Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 08 August
Written by August 8 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 08 August 2025:
Another busy day ahead for the crew of Marine Dynamics. Once again, we started rather early. As the spring tide is still happening, our first boats launched from Gansbaai Harbour, which led us around the Danger Point peninsula. A rare exposure of the Birkenhead Rock beneath breaking waves provided an encapsulating sight of the infamous shipwreck site. Usual stops, such as the island system, including Geyser Rock and Dyer Island, offered a closer look at both the Cape fur seal colony and at the neighbouring colony of the critically endangered African Penguins. A stop at the Shark cage diving boats allowed us to get some nice looks at the incredible Bronze whaler sharks as they investigated divers in the cage. Throughout the entire day, we of course had to scan deeper waters. Accompanied by some pelagic birds, we were able to sight 2 different species of whales in the bay. The seasonal Southern Right whales came first, calmly moving along the surface and offering a serene interaction sure to leave an impression on guests and crew alike. Humpback whales were active in the bay throughout the day, topping off the sightings for our trips.
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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.
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.
