Dolphins are among the animals that fascinate humans the most. They’re studied often, and even people who aren’t scientists go on dolphin excursions to learn about them. Experts say that some species have near-human intelligence and even argue that they should be considered people. Therefore, it’s worth asking the question: do dolphins form friendships like humans do?

Basic Social Bonds

Dolphins are social animals. They communicate with each other using whistles, and even have unique sounds for each other that function as names. Dolphins can bond so closely that, even after spending 20 years apart, they can still recognize each other’s names.

They also don’t just make friends based on proximity like many animals. Dolphins have been found to make friends based on shared interests. Males who share the same foraging technique associate with each other more than they do with others. They bond over this trait, just like humans do.

Close Relationships

Dolphins have close bonds within their group. When two clusters live in the same area, they tend to form cliques and stay away from each other by frequenting the shared space at different times.

Some dolphins can even form what look like best friendships after spending a lot of time together. They’ll swim in sync and even touch flippers akin to how humans hold hands to show their affection.

If you want to see these friendships up close on a dolphin excursion, head out with EŌ Wai'anae Tours. They provide catamaran tours of the west coast of Oahu, featuring beautiful views of the water and interactions with dolphins and other sea creatures. You can fully immerse yourself with snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking in the ocean. Visit their website to learn more about their dolphin excursions, or call (808) 699-5910 to book your tour today.