Dolphins abroad and while traveling: are they dangerous, where do you encounter them, where can you see them?

What are dolphins?

• Dolphins, they swim in the water, but they are not fish! Dolphins are marine mammals that belong to the same group as whales.
• Dolphins can live almost as long as humans, they live between 55 and 60 years.
• The dolphins in the sea are the most well-known, but there are also four species of dolphins living in fresh water.
• They are highly intelligent animals. Like elephants, dolphins can form strong bonds and feel sadness. They are also among the few animals that have passed the mirror test (recognizing themselves in a mirror).
• Not only do dolphins help members of their group when they have problems or are injured, there are also known cases where dolphins helped other animals and even people.
• Dolphin populations are also threatened by human influences all over the world. The biggest problems are that they end up as bycatch in fishing nets and pollution of their habitats.

Where to see dolphins in the wild abroad?

• You can see dolphins in so many places all over the world. Make sure you go on an animal-friendly tour that follows clear guidelines. Here are some well-known places:
  • Australia: including Daintree in Queensland and Monkey Mia in Western Australia
  • Canada: Vancouver Island
  • Ecuador: Galapagos Islands and Isla de la Plata
  • Egypt: Marsa Alam
  • Indonesia: Bali
  • Mozambique: Inhaca, Pemba or Bazaruto
  • New Zealand: including Kaikoura
  • Portugal: Azores and Madeira
  • Norway: Lofoten and Vesterålen
  • Seychelles
  • Spain: Tenerife
  • Sri Lanka: Kalpitiya
  • USA: Hawaii, San Juan Islands (Washington)
  • South Africa: including Durban
  • Freshwater dolphins can be found in the Amazon and Orinoco rivers in South America and in the Ganges, Indus and Irrawaddy river systems.

Where is the best place to swim with dolphins abroad?

• Australia: Bunburry and Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia Monkey Mia
• Bahamas
• Brazil: Fernando De Noronha
• Curacao
• Ecuador: Galapagos Islands
• Egypt: Marsa Alam
• Indonesia: Bali and Raja Ampat
• Mexico: Socorro Island
• New Zealand: Kaikoura
• USA: Hawaii (Kona)

Are dolphins dangerous?

• Dolphins are usually not dangerous, unless you disrespect the space and behavior of the wild animal.
• In that case, dolphins can be a danger. Dolphins are very smart, strong and are quite similar to humans in terms of social behavior. There are even indications that dolphins can commit murder (and not for food, or to defend themselves).
• Fortunately, this does not seem to be aimed at humans. Collisions between humans and wild dolphins certainly do occur, but are usually not that serious. There have been cases of broken ribs and bites by dolphins, among other things.

What are the most dangerous species of dolphins and why?

• Orcas! Yes, orcas are also dolphins. They are the largest dolphin species and can therefore do the most damage, if they wanted to.
• Because in general, wild orcas are not aggressive towards people. However, orcas in captivity have attacked people several times, but what do you expect when you lead such a stressful, unhealthy and boring life.
• There are also known cases of bottlenose dolphins where they felt threatened and showed aggressive behavior.

What to do if you encounter a dolphin in the wild?

• Always keep sufficient distance (about 45 meters) and never approach the dolphin yourself, but let the dolphin come to you.
• Do not touch dolphins, but watch them with your eyes!
• Do not feed them either, no matter how tempting it is, because this can disrupt their natural behavior and affect their health.

What to do when a dolphin attacks you?

• Then try to get away quickly…

Can you volunteer or intern with dolphins?

• You certainly can! Most opportunities are found on research boats, but there are also some dolphin sanctuaries.
• For example, you can help with research (data collection), education and conservation.

What should you do if you are going to work with dolphins during your volunteer work, internship or study.

• Make sure you find a good, ethical organization. Some organizations are more focused on tourism and not good for the animals.
• For example, you can pay attention to whether the animals live in captivity or whether the organization focuses on wild animals, and for example whether they are education-oriented.

Where is the best place to work with dolphins?

• Australia: Bunburry
• Curacao
• Spain: Canary Islands
• Tanzania: Zanzibar