Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 13 August
Written by August 13 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 13 August 2025:
Beautiful weather conditions around Gansbaai have driven our excitement for today even more. Several different individuals and whale species surprised us on today’s trips. Both Southern Right whales and Humpback whales made an appearance. Granting close-up looks and acrobatic moves left our guests speechless! On our first trip of the day, we were also lucky to have spotted two of the endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins sneaking around the shallow areas. Throughout the day, we were able to stop by the Shark cage diving boats, getting some great looks at the Bronze whaler sharks. The critically endangered African Penguins were spotted around their typical spots on Dyer Island. The Cape fur seals on Geyser Rock were, as always, extremely curious and followed our boat up and down Shark Alley.
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What species did we see today?
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.
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.
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.
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.
