They appear playful and can often be seen leaping out of the water. They typically live for 25 years, although animals as old as 50 years have been recorded. Females reach sexual maturity between the ages of 5 and 12, and may give birth to a single calf every 2 to 3 years - look out for newborn calves any time between March and September. The calf may be helped to the surface by its mother for its first breath of air. If the mother is weak, she may be assisted by other female dolphins in the school.
Adults have a clearly defined beak and a tall, sickle-shaped dorsal fin which curves backwards.
They are between 3.1 and 3.8 metres in length and weigh between 180 and 300 kilograms. The dolphins can be seen all year round but the summer months are best. As well as bottlenose dolphins you may also see seals and occasionally sightings of harbour porpoises and minke whales in late summer. There are a number of accredited wildlife cruise operators in the area and sightings are also possible from land. Scotland has lots of dolphins and whales.