Lagenorhynchus albirostris

SIZE: 2.4 – 3.1m

The white-beaked dolphin is one of the main dolphin species regularly seen around Iceland. Its thick-set, robust body with a substantial layer of blubber is well-suited to life in the North Atlantic, and white-beaked dolphins generally prefer water temperatures below 15°C.

Despite their name, not all white-beaked dolphins actually have a white beak. In fact, one study of adult dolphins found that only around 7% had completely white beaks. Their beaks can range from white to mottled or dark grey, particularly as they get older.

White-beaked dolphins can be encountered throughout the year in Iceland, in groups ranging from just two or three individuals to hundreds. In Breiðafjörður, they are often associated with long-finned pilot whales and can sometimes be seen travelling alongside them.

These dolphins can be incredibly active, sometimes leaping repeatedly high out of the water. They are also known for riding the bow wave of boats, sometimes delighting us by taking turns at the front of the boat as they are carried along by the wave we create. They may also surf the waves behind the boat, making for some unforgettable encounters.

White-beaked dolphins feed on a variety of fish, including cod, haddock and capelin.

Like other toothed whales, white-beaked dolphins are highly social and live in groups. They can mate and breed throughout the year, and we may encounter them at any time during the season on our whale watching tours, and sometimes on our puffin tours as well.