A pod of Humpback dolphins, 13 January 2020
A family experience!
Written by Dickie Chivell, January 13 2020
Great start to the week as we encountered a pod of Humpback dolphins frolicking in the shallows. After a month’s absence, we welcomed back a well-known individual “Fingers”. A wonderful sight was a thousand Cape Cormorants on fish patrol, which for today proved to be the only type of traffic we get while out at sea, flocks of birds! The rest of the trip was smooth sailing as we paused to view Bronze Whaler sharks around sister company, Marine Dynamics’ vessel Slashfin, Cape Fur seals on Geyser Rock and endangered African penguins on Dyer Island. Kelp tasting was a hit with clients onboard. I will elaborate more about kelp tasting in tomorrow’s blog.
We hope you are already planning to book your seat to experience the Marine Big 5 magic!
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.
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.