A Marine Big 5 day, 24 August 2019
Whales, dolphins, penguins, sharks and seals
Written by August 24 2019
Today was another stunning day and we could not think of a better way to spend it than out on the ocean. To add to the great conditions, we were lucky to spot the Marine Big 5 on both of our tours that operated today. This means that everyone that came aboard with us today encountered whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and sharks. Not only that, but everyone got some bonus sightings too. During the first tour the bonus sighting was a sunfish at the surface, and on the second trip we encountered a Bryde’s whale as well as the humpback whales that everyone got to enjoy throughout the day. The dolphins we found today were common dolphins, which is a beautiful species that is easy to recognize from a yellow coloured hourglass pattern on its side. There was plenty of bird activity too today, including a lot of albatross, petrels and shearwaters. The shark species encountered on the first trip was a great white shark and on the second tour two bronze whaler sharks. Each trip was a bit different, but we can confidently say that all our guests enjoyed their Marine Big 5 experience.
Photos from today
Common dolphins close-up
Common dolphins travelling
Common dolphins
Watching common dolphins
Humpback whale preparing to dive
Humpback whale tail
Antarctic tern resting on kelp, unfortunately with plastic
We picked up the plastic
A playful Cape fur seal
Cape fur seal posing Geyser rock
African penguins on Dyer Island
Bronze whaler shark
What species did we see today?
Cape Gannet Cape Gannet
Well documented for their aireal displays, experiences with with the famous Cape Gannet are always breath taking, and hold a special place in every photographers portfolio.
Humpback Whale Humpback Whale
One of the best-known whale species, they are renowned for their acrobatic behaviour and complex melodious song as well as extremely long flippers and are a special favourite of Dyer Island Cruises guests and crew alike.
Bronze Whaler Shark Bronze Whaler Shark
The Bronze whaler (also known as Copper sharks) here in Kleinbaai are very curious and interactive. These sharks eat mostly fish, with sardines being one of their favourites.
African Penguin African Penguin
As one of only 17 penguin species left in the world (and the only one on the african continent), the african penguin often breed in offshore colonies, such as Dyer Island.
Cape fur seal Cape fur seal
With a local population of 60,000, it's no wonder our guests capture so many photographs of these wonderfully playful marine mammals.
Common Dolphin Common Dolphin
With an 'hourgalss' patch on either side and aerial activity the common dolphin is an agile and majestic species, that may easily reach a speed of 40km/h.
Brydes Whale Brydes Whale
The mysterious Bryde's whales visit the Dyer Island area throughout the year, with most sightings occurring during summer into winter.
