Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 09 January
Written by January 9 2026
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 09 January 2026:
After another day of heavy wind and swell, we are back, and the Big 5 were waiting for us! Leaving Kleinbaai Harbour behind us, we made our way down the coast past the natural estuary where we spotted some of the endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins in the surf close to shore! After spending some time with them, we headed towards the Shark cage diving boats anchored within the Shallows. Stopping by our vessel, Slashfin, we got several looks at the incredible Bronze whaler sharks. Continuing through our reef system, we set sail into deeper waters and, after a bit of patience, were rewarded with sightings of the Bryde’s whales! Last but not least, we stopped by the island system. Entering Shark Alley, we were loudly greeted by all the Cape fur seal pups sitting close to the edge of the island, waiting for their mothers to return to Geyser Rock. The critically endangered African Penguins on Dyer Island were spotted in their typical spot on the boulders, surrounded by Cape Cormorants.
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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.
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.
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.
