Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 12 November
Written by November 12 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 12 November 2025:
What a beautiful day filled with wonderful wildlife! After some great Bronze Whaler shark activity, the journey took us further along the coast to Pearly Beach, where we could find some southern right whales close to shore. Nice to see so many mothers with their young ones left in the bay. Some trips were also lucky to spot two humpback whales on their way to the Cape fur seals – what a lovely surprise! Although downwind, the Cape fur seal colony can be a bit smelly, we had some great views of them! Before returning to Kleinbaai we headed into Sponge Bay to see the critically endangered African Penguin and saw many other seabirds as well.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
