January 11, 2025, 9:34 am | Read time: 4 minutes
These are impressive images that can be seen again and again on social networks: Dolphins suddenly appear on the beach and “surf” in the waves – sometimes even right next to people in boats. But why do the animals do this?
Dolphins are intelligent social creatures and hold a special fascination for many people. According to biologist Ulrich Karlowski from the German Foundation for Marine Conservation, this could well be mutual. In fact, it seems as if these marine mammals sometimes seek proximity to us humans and swim next to boats. This sometimes results in unique images of dolphins gliding through the waves alongside surfers. A study has also looked into the subject of surfing dolphins.
Overview
Why Do Dolphins Surf?
“First of all, it should be said that not all dolphins surf. Species that swim near the coast, like bottlenose dolphins, orcas, or common dolphins, are often seen surfing,” explains the expert. Dolphins surf simply because they enjoy it. “They move faster and save energy when they let themselves be carried by the wave. They can also observe what is happening on the surface of the water.”
A study on dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) in New Zealand waters confirms similar findings. It showed that the dolphins that followed the study boat breathed 45 percent less frequently, i.e., saved a significant amount of energy. 1
However, study author Dr. Dana Orbach does not rule out the possibility that the animals simply enjoyed swimming in the artificial waves. “Just because they derive a benefit from locomotion does not exclude the possibility that there is another purpose,” Orbach told the science portal, IFLScience.
There is speculation that surfing serves to catch prey. Karlowski observed the phenomenon during his work in Croatia, among other places, when fish waste was thrown from a cutter, and the animals swam after the ship and surfed.
When Can This Phenomenon Occur?
Surfing enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the perfect wave – and it seems that this is also the case with dolphins. However, the timing rules that these clever marine mammals follow, if any, and whether they know the best time to surf remain unknown.
Karlowski told PETBOOK that it all depends on the swell, of course. The behavior of the dolphins can also be observed from a boat, especially during fast glides. The biologist reported that the animals also take advantage of the boat’s artificial waves to surf alongside the researchers for extended periods, sometimes even leaping over the boat.
According to Ulrich Karlowski, dolphins have a pronounced play instinct, which also serves to train their bodies and movement. “Among other things, the animals practice coordination in the group in order to better circle schools of fish when hunting.” The animals go into “play mode” during social interaction and simply enjoy surfing along for a while.
Are Younger Dolphins More Likely to Surf Than Older Ones?
When asked whether it is younger dolphins or older ones that surf, Karlowski tells PETBOOK: “It’s very different.” He has already observed various groups of bottlenose dolphins, which usually appear in social groups of three to four, sometimes even five animals. From young animals to fully grown adults, the behavior can be seen across all age groups.
According to Karlowski, the bottlenose dolphin – the best-researched dolphin species – is particularly interested in humans. There is much to suggest that they are fascinated by everything in the sea, including people in the water. “The sea itself is very poor in structures; there is not much to see apart from the seabed.” This is why dolphins follow humans through the water, perhaps also to make contact with them. “Dolphins are very curious animals with high social skills that ask themselves: ‘Why are they doing the same thing as us?”
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What Are the Dangers for Surfing Dolphins?
If a dolphin suddenly appears surfing next to you, “you should naturally try to avoid collisions,” advises the biologist. Dolphins sometimes bump into each other unintentionally. “But they do not attack humans. Dolphins are highly curious and socially skilled animals. Their interactions with us are friendly, though sometimes a bit naive.”
Of course, this also means that when the dolphins swim in the artificial waves of boats, this is also associated with a corresponding risk for the animals. However, the study by Orbach and her colleagues was able to provide an answer to this.
“Moving at certain speeds reduces the likelihood of dolphins bow-riding, suggesting that boats should slow down in these areas or could speed up where dolphins show no interest in bow-riding,” Orbach explained to IFLScience.