Dolphins are among the ocean’s most majestic creatures. These aquatic mammals are well-known for their intelligence and friendliness. One of the best ways to get close to dolphins and observe them in their natural habitat is by scheduling a dolphin tour or excursion. Dolphin excursions near Hawaii offer the opportunity to see bottle-nose or spinner dolphins, but did you know that there are many other members of the Delphinidae family?

4 Dolphin Relatives to Learn About Before Your Dolphin Excursion

1. Right Whale Dolphins

At first glance, you may not think to classify right whale dolphins as part of the Delphinidae family. That’s because these slender dolphins, native to the Northern Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, feature a black upper body, white bellies, and no dorsal fin. Little is known about their behavior and habits, although they often travel in large groups of up to 3,000 at a time.

2. Melon-Headed Whales

Despite their name, melon-headed whales are dolphins. Closely related to the pygmy killer whale, melon-headed whales inhabit tropical and sub-tropical waters including South Africa, the Philippines, Southern England, and Hawaii. This species uses a series of high-pitched clicks and whistles to communicate, and their echolocation is so advanced they can distinguish between food, objects, and predators in their area. If you are planning a dolphin excursion, don’t be surprised if you spot a few melon-headed whales; they are known to travel in groups of 100 to 1,000 and will swim alongside bottle-nosed or spinner dolphins.

3. Pilot Whales

Pilot whales are among some of the largest variations of dolphins, and can be divided into two species — long- and short-finned pilot whales. These species can grow up to 23 feet and weigh over seven tons. Pilot whales are best identified by their dark grey or black color, although there are often lighter patches near the dorsal fin or belly. You can spot these dolphins in the Southern Ocean near Chile, New Zealand, Argentina, or the Northern Atlantic from the coast of South Carolina to Iceland.

4. Orca Whales

Orca whales, or killer whales, are the largest members of the dolphin species. They are easily identified by their black bodies, often featuring a white underside. They can grow up to 26 feet long and can weigh up to 6.9 tons. Orca whales live in oceans throughout the world, although they are most commonly seen in the northern hemisphere. In 2005, orca whales were placed on the United States’ endangered species list due to numerous factors, including habitat loss and pollution.

If you are planning a trip to Hawaii and would like to schedule a dolphin excursion or whale watching tour, check out Dolphin Excursions Hawaii. Based out of Waianae, HI, they specialize in snorkeling, dolphin watching, and other aquatic adventures. To book your trip call (808) 239-5579 or visit them online today.