New research led by Dr. Olaf Meynecke has captured rare footage of dolphins following humpback whales not just at the surface, but all the way down to the ocean floor, engaging in close and playful interactions.

The study analyzed 199 recorded encounters between 19 species of whales and dolphins, using photos and videos from 17 locations worldwide.

About 25% of these meetings involved mutual play, with humpback whales showing behaviours like rolling and belly exposure that suggest friendly socialising.

The research challenges the idea that dolphins mainly bother whales, finding most whales reacted positively or neutrally to the dolphins’ presence.

Co-author Olivia Crawley said the observations of bow riding and close contact were fascinating and hopes the findings encourage further study.

Dolphins were often spotted near the whales’ rostrum, similar to bow riding, which may help dolphins save energy and serve as a form of play.

The study included 425 baleen whales—mostly humpbacks—and 1,570 dolphins, with many calves present.

Different whale species displayed unique behaviours, like pectoral fin movements and rolling, while aggressive actions were rare.

Unique suction camera footage revealed dolphins maintaining contact with whales even at the sea floor during these deep-water interactions.

Dr. Meynecke noted that while play is usually cooperative, some interactions might be one-sided, including teasing during feeding times.

This research sheds new light on the complex social bonds and interspecies relationships in marine environments.