One of the most popular activities for visitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast is a dolphin cruise. It’s always a thrill to spot wild creatures in their natural habitat. The first sighting of a dolphin breaking the surface of the water can create a memory to last a lifetime.
Here in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, we love sharing the waters with our resident bottlenose dolphins. Note that our area does not offer “swimming with dolphin” experiences; since this is their natural habitat, interacting with humans in the water is considered to be detrimental to their health and wellbeing.
These playful aquatic mammals capture the hearts of all, young and old. We know they are thought to be some of the smartest animals on the planet. They communicate, socialize and play with each other, as well as work together to feed their pod.
Check out these five fun facts about common bottlenose dolphins:
- They have two stomachs, just like a cow. One stores the food and the other is for digestion.
- Bottlenose dolphins grow up to 13 feet long and can weigh 1,300 pounds.
- Female dolphins give birth to a calf every three to six years. The calf comes out tail first.
- Dolphins can hear a frequency range 10 times broader than that of a human. They have excellent vision in and out of the water, but do not have a good sense of smell.
- Bottlenose dolphins can live 40 to 60 years in the wild.
Dolphins are wild creatures—when you’re on the water you are in their habitat. The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits harassing, hunting, capturing, killing or feeding dolphins. If you encounter a dolphin in the wild, be Dolphin SMART:
- Stay at least 50 yards from dolphins.
- Move away cautiously if dolphins show signs of disturbance.
- Always put your engine in neutral when dolphins are near.
- Refrain from swimming with, touching, or feeding wild dolphins.
- Teach others to be Dolphin SMART.
Respect these beautiful creatures while you admire them and they’ll continue to live and play here for future generations to enjoy.