scubaseason

Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

Sighting evidence at The Smalls Reef, Wales (Pembrokeshire)

Common Dolphin

Photo: Leo · © all rights reserved

Superpods of common dolphins numbering hundreds of individuals sweep past The Smalls during the summer and autumn mackerel migration, and dolphins frequently bowride the charter boats out to the reef. Underwater encounters are briefer but electrifying — the dolphins are extremely fast and may pass through a diver's field of vision in seconds, filling the water with echolocation clicks. The offshore location of The Smalls puts it directly in the path of migratory dolphin movement through the Celtic Sea.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Common Dolphin is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites