Back at sea! Marine Big 5 Daily Blog
Written by February 23 2021
Out of Kleinbaai harbour we took the usual rout along the coast and while driving past Die Gruis we spotted some ostriches along the beach which has been a first for us. Further down the coast we stopped at a shark cage diving boat and have been lucky to see a Bronze whaler shark breaking the surface wit its dorsal fin. Out in the deeper water we encountered some African penguins, Swift terns and Giant petrels, which we were lucky to see around Dyer Island too. Now that the Cape Fur seal pups are two months old, they start swimming in the waters of Shark Alley and cooling off in the cold Atlantic water. Before heading back, we passed Dyer Island to see more of the Africa penguin and all the other birds living on the island as well.
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.
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.
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.
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.