Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 04 December
Written by December 4 2024
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 04 December 2024:
Using our last chance today before we have to face another bad weather front. Both trips were welcomed aboard our whale-watching vessel Dream Catcher. Leaving Kleinbaai Harbour behind us both trips covered different areas including deeper waters, coastal areas and the island system. In deeper waters, we were on the lookout for some marine mammals. Trying to spot some activity out there we were looking for any signs such as the spout of a whale or diving birds which indicates some fish underneath the surface that might attract some other wildlife. While it was rather quiet on the first trip the second trip was lucky to have spotted a Bryde’s whale! Around the island system, we were met by our resident Cape fur seals and their first offspring of the season on Geyser Rock. Some big bulls were either fighting on the island or escaping the hustle of the youngsters taking a dip in the cool waters of Shark Alley. Stopping by Dyer Island we went to one of the favourite hangout spots of the endangered African Penguins where we could see some of the adults curiously watching us while others were using the boulders for a quick sunbath. Within coastal areas, we could not miss Marine Dynamics’ Shark cage diving operation aboard Slashfin which enabled us some nice looks at the incredible Bronze whaler sharks. Two of the endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins were also seen along the coastline.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
