Great day at sea! Marine Big 5 daily blog
Written by February 15 2020
It’s been another day with some great humpback dolphin sightings along the coast. Identifying the individuals moving through the area for years is a great opportunity for us to learn more about the endangered species. We identify each individual by looking at their unique dorsal fin. Today one of the members in the pod was a well-known humpback dolphin, we have first photographed in 2016. Arrived at Dyer Island we saw lots of different sea birds, in the air and on the island itself and most importantly the African penguins. Just behind Dyer Island we visited the Cape fur seal colony where we made few passes and had a closer look. We even spotted an African penguin amongst all the seals. The young seals, born a few weeks ago, are slowly starting exploring the cold waters in the alley. Before heading home, we surrounded Geyser Rock and made a turn through deeper water and just before heading into the harbour a huge flock of Cape cormorants was passing us. We couldn’t have asked for a better day at sea!
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.
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.
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.
