Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 11 August
Written by August 11 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 11 August 2025:
After two days of no Marine Big 5 adventures, we are back and ready! As we are still deep in the spring tide, we either launched or came back to Gansbaai Harbour, which led us past Danger Point, where the infamous HMS Birkenhead ran aground. Throughout the day, we were lucky to spot sharks, seals, penguins, and whales! Stopping by the local Shark cage diving operators, we were able to get a closer look at the incredible Bronze whaler sharks of the area. Our local colonies of Cape fur seals on Geyser Rock and the critically endangered African Penguins on Dyer Island are a must on each trip! Whale sightings for today were either in deeper waters, where humpback whales made an appearance or even in shallow waters close to the shore, where our seasonal visitors, the southern right whales, were waiting for us!
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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.
Southern Right Whale Southern Right Whale
Southern right whales attract thousands of visitors every year to experience these gentle giants off the South African coast.
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.
