Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 05 June
Written by June 5 2026
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 05 June 2026:
Today’s trip started with a sunfish sighting close to Danger Point, which was followed by a bit of a search through deeper waters for a whale. We found a humpback whale travelling alone in a south-easterly direction and got a few looks at it. Out in the deep, we were fortunate to see a variety of seabirds, including an impressive Shy Albatross. The Cape fur seal colony was bustling with many in the water and even more on land, warming up in the sun. At Dyer Island, we got to see some penguins nicely standing high up on the rocks. Back in the coastal waters, we stopped at the shark-cage diving boat to see the Bronze Whaler shark, and, to our surprise, we also saw a large stingray gliding past the boat and cage. We ended our trip with a cruise along the coastline towards Kleinbaai Harbour.
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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.
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.
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.
Humpback Whale Humpback Whale
One of the best-known whale species, they are renowned for their acrobatic behaviour and complex melodious song as well as extremely long flippers and are a special favourite of Dyer Island Cruises guests and crew alike.
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.
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.
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.
