When you see dolphins swimming beside your boat or jumping through the waves, it’s hard not to feel a rush of joy. Many people can’t help but think, “They like us!” or “They know we’re happy to see them!”
But what do dolphins actually think when they see humans? Do they understand that we admire them? Or are we just another part of the ever-moving seascape?

Let’s dive into the science, the myths, and how to responsibly enjoy dolphin encounters — especially with our Maiton Island Dolphin Tour and eco friendly island tours.
Table of Contents
🐬 Do Dolphins Actually Know We Like Them?
✔️ Dolphins Are Extremely Intelligent
Research shows dolphins have advanced brains, strong memories, and intricate social networks. They pass knowledge through generations and solve problems together — signs of remarkable intelligence.
✔️ Constant Communication
Dolphins use a variety of sounds — clicks, whistles, and even physical gestures — to share information, alert each other, and build relationships.
✔️ But Do They Understand Us?
Here’s the mystery: although dolphins are curious and observant, there’s no solid scientific proof they can grasp human emotions. However, they often react to unfamiliar shapes, sounds, and movement — meaning boats and humans naturally catch their attention.
🌊 From a Dolphin’s View — What Do They See?
To dolphins, we may simply be:
- Unusual moving objects (boats and people)
- Sources of sound and vibration
- Occasional companions in the surf they choose to explore
- Distractions or even risks, depending on how we behave
In short: Some dolphins approach us out of curiosity or for fun — not necessarily because they “like” us the way we imagine.
🐠 How to Admire Dolphins Without Disturbing Them
The best dolphin encounters are respectful and natural. Here’s how you can ensure that:
✔️ Maiton Island Dolphin Tour
Spotting dolphins near Maiton happens organically — no feeding, no chasing, and no stress to the animals.
✔️ Eco Friendly Island Tours
These tours are designed to reduce environmental impact and preserve marine life. That means quieter engines, limited group sizes, and mindful navigation.
✔️ Private Island Tours Phuket
By avoiding noisy crowds, you increase your chance of a serene dolphin sighting while minimizing disruption to their natural behavior.
🛥️ See Dolphins Responsibly — Help Keep Them Wild
At Love Andaman, we take dolphin safety seriously. That’s why we:
- ❌ Never chase, trap, or follow dolphins too closely
- ❌ Avoid feeding or using bait to lure them
- ✅ Always maintain a respectful distance
- ✅ Train guides to follow strict conservation protocols
The goal? Let dolphins live freely — and let you enjoy watching them without interference.
🌊 So… Do Dolphins Know We Like Them?
Maybe not in the way we think. But what matters more is how we treat them.
Dolphins may never understand our excitement, but we do understand our responsibility. Respecting their space and preserving their ocean home means we get to witness their beauty — ethically, sustainably, and with wonder.
👉 Explore Our Dolphin-Friendly Tours Here
📱 Follow us for more ocean adventures and island inspiration:
🍋 Lemon8