Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 01 May
Written by May 1 2024
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 01 May 2024:
May could not have started any better! Welcoming both our trips on board Dream Catcher we left Kleinbaai Harbour behind us and did not have to wait long for our first sightings! Our first trips got rewarded with a pod of the endangered Indian Ocean Humpback dolphins close to the natural estuary. In contrast, the second trip started with numerous Common dolphins which the first trips got to see on the way back to the harbour. On both trips, we headed over to the Shallows, where the local Shark cage diving companies operate and we got a glimpse of the amazing Bronze whaler shark! Bryde’s whales were busy the whole day feeding close and in the bay, giving our guests an amazing inside of spectacular wildlife with several pelagic birds diving into the water to get their fair share of the fish. Some of the endangered African Penguins were either seen as a raft in the water or sunbathing on Dyer Island. Of course, the Cape fur seals would not miss out on all the fish, but most of the Cape fur seals remained on Geyser Rock relaxing or cooling down in Shark Alley. Thanks to everyone for joining our Marine Big 5 trips. What a day!
Trip 1
Trip 2
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Gannet Cape Gannet
Well documented for their aireal displays, experiences with with the famous Cape Gannet are always breath taking, and hold a special place in every photographers portfolio.
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.
