10 Fascinating facts about dolphins that will surprise you

Have you ever wondered what makes dolphins so special? Or how they manage to communicate with each other?

Dolphins are one of the most adorable marine species, and also one of the most enigmatic. Their intelligence, social behavior, and ability to interact with the environment and with humans make them some of the most fascinating animals on the planet.

Want to discover some amazing facts about them?

10 Dolphin facts you probably didn’t know

Dolphins are incredible animals, and their skills and behaviors are surprising. These marine mammals possess impressive qualities that demonstrate not only their intelligence but also their adaptability. Below are some fascinating dolphin facts you may not know:

1. Dolphins have their own “name”
   From birth, each dolphin emits a unique sound that functions as a “name” and allows them to be identified by other members of the group.
2. They can recognize themselves in a mirror
   Dolphins can recognize themselves in a mirror, which demonstrates self-awareness— a rare ability in the animal kingdom shared only by some primates and elephants.
3. Their communication is very complex
   They use a wide variety of sounds, such as clicks and whistles, to communicate and convey information. Studies show that there are even regional dialects among dolphin groups.
4. They sleep with one hemisphere of the brain awake
   Dolphins practice uni-hemispheric sleep, where only one hemisphere of their brain rests while the other remains alert. This allows them to continue breathing and stay aware of predators.
5. They help fishermen in some regions
   In certain places, dolphins cooperate with fishermen to herd schools of fish into nets, in exchange for a portion of the catch. This demonstrates their capacity for cooperation.
6. They don’t have a sense of smell, but use echolocation
   Although they don’t have a sense of smell, dolphins navigate and hunt using a sophisticated echolocation system that detects high-frequency sounds reflected by objects in their environment.
7. Dolphins’ skin regenerates quickly
   The skin of dolphins regenerates every two hours, helping them maintain agility and speed while swimming.
8. Impressive leaps with multiple functions
   In addition to aiding respiration, jumps are used for communication, increasing speed, and escaping from predators.
9. They form deep social bonds
   Dolphins are extremely social and care for one another. From birth, mothers form strong bonds with their calves and teach them hunting techniques.
10. Did you know dolphins use tools?
    In some regions, dolphins use marine sponges to protect their snouts while searching for food on the ocean floor— proof of their intelligence and adaptability.
    

Where can you see dolphins in their natural habitat?

If, after reading these amazing facts, you’re eager to see dolphins, know that Nazaré is home to many of these animals!

This charming destination on the coast of Portugal offers the opportunity to observe dolphins in their natural habitat while enjoying an unforgettable stay at the Ohai Resort.

We offer various accommodation options, from bungalows to glamping experiences, ideal for nature lovers. We also provide a diverse range of recreational and educational activities for the whole family, where you can learn more about marine life and dolphin behavior in their ecosystem.

If you’ve always wanted to see dolphins up close, Ohai Nazaré offers the chance to experience this without interfering with their natural habitat. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!