STRIPED DOLPHINS

Stenella coeruleoalba

Striped dolphins have unique markings with a distinct stripe pattern running along the length of both sides of the body.  They are found throughout offshore temperate and tropical zones of the world’s oceans. These dolphins travel in groups, typically numbering from a few dozen to 500 or more individuals.

In the Azores, striped dolphins are seen occasionally during the spring and summer months, usually from June to November/December. They are usually encountered further off the coastline than our resident bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins.

They are usually not as curious towards boats as other dolphin species in the Azores, but can occasionally bowride and seem to enjoy travelling at speed. Striped dolphins have a characteristic way of travelling very quickly, making long shallow leaps above the water and frequently changing direction. At times they can be seen together with common dolphins and we have even observed common dolphins imitating the striped dolphins’ typical way of travelling at speed and leaping out of the water in unison.

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