5/5! Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 17 July
Written by July 17 2022
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 17 July 2022:
The early start was absolutely worth it, we had a perfect trip today. 5/5 of our Marine Big 5 spotted, with the backdrop of an impressive sunrise to kick start the day! Throughout our trip, we came across a total of 7 Humpback Whales, one of whom displayed some incredible lobtailing! While observing the whales we also got to enjoy a plethora of sea birds including White Chinned Petrels, Sub Antarctic Skuas, various Terns and even a Yellow-Nosed Albatross. We also paid a visit to Dyer Island and Geyser Rock where we could enjoy our 60,000-strong Cape Fur seal colony and even spot numerous endangered African Penguins getting ready for the day! Over by our shark cage diving vessel, Slashfin, we witnessed some beautiful Bronze Whaler shark action. While returning to the harbour we were able to tick off our fifth and final species of the trip when we were surprised by a trio of endangered Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins!
Tripadvisor – https://bit.ly/2YZ0jDR
Google – https://g.page/r/Caej8uYZYnR8EBE/review
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/WhaleWatchSA
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.
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.
Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin
Humpback dolphins are an endangered species, with small populations living very close to shore, typically in water less than 25m deep and an average home range of 120km. Their proximity to land makes these animals particularly vulnerable to human influence.
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.
