Diving with dolphins used to be something that rarely happened, even though there are nearly forty known species living worldwide. Today, divers can experience a dive with dolphins in the Caribbean, Japan, and Mexico, as well as in some colder climates, such as Ireland. While encounters in the wild were once rare, they are becoming more common; and in some places, semi-captive and captive dolphin populations provide divers with the certainty that an encounter will occur.
Dolphin Basics
Dolphins are mammals, just as we are. They are carnivorous, eating a diet that consists primarily of fish and squid. With a large melon and a brain that is larger and more complex than that of most land dwelling mammals, they are known to be some of the most intelligent animals in the world; despite frequent predation by humans, they seem to enjoy interactions with us just as much as we enjoy diving with them, understanding which humans mean no harm.
Highly social, living in pods that normally number up to a dozen individuals, dolphins sometimes come together, forming superpods that number 1,000 or more individuals. They communicate using a wide range of vocalizations including clicks and whistles. Capable of solving problems, dolphins have been observed protecting not only their own kind, but swimmers and whales as well. They have been known to charge at sharks, and in New Zealand, a dolphin named Moko was observed guiding a female Pygmy Sperm Whale and her calf out of a shallow area where they had been stranded. Dolphins seem to exhibit something akin to what we call love, staying beside sick and injured companions. They can be aggressive too; males will fight over females. In addition, they can teach one another skills; usually adults teach juveniles learned behaviors.
As social as they are, it is no surprise that dolphins love to play. They engage in mock battles with one another, and sometimes they’ll pester turtles or birds. They enjoy riding waves and are often seen surfing near boats’ bows.
When diving with dolphins, keep this in mind, and remember that even captive dolphins have strong instincts. Last but not least, remember that dolphins can defend themselves if threatened; while rare, dolphin attacks have happened.
Wild Dolphin Encounters
By far the most magical of dolphin encounters, experiencing a visit from wild dolphins is absolutely unforgettable. If you tend to dive in areas where these beautiful mammals are numerous, then your chances of an encounter increases; still, some people dive for years and never see dolphins.
Wild dolphins, like captive and semi-captive dolphins, love to play. They also love to move quickly, and in some areas, like the Bahamas, they seem to show up whenever they hear Diver Propulsion Vehicles in the water. They seem to know whether you’re feeling playful or not, and while they will allow you to take photos, they prefer you to pay attention to them and engage in fun communication games. If you’re too focused on your photos, the dolphins will often leave.
Often, wild dolphins arrive quickly; sometimes they will surprise you as they come in close for a look. Unlike fish and sharks, dolphins can blink, and they’ll often blink their eyes at you and initiate eye contact. Resist the urge to touch! Let the dolphins decide how the encounter will go. If you move around a lot, rolling, blowing bubbles, and doing headstands, you’ll keep them interested, and they will motivate you by making whistling and clicking noises, often joining in the fun. The sillier you act, the more the dolphins will want to spend time with you.
Dive operators in places like the Bahamas and Bimini have befriended wild dolphins, and can often provide some certainty of an encounter.
Semi-Captive Dolphin Encounters
Semi-Captive dolphins are often fed from dive boats, and they’ll follow boats out to dive sites, then interact with divers. They seem to enjoy the best of both worlds, being fed and protected, yet being brought out into open water to play each day. Often, these dolphins are part of important conservation and research programs designed to enhance human knowledge of wild dolphin populations.
Like wild dolphins, semi-captive dolphins like to play. In some places, such as at Unexso on Grand Bahama, and at Anthony’s Key Resort at Roatan, where the Roatan Institue for Marine Science has its headquarters, the animals encourage caresses and touching; only touch a semi captive dolphin if you have been advised that it is alright to do so by the dive operator or other staff. Remember to allow the dolphin to initiate any contact; respecting space ensures the animals are not stressed, and permits them to enjoy the experience just as much as you do. Usually, these dolphins are very excited to play with divers. The usual procedure involves your group heading to a site, diving to the bottom, and waiting for the dolphins to approach.
Diving With Captive Dolphins
Be careful which captive dolphin programs you decide to support. Many captive programs are designed with research and conservation in mind, and in this case, the dolphins will be kept in huge enclosures that allow them to hunt and interact with each other. One such place is Dolphin Discovery in Cozumel’s Chankanaab National Marine Park. Here, even small children can interact with dolphins, which are thrilled to play with divers.
Avoid patronizing an irresponsible venue that seems to exist solely for the enrichment of its proprietors; too often, the dolphins they keep are not cared for properly. Do your research before deciding where to dive with captive dolphins, and you may end up helping scientists to gain important knowledge that will help wild dolphin populations to thrive.
While you should never chase or pursue these dolphins, touching is usually encouraged; still, be sure that contact is approved beforehand and remember to let the dolphins set the tone for the encounter. Even though these are not wild dolphins, you’re still visiting their home.
Dolphins have few natural predators; the greatest threat to their survival is human encroachment, hunting, and pollution. Along with loss of habitat and collisions with boats, accidental capture in nets poses a risk to their safety. Sadly, many of the fish they eat are contaminated with heavy metals and this contamination is passed on to the dolphins themselves. Careful conservation and responsible choices, such as selecting only fish that is certified to be dolphin safe, can help ensure these magnificent animals survival.