Dolphins are fascinating creatures and found all around the Caribbean. They love to play, seem to be intelligent and value families and social contact. We know relatively little about them, but are working on learning as much as possible.

At any one time, there are dozens of serious scientific studies being carried out on this most fascinating of creatures. Not only do they amaze us with their intelligence, they entertain us with their antics. These are some of the reasons they remain the most popular sea mammals in the world. Many companies offer very cool dolphin tours, you should try one out.

Here we have a list of interesting dolphin facts to demonstrate we do know a little about them at least.

• The largest known freshwater dolphin is found in the Amazon. The Botto dolphin can grow up to 10 feet long.
• The largest known dolphin is the killer whale. It can grow up to 30 feet long. Despite being referred to as a whale, it’s actually a member of the dolphin species.
• Despite appearances, a dolphin’s skin is similar to a human’s. It is delicate and easily damaged.
• Dolphin babies are born tail first. Unique among mammals as everything else births head first.
• A mother will guide her calf for up to three years before full independence.
• Dolphins can live to be 50 years old, although the average age in the wild is between 17-20 years.
• Dolphins have a social organization that they keep throughout their lives. They seem to have an awareness of family and of organized social grouping.
• Dolphins are one of the few mammals in the wild to actively care for old and sick pod members. They have been observed helping slower dolphins along and protecting them from predators.
• They can also be aggressive, bullying by dominant dolphins has been observed in the wild.
• The deepest a dolphin has dived to our knowledge is 1,000 feet.
• They can hold their breath for up to 30 minutes, but tend to breather 2-3 times per minute.
• Their eyes are so good, they can see as effectively underwater as they can above it. Their retinas collect light very effectively allowing them to see clearly while dived.
• The fastest recorded speed of a dolphin is 25 knots, a speed which they can maintain for prolonged periods.
• An active adult dolphin can easily eat 30 pounds of fish a day.

These facts were just some of the many we have on these fabulous mammals. They are capable of many feats and many surprises. It’s no wonder they fascinate scientists and the public alike, and will do so forever. Their desire to please and play and their ability to be trained ensures their place in our imagination for a long time to come.

It’s impossible to truly know something we can barely communicate with. Many of these pieces of information have come from just watching them. Observation remains our primary tool for learning about dolphins but it brings as many questions as it does answers. After all, in a species as clever as this, how do we know we’re seeing the truth?