Spinner dolphins are one of the most commonly encountered cetaceans in the Maldives and the most acrobatic. This species (Stenella longirostris) is well known for its unique spinning behaviour, that turns every encounter into an exciting show.
ANATOMY
Spinner dolphins are relatively small cetaceans, growing up to a length of 2.3 m. Their bodies are lean with thin, recurved flippers, and dorsal fins that usually range from slightly curved to erect and triangular. The species’ scientific name, longirostris, is Latin for “long beak”, referring to their slender shaped rostrum. Their bodies display a tripartite colour pattern, consisting of a dark grey back, a light grey side, and a white belly.
SPINNING BEHAVIOUR
Spinner dolphins earned their name because of their spectacular spinning behaviour. You can often see them leaping out of the water and spinning multiple times before falling back into the sea. A single animal can perform up to 14 spinning leaps in a row, with each less vigorous than the preceding leap, and the current record is 7 rotations in one leap. Spinner dolphins perform this peculiar behaviour for several reasons, including communication, removing parasites and play.
DAILY MIGRATIONS
Spinner dolphins are commonly spotted thanks to their predictable behaviour. Every day, they leave the atoll around sunset through reef channels and move to the deep oceanic waters, where they hunt deep-water squids and fish. Around sunrise time, spinner dolphins move back inside the atolls, where they spend the day resting and interacting with each other.
Thanks to their predictable routines and playful nature, spinner dolphins have become a favorite sight during whale-watching trips in the Maldives. To ensure a sustainable experience, it’s vital to choose tour operators who follow responsible guidelines, ensuring the dolphins are observed respectfully and their natural behaviours remain undisturbed, allowing them to continue captivating us with their acrobatic displays for generations to come.