Humpback dolphin delight, 12 January 2020
A detour around Dangerpoint Lighthouse
Written by Dickie Chivell, January 13 2020
We had to launch from Gansbaai Harbour today due to tide, but certainly an exciting experience. This meant that we had to make our way around Dangerpoint Lighthouse. This lighthouse was erected after the HMS Birkenhead sank in 1852, which still today remains one of South-Africa’s worst maritime disaster. This was the first time in recorded history that the order was given for women and children to board the liferafts first. Today this command is known as the Birkenhead Drill. Our Marine Big 5 sightings today included Cape Fur seals on Geyser Rock, endangered African penguins on Dyer Island, Bronze Whaler sharks around our sister company, Marine Dynamics vessel and a Humpback dolphin cruizing through the swells in the shallows.
Guest Comment:
"Brilliant day"
What species did we see today?
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.
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.
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.
