Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 06 March
Written by March 6 2026
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 06 March 2026:
We had an early start at Marine Dynamics today, making sure we avoid the wind picking up later in the day. Welcoming our guests aboard Dream Catcher, we left Kleinbaai Harbour behind us and made our way into deeper waters first, passing Danger Point lighthouse. Nearby, we spotted a Bryde’s whale! After spending some time with the individual, we continued our journey toward the island system. The Cape fur seal colony on Geyser Rock was enjoying the first sun rays peaking through before starting the day. Once it was time to leave Shark Alley, we made our turn past Dyer Island, where the critically endangered African Penguin were preparing for a day out at sea! Passing through the local kelp forest, we headed closer to our Shark cage diving vessel, Slashfin, where Bronze whaler sharks were present. Several individuals could be seen crossing the surface with their copper colored dorsal fins. Before heading back to Kleinbaai Harbour, we hugged the coastline and spotted one of the endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins close to the natural estuary.
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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.
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.
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.
