Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 11 April
Written by April 11 2023
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 11 April 2023:
It has been a great tour from the beginning to the end. After stopping quickly at Uilenkraalsmond we spotted an Indian Ocean humpback dolphin traveling along the coast in the surf zone. Further, along the coast, we saw a couple of Bronze whaler sharks on the shark cage diving boat. After a visit to see the penguins on Dyer Island, we passed through the famous Shark Alley to see plenty of Cape fur seals. Out in the deeper waters of the bay, we have been super lucky to spot a variety of pelagic seabirds including our first Albatross for this year, what a great sighting. Before we were heading back we were lucky to see a Bryde’s whale off Danger Point.
Tripadvisor – https://bit.ly/2YZ0jDR
Google – https://g.page/r/Caej8uYZYnR8EBE/review
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/WhaleWatchSA
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 Cormorant Cape Cormorant
One of the most famous species of Cormorant in the Western Cape, the Cape Cormorant is well known for it's beautiful turquoise eye and impressive size.
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.
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.
