Escursioni nel Santuario dei Cetacei in Liguria | Whalewatching nel Mediterraneo | Birdwatching nel Golfo Ligure Delfino comune (Delphinus delphis)

The common Dolphin, despite its name, has been sighted very rarely in the Ligurian Sea in the last 20 years. It is very difficult to meet it and it is almost impossible to spot entire herds of this species in the Pelagos Sanctuary.

The latest sightings made by us or by other research institutes in the Ligurian Sea report some individuals, maximum three, associated with herds of striped dolphins.

The two species are easily confused, because the main difference in coloration is visible only in the side of the animal, which is not always visible during sightings. Striped dolphins and common dolphins have very similar behavior, swimming speed and body shape, but the latter have a typical dark triangle-shaped design on their sides with the apex facing downwards and reach a maximum size of 2 meters.

The common dolphin’s diet is mainly based on oily fish.

Sightings of common dolphins carried out by the boats of the Consortium Liguria by sea:

2022: 1 common dolphin sighted in 77 outings 

2021: 2 common dolphins sighted in 55 outings

2020: 2 common dolphins sighted in 35 outings

2019: No common dolphins sighted in 33 outings

2018: No common dolphins sighted in 50 outings

2017: No common dolphins sighted in 39 outings

2016: 2 common dolphins sighted in 53 outings

2015: No common dolphins sighted in 43 outings

2014: 1 common dolphin sighted in 48 outings

2013: No common dolphins sighted in 55 outings

2012: No common dolphins sighted in 47 outings

2011 (data referring to the April-June period only): no common dolphin sighted in 20 outings

2010: No common dolphins sighted in 83 outings

To view the complete list of sightings click here.

See photos of common dolphins spotted on our outings.