Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 12 October
Written by October 12 2021
Today we had another stunning day at sea with all the Marine Big 5 and fantastic weather. Shortly after our tour started, we encountered southern right whales and penguins in shallow water close to Uilenkraalsmond. After we spent some time observing these gentle giants, we continued to the shark cage diving boats to see bronze whaler sharks. In Pearly Beach we encountered a few more southern right whale females and their calves and one female was especially relaxed spy hopping a few times. Arrived in Shark Alley we passed Geyser Rock a few times to get a closer look at the Cape fur seals. And as we were about to leave Dyer Island to head back, we encountered a humpback dolphin along the reef.
What species did we see today?
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.
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 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.
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.
