Have you ever seen a group of dolphins swimming next to a boat? If so, they were probably leaping, diving, and splashing. As you watched this display, you may have wondered: Why do dolphins follow boats? Do they do it for fun, or is there another reason? Continue reading to discover why dolphins follow boats and which seafaring vessels these marine mammals find irresistible.
Why Do Dolphins Follow Boats?
Naturally playful, dolphins enjoy swimming in the wake of a boat, where their bodies are carried along on the waves, allowing them to move faster than usual.
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Along with their intelligence, dolphins (Delphinus) have a strong sense of curiosity. The boat’s motion, its sounds, and the water disturbance grab dolphins’ attention, prompting them to see what the commotion is about. They will approach the boat and swim alongside it to study this fast-moving object and observe the people on board. While other sea creatures would hide or swim away from the commotion, dolphins are more likely to investigate.
Food is another reason dolphins follow boats. Once a dolphin gets a reward for following a boat, it is likely to repeat the behavior. Feeder fish can be stirred to the surface in the wake of a boat, making them easy prey. People on boats will throw fish overboard to attract dolphins and encourage them to follow along. However, this technique is not recommended as it can place the dolphins at risk of being struck by a boat, becoming entangled in or ingesting fishing gear, and losing their innate wariness of humans.
Sometimes dolphins swim near boats to show off their jumping or diving skills. When those on board are clapping, calling out to them, and giving them lots of attention, dolphins are likely to put on a show. Dolphins are friendly marine mammals that delight in attention.
What Types of Boats Do Dolphins Follow?
Dolphins, classified as toothed whales, are drawn to fast, loud boats.
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Dolphins follow boats of all sizes. Boats that create large wakes are especially attractive to dolphins, who utilize the motion created by the boat to swim faster than usual without expending energy. Speedboats, which make a lot of noise and move through the water quickly, are a favorite.
Commercial fishing ships are also enticing to dolphins. The fish being caught by the crew are the same ones that dolphins find appetizing. Unfortunately, dolphins can become ensnared in commercial fishing nets when following these boats too closely.
Though dolphins are not typically attracted to slow-moving, motorless boats, their curiosity may get the better of them if they notice the oars dipping in the water, or people talking or playing music.
