Dolphin or Porpoise?

October was the month of Dolphin sightings in Newport!  We have seen dolphins on almost every sail this month.  The sightings have lead us to the question - what is the difference between a Dolphin and a Porpoise?

They are different families (dophins: Delphinidae; porpoises Phocoenidae). The main differences are dolphins have a longer snout, conical teeth, and a larger dorsal fin (often curved) and porpoises have rounded snouts, smaller dorsal fins, and flat teeth. The social groups of dolphins are generally larger and more closely knit.

Here are a few more photos Captain Duncan took of our October dolphin sightings and a great video Mate Gus shot!