Dolphins in Bunaken Marine Park

Today we saw dolphins in Bunaken Marine Park which is always a sign of good luck and brightens up everyone’s surface interval. Here at Two Fish Divers Bunaken, we sometimes spot these curious mammals from the boat when we move dive sites or head to and from the resort – and we even do Dolphin Tours. If you are really lucky you will see them diving or snorkeling but they are a bit afraid of people and won’t hang around for long once you get in the water.

Dolphins probably are the most loved sea mammals by humans. Every little child knows what a dolphin looks like and knows some facts about them. But do you know the following fun facts?

Dolphin Facts

There around 40 species of dolphins and the most common one is bottlenose dolphins. All species of dolphins live in groups called ‘pods’ which can contain a dozen through to hundreds of individuals. In those groups female dolphins are called ‘cows’, males are called ‘bulls’ and young dolphins are called ‘calves’.

Dolphins really love to play whether they’re alone or in a group. They can jump out of the water, ride waves and have boundless energy for play fighting. They sometimes interact with humans swimming in the water too. That is why dolphins are so popular in human culture.

Dolphins can communicate with each other thanks to some clicks and whistles. Surprisingly scientists have also discovered that dolphins give themselves names! Actually they develop their own individual whistles and they can recognize theirs and other dolphins’ names. Sadly even if it has been proved that dolphins can communicate many aspects of their language and how they communicate are still unknown.

Dolphins are able to use echolocation for finding the exact location of objects which helps them to hunt. Even if they got around 100 teeth they don’t use those teeth for chewing. Instead, they rather use them for catching the fish which they then just swallow whole. Actually they don’t have jaw muscles allowing them to chew but they have 2 stomachs: one for storing food and one for digesting food later.

Another fun fact about dolphins is how they sleep. Dolphins have the capability to switch off one side of their brain to get some rest. By resting one hemisphere of their brain at a time, dolphins can continue swimming, breathing, and watching for predators 24/7. Usually, they turn off one part of their brain for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Brain scientists believe that comparing the ratio of the size of a dolphin’s brain to its body, dolphins take 2nd place in brain to body ratio – right after the humans!

Dolphins are also the only animals which give birth with the baby coming out tail first. The reason is the calf would drown if it was the other way. Most cows (female dolphins) carry their babies for 9 to 17 months and typically the calf will stay with its mother for the next 1 to 7 years, before mating and having its own calves.

If you are curious about them and want to see this incredible animal in its natural environment you should come and join us at Two Fish Divers Bunaken for a dolphin tour in Bunaken Marine Park or come diving and get the chance to see them from the boat or maybe even underwater!

For more information, or to make a reservation, fill in the form below and we will get right back to you!