Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 12 October – Penguin Awareness Day
Written by October 12 2024

Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 12 October 2024:
Another beautiful day out at sea celebrating African Penguin Awareness Day! Marching down to Kleinbaai Harbour we were ready to find some Marine wildlife. Leaving the harbour behind us we headed further into the bay. Throughout the day we got to encounter four out of the Marine Big 5. We were starting with the very active Bronze Whaler sharks around the local Shark cage diving vessels. Our seasonal visitors the Southern Right whales were found closer to shore relaxing on the surface and leaving our guests in awe, some even performed for us a little bit and we got to see a breaching whale! Cape fur seals were out and about in the bay today but of course, a stop at their colony could not be missed and thousands more were playing in the cool waters of Shark Alley or relaxing on Geyser Rock enjoying the warm temperatures. Last but not least, our honoured members of today, the endangered African Penguins could be seen on top of Dyer Island roaming around or watching our boat pass together with numerous other bird species including the Cape Cormorants.
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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.
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.
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.