Marine big 5 Daily Blog 08 June
Written by June 8 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 08 June 2025:
Well prepared for some incoming rain and some wind from the south, we welcomed our guests aboard Dream Catcher. Leaving Kleinbaai Harbour behind as usual, we headed down the coastline towards the Shallows. Approaching our Shark cage diving vessel, Slashfin, we haven’t had to wait long for the first Bronze whaler sharks to appear! With great water visibility, we got some great sightings of the individuals leading up to cutting through the surface with their beautiful copper coloured dorsal fins. After spending some time around the vessel, we continued the trip through the local kelp forest straight towards the island system. Closer to Dyer Island, home to our critically endangered African Penguins and numerous other bird species, we got a closer look at some individuals, closer to the pebble beach and boulders. Next up, the Cape fur seal colony. Heading up and down Shark Alley, the curious seals were either following us through the alley or watching from Geyser Rock. Close to the islands, we came across several Giant Petrels and a Shy Albatross, a treat for all bird lovers! Unfortunately, the deeper waters were quiet, and after some time searching, we were heading back to Kleinbaai harbour.
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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.
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.
