Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

Offshore Montauk

Short-beaked common dolphins travel in fast, splashing pods a few miles off Montauk in summer. CRESLI trip logs from Montauk record groups of about 100 to 200, and in July 2024 one aggregation of 400 to 500, often riding the bow wave of the boat.

Best time of day

Morning departures, calm seas

How to see

Board a CRESLI research cruise aboard the Viking Fleet out of Montauk Harbor; the trips that find whales regularly log common dolphin pods as well.

Operator

CRESLI / Viking Fleet+1 631-668-5700Book a trip ↗

Cost

$100 adult, $55 child 5-12, free under 5

Age

All ages (6+ recommended)

Accessibility

Main deck accessible; no wheelchair lift

Responsible viewing

Marine Mammal Protection Act: keep at least 50 yards away; never chase, feed or swim with them. Let pods approach the boat, not the other way round.

Weather / sea state

Sea state < 3; trips cancelled in heavy swell.