Dolphins are among the most intelligent, playful creatures in the world, and they have a complicated system of behaviors to prove it. The actions below are all performed by the spinner dolphin, one of the most common types found around the Hawaiian Islands, and the ones you’d likely encounter during a dolphin excursion. While all of these habits may have more than one interpretation, here are some of the most likely reasons behind them.

5 Behaviors You Might Observe During Dolphin Excursions

1. Spinning

While several types of dolphin are known to leap from the water, the spinner is the only kind to perform the graceful acrobatics for which they’re named. Spinning in the air may simply be a way for them to express their excitement. It may also be to indicate their presence to others and tell them which direction they intend to go in. In addition, spinner dolphins may perform spins immediately after meeting humans on dolphin excursions.

2. Head-Slapping

Head-slaps create echoes in the water that allow dolphins to communicate with others. These may be a way of indicating which direction they wish to travel; dolphin pods have been observed changing direction immediately after performing head-slaps.

3. Tail-Slapping

Similar to the head-slap, tail-slapping also lets dolphins communicate to each other about direction. Specifically, it may let them warn one another about potential sources of danger and take evasive action to avoid it.

4. Nose Rubbing

Rubbing noses is a sign of affection in dolphin communities. They often greet each other this way in the morning, and friends will often rub noses as they swim together. Like humans, dolphins have complex social behaviors. Both ancient islanders and modern scientists have observed their friendliness toward one another and toward humans.

5. Whistling

Dolphins possess echolocation, an ability to locate things underwater based on how noises bounce off certain items. The clicking and whistling noises dolphins make assist them in hunting, but also allow them to communicate with one another. All dolphins have their own “names;” a unique identifying noise each one makes by whistling.

During a dolphin excursion in Hawaii, you’ll have the chance to observe these and other behaviors. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable team to take you on a dolphin watch, turn to Dolphin Excursions Hawaii. Located in Waianae, they have a team of marine biologists and naturalists on staff to help inform dolphin-watchers of what they’re seeing and why. They’ve been taking customers out on boats for more than 20 years, providing magical experiences that conclude with a complimentary meal back on shore at the Spinners Café. To learn more about the experience, visit them online or call (808) 239-5579 to speak to a friendly member of the team.