Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 08 June
Written by June 9 2024
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 08 June 2024:
Having two trips ahead of us today we welcomed both groups aboard Dream Catcher. Leaving Kleinbaai Harbour behind us we headed further into our bay on the lookout for any marine wildlife in the area. Once arrived in the Shallows, where the local shark cage diving companies operate, we were able to get some nice views of the incredible Bronze whaler sharks, active as always. We of course couldn’t miss passing by Dyer Island, home of the endangered African Penguins. A few of the penguins could be seen on the rocks. To say the least, Geyser Rock was quite busy today. Numerous Cape fur seals on the island were watching us pass by whereas some others were either very curious and coming closer to the boat to investigate or just cooling down in Shark Alley. While in deeper waters we were accompanied by several pelagic bird species searching for some fish underneath the surface. In these deeper water we managed to get a brief look of a Bryde’s whale and later on a a humpback whale.
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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.
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.