Humans are drawn to dolphins because of their grace, beauty, and, perhaps most of all, their friendliness. One reason dolphin excursions are so popular is that dolphins don’t shy away from people, and often swim up to visitors, perform water acrobatics, and chatter with swimmers as if they’re welcoming old friends. Dolphins communicate with each other and other species in many ways. If you’re planning a dolphin excursion, using the following information will help you understand what these aquatic mammals are trying to say. 

Understanding Dolphin Communication

What Their Vocal Sounds Mean

Dolphins rely on sounds to communicate more than any other method, likely because sounds travel quickly through the water. They speak to other animals using pure tones, such as whistles, chirps, and screams, as well as pulsed sounds, such as brief clicks. Scientists who have studied dolphins have determined that each dolphin has a unique signature whistle it uses to identify itself to friends and family. If you hear a dolphin whistle, it is their way of saying hello and telling you their name. Dolphins under duress will sound squeaks, and an aggressive one might repeatedly click to tell you to move away.

What Their Movements Mean

Dolphins who are playful will often jump and leap out of the water for people on dolphin excursions, but this gesture can also serve as a way for them to look for predators. When they surface partially, exposing their heads and eyes above water, it’s known as spy hopping—a way to observe their surroundings. When they gently or lightly bump against one another or people, they’re being friendly and trying to achieve a response. Dolphins who lift their tails or flippers out of the water to slap them to create noise are generally warning others of danger. However, many have learned to adapt this communication to solicit food or playtime. 

Visitors to the West Coast of Oahu will find exciting dolphin excursions available through Dolphin Excursions Hawaii. Tours depart from Waianae Boat Harbor and travel along the coast to see spinner dolphins and other marine wildlife. For more than 20 years, their experienced and lifeguard-certified professionals have helped visitors connect with dolphins and whales. To book your excursion, call (808) 239-5579 or visit them online today.