Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 07 February
Written by February 7 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 07 February 2025:
We had a great day at sea with perfect weather and many sightings including three different species of dolphins. Just after the estuary we encountered two of the endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins. While watching them and getting photo ID data we saw a Bottlenose dolphin approaching the vessel and surfacing several times close by. We left the dolphins behind and stopped at the shark cage diving boat where we saw the Bronze whaler shark and Short-tailed stingray. Once we arrived at Dyer Island we saw the critically endangered African Penguin and picked up an injured Penguin from the ranger that needed to be taken back to shore for rehabilitation. As usual, the Cape fur seals were one of the highlights of the tour as we saw thousands of them. Next, we sailed through deeper waters behind the island and found more dolphins. This time a pod of Common dolphins, they didn’t think twice and started to approach the boat and bow ride. What an incredible day at sea!
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What species did we see today?
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.
Common Dolphin Common Dolphin
With an 'hourgalss' patch on either side and aerial activity the common dolphin is an agile and majestic species, that may easily reach a speed of 40km/h.
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.
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.
