Awesome Southern Right Whales! Marine Big 5 daily blog
Written by September 7 2020
Today the sun was shining and a light breeze was coming from the east. After launching from the harbour, we shortly spotted two adult southern right whales. These two whales were slowly travelling alongside each other and coming up frequently for a breath so we could get great looks. One of them even lifted its fluke slightly before taking a longer dive.
On the way to Dyer Island we got some company from a Subantarctic Skua travelling alongside our vessel Whale Whisperer, always great to see these curios winter visitors. Arrived at Dyer Island we spotted a few African Penguins, Swift Terns and various cormorant species.
Another highlight of the trip were the cape fur seals scattered all over Geyser Rock. Most of them were sleeping also enjoying the sun but a few active ones were playing in the waters of Shark Alley. It’s been truly some sightings we will cherish.
What species did we see today?
Southern Right Whale Southern Right Whale
Southern right whales attract thousands of visitors every year to experience these gentle giants off the South African coast.
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.
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 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.
