The common dolphin is no exception. They are both active and boisterous. They do various flips and somersaults. They leap with their whole bodies out of the water. Smaller dolphins sometimes leap vertically.
Common dolphins play with one another in a somewhat rough fashion, rushing towards one another.
The favorite activity of the common dolphin, however, is bow-riding. They ride off ships and the pressure waves created by whales. They may stay with the vessel, jumping and playing, for a period of up to several hours. Common dolphins are also a very affectionate species. They care for their sick by using their fins to keep the ailing dolphin afloat so it may breathe.