Commerson’s Dolphin
Type
Animal Encounter
Best For
Families
Small, swift and very distinctive—a Commerson’s coloration consists of mainly black on the head, fin and flipper regions and mostly white in the other areas of the body. The dorsal fin is small and rounded at the tip and the beak is small or unnoticeable. Females are typically larger than males.
Commerson’s dolphins are one of the smallest dolphins and are found in shallow, coastal waters of the sub-Antarctic. They range from the tip of South America (Peninsula Valdes to Tierra del Fuego), through the Strait of Magellan, around the Falkland Islands and the Kerguelen Islands. They feed on krill, cuttlefish, squid, shrimp and small fishes.
Catch a glimpse of the Commerson's dolphin swimming beside you on the Dolphin Plunge®, or observe them at a more leisurely pace as you float along Loggerhead Lane.
- The dolphins are a wonderful addition to this water park.
- It’s nice to take a break from the rides and watch these adorable dolphins.
Tips & Facts
- The Commerson’s dolphin is named after the French botanist, naturalist and explorer Philibert Commerson, who wrote about them during his travels to South America in 1767.
- They are one of the smallest dolphins and can be anywhere between 4ft and 5.5ft long.
- Catch a glimpse of them when you ride Dolphin Plunge, or observe them at a more leisurely pace as you float along Loggerhead Lane.
