Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 01 December
Written by December 1 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 01 December 2025:
To say the least, we had a successful start to December. Four out of the Marine Big 5 were spotted today. Sharks, whales, penguins and seals. The incredible Bronze whaler sharks of the area were seen cutting the surface of the Shallows with their copper coloured dorsal fins. Critically endangered African Penguins and Cape fur seals were seen at the island system, consisting of Dyer Island, the seabird island of the area, and Geyser Rock, a colony of 40 to 60.000 seals! We made our way towards Pearly Beach in hopes of spotting Southern Right whales after none were seen yesterday. To our surprise, two spouts appeared in front of us! The second trip added another species: a Bryde’s whale, which is our South African resident. Our bird-lovers did not come short as both Storm Petrels and Giant Petrels were seen throughout the day.
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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.
Giant Petrel Giant Petrel
Around the Greater Dyer Island area we encounter both species of Giant Petrel, the Southern Giant Petrel and Northern Giant Petrel.
Southern Right Whale Southern Right Whale
Southern right whales attract thousands of visitors every year to experience these gentle giants off the South African coast.
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.
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.
