower waters around the Southwest coast, although larger offshore pods are occasionally sighted and sometimes even lone dolphins, searching for a new pod. The Bottlenose will mostly feast on fish and they communicate with each other by squeaking, clicking and whistling. Bottlenose Dolphins have occasionally been seen coming right into the Camel Estuary to chase fish.

 

How to identify this species:

  • 2.5- 3.8 metres in length
  • Mostly dark grey above and lighter grey or white belly
  • Often spotted inshore

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bottlenose dolphin jumping

40 years

Average Lifespan

Fish

Diet

600,000

Population

Did you know?

Dolphins actually name themselves just like humans, they develop their own unique whistle which is used by other dolphins to recognize them.

bottlenose dolphin jumping out of water

How often do you see Bottlenose Dolphins on a boat trip?

​Book a boat trip to be in with a chance of spotting these amazing animals. Bottlenose dolphins can be seen at any time of year around Cornwall and can be spotted from headlands, but to encounter them up close is a whole different experience. Our boat trips are an unforgettable adventure, where you can see some amazing scenery as we search for an array of sealife.

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FAQs about Bottlenose Dolphins

how long do bottlenose dolphins live

In the wild Bottlenose dolphins live between 30 to 50 years but in captivity they live for a lot shorter at around 13 years.

what do bottlenose dolphins eat?

Bottlenose Dolphins will feed on a variety of animals such as fish, squid, crab, shrimp and more, although their favourite food is fish and they consume up to 13.5kgs of food per day to keep them going!

do bottlenose dolphins migrate?

Dolphins in more northernly locations tend to migrate as seasons change moving into warmer waters during winter and can travel up to 3,000 miles to a new location.

how long can a bottlenose dolphin hold its breath?

An average Bottlenose dolphin can hold their breath for around 7-9 minutes but the maximum breath hold recorded is 14 minutes.

how many teeth does a bottlenose dolphin have?

Bottlenose Dolphins have around 80-100 teeth and unlike humans only get one set of teeth for life, so from birth they keep their teeth, but they don’t chew their food, their teeth are only used as a catching tool – they swallow prey whole.

is a bottlenose dolphin endangered?

Bottlenose dolphins are not an endangered species but they are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.

More of cornwall's amazing sealife...

Padstow Sealife Safaris give you the chance to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures. Depending on the time of year that you choose to visit, you’ll have the chance to see a number of different species.

Seals

One of Cornwall’s most beloved and regularly sighted residents. The UK is home to around 40% of the world’s entire population of this globally rare seal!
Learn about Seals

Dolphins

Become a dolphin expert learning everything from diet to their links with aliens! Learn all about our favourite marine friend.
Learn about Dolphins
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Harbour Porpoise

This loveable creature is rather shy. But the crew of the sealife safari vessels have clocked up considerable experience in knowing how to get the best views.
Learn about Harbour Porpoise

Seabirds

We are lucky to have a rich variety of habitats on our doorstep, attracting many different species of birds, both as residents and migrants passing through.
Learn about Seabirds

Jellyfish

Jellyfish can be found all over our UK coastlines as well as in all of the global oceans, but how much do you actually know about the magnificent jellyfish?
Learn about Jellyfish
Blue shark close up

Sharks

Sharks might have a fearsome reputation, but most rarely attack humans. They are a vital part of our ecosystem and we often spot sharks in Cornwall! 
Learn about Sharks

Whales

Think you need to travel much further afield to see whales? Think again! We are seeing an increasing number of whales in Cornwall and the UK, and your best chance for whale sightings is via our coastal boat trips.
Learn about Whales
Sunfish in cornwall

Fish

Become a fish expert learning everything from what they feed on to their behaviour! Learn all about fish that surround our beautiful coastline in Cornwall
Learn about Fish

start your ocean adventure today.

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Tel: +44 (0) 77 54 82 24 04

Find us: Padstow Harbour, Cornwall, PL28 8BP

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