Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 06 August
Written by August 6 2024
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 06 August 2024:
After a couple of days of the ocean, it was a highly anticipated departure from Kleinbaai Harbour for guests and crew alike. Our first leg led us to Pearly Beach where the trips encountered a Southern Right whale pair, one of which was a rare brindle. The curious pair got within close proximity to the boat, allowing a unique experience with these gentle giants. As we left the pair be to proceed to Dyer Island, additional Southern Rights appeared en route, showcasing whale season at its full potential! Before reaching Shark Alley, a few Bottlenose dolphins were sighted, with glimpses of their dorsal appearing through the waves. Geyser Rock and Dyer Island showcased the abundant Cape Fur seal colony and the endangered African penguin population. Our final stop at Slashfin, the shark caging vessel, completed our Marine Big 5 tour with Bronze whaler sharks appearing in front of the bait lines.
Tripadvisor – https://bit.ly/2YZ0jDR
Google – https://g.page/r/Caej8uYZYnR8EBE/review
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/WhaleWatchSA
What species did we see today?
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.
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.
Bottlenose Dolphin Bottlenose Dolphin
At present there are two recognized species of bottlenose dolphin, and in some cases, both species can be found in the same area. The two species are the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), and the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (T. aduncus). In addition, there is a great deal of variation in colouration, diet and behaviour. The difference between the common bottlenose and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin are subtle, but the common bottlenose dolphin generally larger and more robust with a slight darker colouration.
