All of the Marine Big 5! Marine Big 5 Daily Blog
Written by April 10 2021
Today was partly cloudy with barely any wind, just a cold breeze from the south. After heading along the coast, we passed a reef system and were heading into the deep. Out there it has been quiet, so we made our way to Dyer Island, where we released two of the African penguins that have been rehabilitated at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary here in Kleinbaai. On our way to the Cape Fur seal colony we spotted quite a few Giant Petrels, the vultures of the ocean, in between the kelp and some feeding on a dead seal. And after another stop closer to Dyer Island, we made our way back to shore and stopped at the shark cage diving boats where we got to see a Bronze whaler shark breaking the surface a couple of times with its dorsal fin. From there even closer to the coast in shallow water we spotted four humpback dolphins, we haven know for many years already. Before we reached Kleinbaai harbour we encountered a Bryde’s whale, who came up to the surface several times for air before disappearing in the bay.
What species did we see today?
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.
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.
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.
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.
