Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 10 February
Written by February 10 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 10 February 2025:
Today we headed out for another adventure out at sea. We welcomed our guests abroad Whale Whisperer and left Kleinbaai Harbour behind us. Shortly after we spotted two of the endangered Indian Ocean Humpback dolphins circling the boat. Not far off within an area called the Shallows, we stopped for a few glimpses of the Bronze whaler sharks. Several individuals made an appearance. Even a Short-tailed Stingray was encountered! Around the island system, we approached Dyer Island and its colony of the critically endangered African Penguins sharing their space with Cape Cormorants. Geyser Rock was busy as always being occupied by thousands of Cape fur seals either enjoying the cool waters of Shark Alley or sunbathing on land. Once we left the alley we spotted the spout of a whale. To our surprise, it was the blow of 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.
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.
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.
