Whether you’re going sailing as part of a tourist attraction or eating on a sunset dinner cruise, you might see a pod of playful dolphins in the water. The beautiful aquatic creatures are unique and interesting in many ways, from how they swim to how they sleep. Here are seven fun facts that you should know before you encounter a dolphin.

What to Know About Dolphins Before You Go Sailing

1. They Have Multiple Stomachs

Dolphins have two stomachs. One works to break down their food while the other one stores it, which promotes rapid digestion.

2. They Can Dive Deep

Although they’re often seen in shallow water while sailing, dolphins can dive to nearly 1,000 feet below sea level. The deepest dive on record was achieved by Tuffy, a U.S. Navy-trained dolphin who was registered at 990 feet.

3. There Are Several Species

There are currently 49 known species of dolphins that are categorized into five groups, or families. Four river dolphin families have one member each, and the remaining 38 species are part of the oceanic dolphin family. There are also seven types of 

4. They Have Healthy Appetites

As adults, dolphins typically consume 4% to 6% of their body weight, or about 12 to 30 pounds each day (compare this to American humans, who on average eat about 5 pounds a day). They have teeth, but they don’t chew—they just use them to break their food into bite-sized pieces.

5. They’re Only Ever Half Asleep

Dolphins only shut down half of their brains at bedtime. Because of this, they can stay awake and alert for at least 15 days in a row. They also keep one eye open at all times.  

6. They Have Pectoral Flippers

Anatomically, dolphin flippers are comparable to the arms and hands of land mammals. The bone structure looks similar to human hands, but the phalanges, or fingers, are shortened, modified, and held together with tougher connective tissue.

7. They’re Fast 

Dolphins typically cruise at about 11 to 12.5 kilometers per hour, or 6.8 to 7.8 miles per hour. At their top speed of 26.3 kilometers per hour (16.3 miles per hour), they leap to conserve energy.

If you want to see dolphins in open water, take a sunset sailing tour with Sea Maui in Lahaina, HI. Their trips from the Ka’anapali shore offer breathtaking 360-degree views of whales, dolphins, and other aquatic creatures. In addition to sea life, you’ll get to experience an incredible Maui sunset and feel the cool ocean breeze on their open-air layout boats. Call (808) 732-6284 to book your next adventure, or visit their website to learn more about their tours.