Oh to Swim with Dolphins in Hawaii

Bottlenose Dolphins, Hawaii

There is no doubt that dolphins are one of the most interesting forms of aquatic life out there. They are easy to recognize and you likely already know they are very smart. Yet there are plenty of great facts about them that you may not know.

The dolphin is the only mammal that gives birth with the tail first instead of the head.

Young dolphins will remain with their mother for a period of 2 or 3 years.

A dolphin may be able to dive up to 1,000 feet.

The bonds of dolphins in a pod are very intense. They have been observed carrying for the sick, the elderly, and those that have been injured with great care.

Dolphins can swim at a speed of up to 25 miles per hour for a long time. This is about 3 times faster than the fastest humans in the world.

It is possible for a mature dolphin to eat up to 30 pounds of fish daily.

There are about 100 teeth in the mouth of a dolphin. They use the teeth to grab their prey but they don’t chew it. All food is swallowed whole.

Only one side of the dolphin’s brain sleeps at a time. This allows them to be able to breathe and to be able to watch for threats even while they are resting.

Dolphins enjoy socializing and playing. They play with seaweed or with other members of the pod. Sometimes, they will tease other living creatures in the water.

Up to 20 feet in the air is the distance that a dolphin can leap.