Brian Jeffrey
An astonishing event occurred off the coast of Hon Dung (Dung Island) in Nha Trang Bay (Khanh Hoa province), gaining significant attention after local fishermen spotted a group of dolphins swimming close to their boat on May 18.
As shared by Van, a fisherman from the area, the dolphins showcased their presence approximately 10 nautical miles from the shore while his fishing group was busy at sea. The pod, comprising dozens of dolphins, entertained them by swimming and leaping above the waves for nearly ten minutes before they swam away.
“We were all amazed. It was enchanting to see the dolphins up so close,” Van remarked. “We quickly took out our phones to capture the moment and post it online.”
The footage and images have quickly circulated on social media, drawing attention from the public as well as marine biologists.
The Nha Trang Bay Management Board indicated that the sighting of dolphins is a very encouraging sign, suggesting that the marine environment of the bay is enhancing and that its ecosystem is on the path to recovery.
Encounters with dolphins are not particularly rare in this area. Similar sightings have taken place in Khanh Hoa waters in 2020 and 2022, with some pods reportedly numbering in the hundreds.
Dolphins are known for their intelligence and social dynamics, with sizes ranging from 1.2 to 9.5 meters in length and weights between 40 kilograms to over 10 tons. They typically inhabit pods of dozens to hundreds in shallow coastal waters and are known for their sophisticated communication abilities. Many cultures view them as protectors and they have been known to assist humans in peril at sea.
The recent dolphin sighting is celebrated not only as a stunning natural occurrence but also as a hopeful indication that efforts toward conservation and environmental preservation are positively impacting Vietnam’s coastal ecosystems.
