- Bow riding: Dolphins sometimes ride the waves created by the bow of a boat, which is a behavior known as bow riding.
- Curiosity: Dolphins are naturally curious creatures and may approach boats out of curiosity to investigate and interact with the vessel and its passengers.
- Playfulness: Dolphins are playful creatures and may perceive boats as a form of entertainment, swimming alongside or around the boat for their enjoyment.
- Feeding: Some dolphins have learned that boats are often associated with fishing activities, and they may approach hoping to find scraps or leftover fish from fishing boats.
- Protection: Dolphins may view boats as a source of protection from predators, as larger vessels can deter potential threats in the water.
- Sound interaction: The sounds produced by boats can be interesting or exciting to dolphins, attracting their attention and causing them to approach the vessel.