Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 01 September
Written by September 1 2026
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 01 September 2026:
Leaving Kleinbaai Harbour behind us, we were excited about what the bay might have to offer today. Shortly after leaving the harbour, the first pair of Southern Right whales was spotted. Some even got some looks at a Bryde’s whale close by! Around our Shark cage diving vessel Slashfin, Bronze whaler sharks could be seen investigating the divers and the cage. Shortly after, we all got some more looks at Southern Right whales swimming within the kelp forest, before moving on to the island system. The critically endangered African Penguins were spotted on Dyer Island. The Cape fur seal colony on Geyser Rock was as lively as always!
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
