Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis): The most abundant dolphin species in the Caribbean. They are known for their playful behavior and distinctive hourglass-shaped markings.
Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): These intelligent and social dolphins are frequently encountered in coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They are known for their curious nature and acrobatic displays.
Atlantic Spotted Dolphins (Stenella frontalis): These dolphins have distinctive spots on their bodies. They are often found in groups of hundreds and are known for their high-speed bursts of movement.
Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris): These acrobatic dolphins are named for their spinning behavior. They are common in offshore waters and often form large pods.
Pantropical Spotted Dolphins (Stenella attenuata): Similar to Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, but with more rounded spots and a more slender build. They can be found in both nearshore and offshore waters.
Rough-toothed Dolphins (Steno bredanensis): These dolphins have distinctive rough teeth and are often found in deeper waters.
Other species occasionally sighted in the Caribbean include:
* Short-finned Pilot Whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus): These whales are closely related to dolphins and can form large pods.
* Fraser's Dolphins (Lagenodelphis hosei): This rare species is occasionally sighted in the Caribbean.
* Striped Dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba): More common in the Atlantic Ocean, but some sightings have been recorded in the Caribbean.
It's important to note that the distribution and abundance of dolphins in the Caribbean can vary depending on factors such as season, water temperature, and prey availability.
If you're interested in seeing dolphins in the Caribbean, consider taking a whale watching tour or snorkeling/diving trip. However, remember to respect these intelligent creatures and their habitats.