Common Dolphins in the Clyde
- Cairnies Quay Moorings
- Apr 15
- 1 min read
Common dolphins are occasionally seen in the Firth of Clyde, although sightings are less frequent than some of the other species found in Scottish waters. This clip was filmed in August 2025 from the yacht Ondina, moored at Cairnies Quay, in the waters between Largs and Cumbrae. It was a memorable moment on the water, particularly for the youngest sailor in the moorings association.
Common dolphins are fast, social animals that usually travel in groups, or pods. They are recognised by their distinctive hourglass pattern along the side of their body and are often seen breaching and bow-riding alongside boats.
In Scotland, the most commonly recorded dolphin species is the bottlenose dolphin, particularly along the east coast. Harbour porpoises are also frequently seen from the Quay and are often mistaken for dolphins, although they are smaller, have a small blunt head with no beak and tend to be more elusive, rarely breaching from the water.
Sightings of common dolphins on the west coast are less predictable, but they do occur, particularly during the warmer months when they may follow shoals of fish into coastal waters.
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