Updated April 2024
Many locals can list several whales that might be seen offshore. Yet many are surprised to hear that we have dolphins in New England! Generally, people think of dolphins as being coastal inhabitants of the southeast. But venture out 5 miles or so, and you may see a pod of Atlantic white-sided dolphins! This species is the 4th most common species of cetacean to be seen on local whale watching boats (after fin, minke and humpback whales).
Where are they?
Atlantic white-sided (AWS) dolphins live within the Gulf of Maine year-round and are occasionally seen as far south as Long Island, NY. The closest to shore we have seen them is around the Isles of Shoals (5 miles off the coast of NH and ME), but more commonly are around 10-20 miles offshore. They can even be found as far as 100-200 miles offshore!
What do they look like?
AWS dolphins do not look like “Flipper” (bottlenose dolphins). Their markings are much more detailed. Their backs, flippers and flukes are black. Then they have 3 stripes (white, tan and gray), and their bellies are white! They are a little smaller than “Flipper” at about 7-9 feet in length and have a shorter beak.
What do they eat?
Being a type of toothed whale (odontocete), all dolphins have teeth in both their upper and lower jaws and can echolocate. AWS dolphins have between 120-160 sharp teeth! These teeth are not used to chew their food like we do, but instead are used to grab a quick swimming, small fish (like herring, mackerel and whiting) or squid, and then they swallow their prey whole. Their echolocation helps them to hone in on a single fish in a school as well as to navigate their surroundings. They are also highly social and are known to hunt cooperatively so that the whole pod gets enough to eat.
How many dolphins are in a pod?
Dolphin pods vary a lot in size. Sometimes we just see 1-2 dolphins, and other times we could see 100’s! The average pod size around Jeffreys Ledge is about 40 dolphins. Research from 1980s and 1990s shows that pod size increases monthly from May through September. (Weinrich, et al. 2001. Marine Mammal Science 17: 231-248).
Why is this species one of the “unsung heroes of whale watching”?
Behavior! AWS dolphins are very social with each other and with us. Their curious nature often brings them close to the boat. We see them swimming right next to us, turning on their side to get a better look up at us! When it is time to go, these dolphins frequently like to surf in our wake and even jump our wake! Occasionally we even get a few that choose to bow-ride right underneath the bow pulpit! Talk about up-close looks! Our guests on board repeatedly say that the dolphins were the best part of the trip!
How likely are we to see Atlantic white sided dolphins on a whale watching trip?
Although AWS dolphins are the 4th most commonly sighted species of cetacean in our area (Jeffreys Ledge region), on average we see them on 20-25% of whale watching trips. Some years we see more, other years we see less. The best chance of seeing these little whales is on calm days with little wind. Once the wind blows and the ocean surface gets choppy, our chances of spotting the dolphins decrease. Granite State Whale Watch is our company of choice in NH and MA. Reserve your spot to have the chance to see some fun, playful dolphins!
Learn More
Differences Between Dolphins and Porpoises
Other “Unsung Heroes of Whale Watching”
