Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 12 February
Written by February 12 2026
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 12 February 2026:
Today we had some overcast conditions and a swell rolling into the bay. Once out of Kleinbaai harbour we spotted some penguins and other seabirds feeding on small fish. Our next stop was at the shark cage diving boats, where we saw a couple of Bronze Whaler sharks. Arriving at Dyer Island, we spotted a few more of the critically endangered African Penguins and thousands of Cape Cormorant and Greater-crested Tern. On our way to the Cape fur seal colony, we were distracted by feeding birds, and to our luck, we spotted a Bryde’s whale. After spending some time with the whale, we managed to catch a few glimpses of it. Before heading back home, we passed the Cape fur seal colony and spotted more penguins on the way.
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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 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.
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.
