Breaching humpback whale! Marine Big 5 Daily Blog
Written by April 21 2021
Although it has been overcast and a chilly morning, we had a fantastic time at sea. Our tour started off with two Indian Ocean humpback dolphins close to Uilenkraalsmond, travelling in shallow waters along the coast. Out in deeper waters it has been quiet so we made a stop at Dyer Island to see Cape cormorants and African penguins. After having passed the Cape Fur seal colony and had a closer look at some Giant petrels we went once again into deeper water but this time towards Danger Point and were lucky to encounter a Bryde’s whale. Further along and on our way to the harbour we came across a raft of penguins and spotted a humpback whale. As we were about to leave some bigger splashes further out caught our attention and we were lucky to see another humpback whale breaching. What a great sighting!
What species did we see today?
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.
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.
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.
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.
