Dolphins have been seen near Nha Trang and Bình Thuận beaches since tourist activities have been suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — Dolphins have been swimming in groups near popular beach destinations in Nha Trang and Bình Thuận in central Việt Nam since tourist activities have been suspended due to COVID-19. 

Locals and experts believe the suspension of tourism and the absence of tourist boats may have caused dolphins to feel free to gather near the shore.

Nha Trang Bay in the central province of Khánh Hòa and Bình Thuận City are well known worldwide for their beaches and attractions, including scuba diving.

They draw large crowds of foreign tourists, backpackers and more affluent travellers, as well as Vietnamese tourists.

Elsewhere in Việt Nam in recent years, dolphins have appeared in groups in the waters off Hội An Town in the central province of Quảng Nam and on Phú Quốc, Việt Nam’s largest island in the Mekong Delta province of Kiên Giang.

Whales and dolphins are considered sacred by Vietnamese fishermen. They believe that saving injured whales and dolphins and giving a proper burial to those that die ashore will bless them with luck, good weather, bountiful catches and protection while at sea. — VNS