Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 07 December
Written by December 7 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 07 December 2025:
We went out at sea bright and early this morning, with some sleepy faces being woken by the wonders of the ocean. Today was our very lucky day as the shy and elusive Bryde’s whale made a surprise appearance at the beginning of one trip and the end of another. It was a wonderful sight that made everyone pleased before we spotted some endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins close to shore. The shimmering Bronze whaler sharks were seen in the Shallows, revealing their peaceful nature that everyone misunderstood and our guests were treated with a close-up view of the Endangered African penguins with the Cape fur seals calling out in their sheepish tone as they saw the whale watching vessel in Shark Alley.
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What species did we see today?
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.
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.
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.
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.
