Dolphins are some of the smartest creatures on Earth, but they also know how to have fun. According to a 2017 study, marine mammals can play in a variety of ways, including chasing each other, riding waves, and passing around pieces of seaweed as if it were a toy. Current biology. But there is one hobby that dolphins especially enjoy: blowing bubble rings.
By forcing air out of their breathing holes while underwater, dolphins can create a donut-shaped vortex that rises to the surface. But these bubble rings are not created by chance, and the process of making them is not as simple as it might seem. When dolphins show their fun side with bubble rings, it turns out they show a lot of creativity and careful consideration.
Dolphins play with bubbles
Dolphins blow a variety of bubbles for different purposes; sometimes they release a bubble stream along with noise to communicate. When they are scared or excited, they may react by bursting bubbles when they exhale quickly. Bubbles are even a hunting tool for dolphins and are used as nets to capture fish.
However, bubble rings are mainly intended for gaming. Observations of dolphins have shown that handling the rings they create is almost a game for them. This game is surprisingly challenging and requires the dolphins to think strategically. And like any game that people play, it also requires practice.
Read more: Like people, pods of dolphins have complex social structures.
Practice makes perfect
When dolphins create bubble rings, they go through two important stages related to body control. First, they need to fine-tune the air pressure inside the lungs. They then have to open the blowhole for the right amount of time to release the perfect ring; this involves targeted muscle control as the blowhole, covered by muscular valves called nasal plugs, closes when the dolphin is underwater.
As a result, dolphins can control the shape and timing of bubble rings. Some dolphins at aquariums have also been observed descending to the bottom of the pool to blow rings of bubbles, indicating that their position in the water column influences whether they engage in this type of play, according to a study published in The New York Times Magazine. National Library of Medicine.
Once dolphins have taken their position, they tend to nod or jerk their heads before creating a ring of bubbles. They will then manipulate the ring by churning the water with their fins, causing it to change direction or flip over.
Dolphins are also not always content with one ring of bubbles. Sometimes they try to create a second bubble ring that merges with the first to form a larger combination ring. However, dolphins do not add a second ring every time. They will only do this if the first call is of high quality; otherwise the second ring may not join it. So when the first ring is out of order, the dolphin simply won't try to make the second one.
This shows that dolphins actively monitor their bubble rings and then plan what they want to do with them based on their quality. This illustrates the amazing abilities of dolphins. intelligencewhich is displayed every time they play.
A fun game for dolphins and whales
Dolphins engage each other in bubble play by sharing instructions. For example, a mother dolphin will guide her babies as they learn the process. According to another study published in National Library of Medicine.
Another cetaceansincluding some whales, also have their own games with bubbles. A May 2025 study found that humpback whales blow large rings of bubbles similar to smoke rings when viewed from above. They tend to make these rings when approaching boats, suggesting that it is a friendly sign of curiosity towards humans.
These bubble ring games prove that dolphins and whales can have fun while showcasing the intelligence of intelligent cetaceans.
Read more: Has the Yangtze River Dolphin disappeared forever?
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