Monkey Mia, a world famous destination in Shark Bay, Western Australia is known for its wild dolphin interactions. Here you can see wild dolphins up close as they swim in the shallow waters of this natural environment. Most of the time these interactions are peaceful and magical but some visitors may experience a curious behaviour where a dolphin circles them. This can leave you wondering what it means. Is it playful curiosity, a sign of danger or something else? In this article we’ll look at the reasons behind this behaviour, what it means and how to respond.
Dolphin Behaviour
Dolphins are highly intelligent and social animals with complex behaviour and strong communication skills. They use body language, clicks, whistles and sonar to interact with each other and their surroundings. Their playful nature and high intelligence make them one of the most interesting marine life to study. Dolphin behaviour including circling is often driven by curiosity, social interaction or survival instincts. This behaviour is common in marine parks and nature reserves where dolphins interact with humans and other animals in their environment.
At Monkey Mia wild dolphins are used to human presence so it’s easier to see their natural behaviour. But remember dolphins are wild animals and their behaviour is not always predictable. Monkey Mia Tours gives you the chance to see these amazing dolphins in their own environment.
Possible Reasons Why a Dolphin is Circling You
1. Curiosity and Playfulness
One of the main reasons a dolphin will circle a human is curiosity. Dolphins are curious creatures and love to explore new objects, people and situations. When a dolphin meets a human in the water it will circle to get a better look at who or what it is.
This is often accompanied by other playful actions like leaping, flipping or nudging objects. At Monkey Mia where bottlenose dolphins are used to humans they will circle to observe human behavior or check if the person is a threat. This is often a once in a lifetime experience for many visitors.
2. Protective Instincts
Dolphins will exhibit protective behaviors especially towards their young or vulnerable members of their pod. If a dolphin feels its pod is at risk it will circle around a perceived threat to create a barrier between the danger and the pod.
In some cases dolphins have been seen defending humans from potential threats like White Sharks. This “protective circling” is often a defensive measure to monitor and control the movements of the threat. If you’re swimming near a dolphin’s calf or in close proximity to its pod this protective instinct could be triggered. In Shark Bays and other regional nature areas these interactions with dolphins show the balance of nature in their marine environment.
3. Dominance and Territory Assertion
Dolphins like many other animals have social hierarchies and established territories. Circling could be a dominance display or an attempt to control the space. If a dolphin sees a human as an intruder it may circle to mark its territory and assert dominance.
While this is less common at Monkey Mia where dolphins are used to human presence it’s still possible. Signs the dolphin is asserting dominance may include sudden movements, tail slapping or louder clicks and whistles. This can occur in both northern circle and southern circle dolphin pods as they control specific areas.
4. Feeding and Hunting Behavior
Dolphins are strategic hunters that use teamwork and clever hunting tactics to catch fish. Circling is a common hunting technique to herd fish into a smaller group making it easier to catch. If you’re in an area where dolphins are actively hunting you may see one or more dolphins circling as they round up their prey.
If a dolphin is circling you in this situation you may have unknowingly entered its hunting zone. Unlike the playful or protective circling, hunting circling is more methodical and precise with sharp fast movements. In fishing areas near Shark Bays and other coastal regions dolphins are known to follow fishing boats and take advantage of fishing scraps.
5. Mating Rituals
Dolphins have weird and sometimes aggressive mating habits. Males will circle a female as part of their courtship display. They use these displays to show off their strength and dominance. While this circling is usually aimed at other dolphins, if you’re in the water with a pod during mating season you might see it happen.
A dolphin is unlikely to mistake a human for a potential mate but swimming with dolphins during mating season could put you in the middle of their mating displays. Signs of this happening include fast, erratic swimming and chasing among the dolphins. Marine parks often see this kind of mating behavior in their captive dolphins.
Is It Safe if a Dolphin Circles You?
Generally it’s safe if a dolphin circles you especially at a place like Monkey Mia where dolphins are used to human interaction. But since dolphins are wild animals it’s always better to be cautious. A curious, playful dolphin is no threat, but if the behavior appears aggressive – rapid movements, tail slapping or loud clicks – move away slowly and don’t make any sudden movements.
Most circling is harmless and can be a magical experience. But if the dolphin is displaying protective or territorial behavior it’s best to give it space. The natural environment of the Shark Bay region gives dolphins the space and opportunity to interact without feeling threatened.
Safe Interaction Tips
- Stay calm: Don’t panic or splash.
- Give them space: Dolphins are wild animals. Respect their space and keep your distance.
- Don’t touch: Touching a dolphin can stress them or transfer human bacteria that can harm them.
- Follow local rules: In places like Monkey Mia there are specific rules for human dolphin interaction.
- Don’t feed: Feeding wild dolphins is illegal in many places and can disrupt their natural foraging.
What Should You Do if a Dolphin Circles You?
If a dolphin is swimming around you, follow these easy steps for a safe encounter:
- Stay still and chill: Don’t wave your arms or make sudden movements that might scare the dolphin.
- Watch what it’s doing: Look for playful, hunting or protective behavior.
- Back off: If you see any signs of aggression (tail slapping, loud clicking or fast swimming), slowly back away.
- Respect its space: If a dolphin is circling to assert dominance or protect its pod, give it plenty of room.
- Report unusual behavior: If a dolphin is consistently showing signs of distress or aggression, contact local wildlife authorities or rangers.
Conclusion
Being circled by a dolphin at Monkey Mia is a once in a lifetime experience. It’s often a sign of their playful curiosity or just their natural way of interacting with humans. But it’s important to understand the possible meanings behind this behavior, from playfulness to protection, feeding or mating displays. By knowing the reasons for circling and following the safe interaction tips, you’ll have a safe and enjoyable experience while respecting the wildlife. For an unforgettable experience book a Tour From Perth with Autopia Tours where our expert guides will give you insights into dolphin behavior and a wildlife experience.
FAQ
Why do dolphins circle humans?
Dolphins circle humans for many reasons, curiosity, playfulness, to protect their pod, feeding behaviors and in rare cases territorial displays.
Is it dangerous if a dolphin circles you?
No, it’s not generally dangerous. Most circling is playful or curious. But if a dolphin shows signs of aggression (fast swimming, tail slapping or loud clicking) back away slowly.
What do I do if a dolphin is circling me?
Stay calm, stay still and don’t make any sudden movements. Watch the dolphin’s behavior and back away slowly if you think it’s feeling protective or territorial.
Do dolphins attack humans?
Dolphins don’t attack humans, especially not at Monkey Mia where they’re used to humans. But as wild animals they can act unpredictably if they feel threatened.
Can I touch a dolphin if it’s circling me?
No, you should not touch wild dolphins. Human contact can stress dolphins or introduce bacteria into their environment. Just observe and enjoy from a safe distance.
