Life in the bay! Marine Big 5 Daily Blog
Written by December 21 2020
Since a few days we have had some smaller bait fish in the area attracting Cape cormorants and penguins, which we encounter again shortly after launching from the harbour. But most cormorants were already flying back towards Dyer Island, so we also took a drive there where we could see more of the endangered African penguins. Arrived in the small channel between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, also known as Shark Alley, some Giant petrels were resting on the surface and running on the water before taking off into the sky. The Cape Fur seal were playful as usual, travelling alongside the boat and showing off with a few jumps. Back along the coast we stopped at a cage diving vessel and were lucky to see a short-tailed stingray. Before entering Kleinbaai harbour, Kira spotted a spout of a shy Bryde’s whale and some of us were lucky to have a look before it disappeared back into the deep water.
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.
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.
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.
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.
