5/5! Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 10 May
Written by May 10 2023
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 10 May 2023:
We had two great trips today with some incredible sightings! Both trips today saw some brilliant Bronze Whaler and Great White shark action around our shark cage diving vessel, Slashfin! In the world-famous Shark Alley, the 60,000 Cape Fur seals were as playful as ever around the boat. We were even lucky to spot a pod of Bottlenose dolphins on both trips to the delight of everyone on board! Our first trip of the day also sighted two Bryde’s whales which surfaced numerous times giving us some nice looks. Rafts of the endangered African Penguins were also seen throughout the bay as well as on Dyer Island during trip number one!
Trip 1.
Trip 2.
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What species did we see today?
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.
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.
Bottlenose Dolphin Bottlenose Dolphin
At present there are two recognized species of bottlenose dolphin, and in some cases, both species can be found in the same area. The two species are the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), and the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (T. aduncus). In addition, there is a great deal of variation in colouration, diet and behaviour. The difference between the common bottlenose and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin are subtle, but the common bottlenose dolphin generally larger and more robust with a slight darker colouration.
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.
Great white sharks Great white sharks
Gracious, beautiful, misunderstood - three words used by guests of Dyer Island Cruises after witnessing South Africa's most infamous marine species: The Great White Shark.
Crowned Cormorant Crowned Cormorant
Recognisable by their iconic red eyes and glossy coat, these beautiful birds are often spotted feeding on the wide variety of local fish-life close to the Dyer Island shoreline.
Bank Cormorant Bank Cormorant
Often enjoying a broad diet including klipfish, rock lobster and more, the increasing rarety of the Bank Cormorant makes every moment we see them even more special.
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.
Cape Cormorant Cape Cormorant
One of the most famous species of Cormorant in the Western Cape, the Cape Cormorant is well known for it's beautiful turquoise eye and impressive size.
