Guidelines for Safe and Sustainable Interactions with Dolphins

The Hawaiian Islands offer a unique opportunity for close encounters with one of the ocean’s most intelligent inhabitants: dolphins.

These highly social, intelligent, and playful creatures have demonstrated remarkable abilities to communicate, solve problems, and form complex social networks. Dolphins are not only fascinating from a scientific standpoint but also critical to the health of marine ecosystems, serving as indicators of ocean health. 

Dolphin encounters can be a transformative experience for humans and harmless for dolphins when conducted with respect and awareness. However, with the rise in dolphin tourism over the last few decades, it's more important than ever to understand that our interactions can significantly impact their well-being and survival.

To keep dolphins safe and contribute to the sustainability of dolphin tourism, follow these guidelines:

Keep your Distance 

Always maintain a respectful distance from dolphins. Federal guidelines recommend keeping at least 50 yards away to prevent stress and disrupting their natural behaviors, such as feeding, nursing, or resting.

Do Not Feed the Dolphins

Feeding dolphins can change their natural eating habits and make them depend on people for food. This can harm their capacity to find food on their own, disrupt their normal diet, and reduce their ability to survive independently.

Observe Quietly, Do Not Disturb

The most rewarding dolphin encounters happen when we quietly observe from a distance. If dolphins come close, stay calm and keep still to avoid startling them. It’s important not to swim after dolphins; watching them behave naturally is far more fulfilling and respectful.

Try to minimize your movements and noise and keep your interactions brief, as prolonged human presence can overwhelm dolphins and disrupt their behavior. 

Avoid Chasing or Encircling Dolphins

Never chase or encircle dolphins. These actions can stress them out, potentially causing aggressive behavior or forcing them to abandon important habitats. When dolphins are stressed, they are more likely to avoid human interactions.

Support Conservation Through Responsible Interaction

Choosing eco-friendly practices and supporting regulations that protect marine life are powerful ways to make a difference. By following these guidelines and respecting dolphins' natural behaviors, you enhance your experience and contribute positively to the well-being of these intelligent creatures.

Make a meaningful impact - explore our series of guidelines to discover the best ways to interact with marine animals safely and sustainably and help protect them for future generations.