If you plan to sail the waters around Maui, you may catch a glimpse of a variety of sea animals, including spinner dolphins. As one of the island’s biggest tourist attractions, these mammals are known for their beauty and majestic leaps. Before you head off on your boating trip, check out these interesting facts about the dolphins you’ll encounter.

5 Fun Facts About Spinner Dolphins

1. Colors

Many people are surprised to learn these beautiful creatures are not a single color. The dorsal area, or the back of the dolphin, is a dark gray, and its bottom half is white while the sides are light gray.

2. Feeding Habits

Spinner dolphins are nocturnal, so they eat at night as a group. Their diet consists of squid, small fish, and shrimp, which tend to swim close to the ocean’s surface after sundown. After feeding, the dolphins rest in shallow coastal areas. 

3. Leaps

One reason why spinner dolphins make such an intriguing tourist attraction is their ability to spin and leap out of the water. However, marine experts are unsure why these mammals display this behavior when many other dolphins do not. One theory is that their movements are a form of communication within their group. Another theory is that they spin to clean their bodies.

4. Size

These beautiful marine animals may not be as big as whales, but they are still quite large. Most spinner dolphins can reach up to seven feet in length, and they typically weigh between 130 to 170 pounds. Females are smaller than males. 

5. Communication

While their leaps and spins may be a form of communication, spinner dolphins also speak using vocal clicks and whistles. Communication is crucial for these animals because they hunt as a group and use sound to locate each other as they search for food.

Head out to see Hawaiian spinner dolphins with Sea Maui. Based in Lahaina, this well-known tourist attraction offers a variety of breathtaking events for visitors and locals, from snorkeling in West Maui among tropical fish and coral reefs to sunset sailing trips for small groups. Call (808) 732-6284 to book your trip, or visit them online to learn more about their tours.