Common dolphins! Marine Big 5 daily blog
Written by March 21 2020
We had another sunny and calm day at sea but with great wildlife activity. The tour started with a nice drive along the coast towards the shark cage diving boats, where we got to see two great white sharks. After seeing some great activity from the great whites we moved to Dyer Island to see the African penguins and other seabirds that inhabit this nature reserve. Our next stop was planned to be the Cape fur seal colony on Geyser Rock but we had to postponed it for later on in the tour as Kira, our wildlife spotter, spotted a group of common dolphins a bit further out. These dolphins are always a treat to encounter. They have been bow riding our vessel and one individual was leaping out of the water a few times, making a great show. After watching these oceanic dolphins, we made it to the Cape fur seal colony. On our way home to Kleinbaai harbour we passed Danger Point light house and spotted a couple more African penguins in the water.
What species did we see today?
Common Dolphin Common Dolphin
With an 'hourgalss' patch on either side and aerial activity the common dolphin is an agile and majestic species, that may easily reach a speed of 40km/h.
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.
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.
Great white sharks Great white sharks
Gracious, beautiful, misunderstood - three words used by guests of Dyer Island Cruises after witnessing South Africa's most infamous marine species: The Great White Shark.
