Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 13 May
Written by May 13 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 13 May 2025:
After a few stormy days, we are back for more adventures out at sea! While Dream Catcher got prepared in Kleinbaai Harbour, we got our guests ready. Leaving the harbour behind us, we headed towards the coastal areas where we spotted some Indian Ocean humpback dolphins. The individuals enjoyed the swell close to shore, leaving us enjoying them from a distance. Stopping by the Marine Dynamics Shark cage diving vessel, Slashfin, within the Shallows, we got some great looks at our beloved Bronze whaler sharks, investigating the divers in the cage! Heading towards the island system, we made a quick stop within the local kelp forest. Reaching Dyer Island, we spotted some of the critically endangered African Penguins on the island, overlooking the bay. On our way over to Geyser Rock, we encountered several Giant Petrels, the vultures of the sea. Entering Shark Alley, we were, as usual, greeted by numerous Cape fur seals either cooling down in the water or relaxing on the island watching our boat pass by. Continuing in deeper waters, we spotted one of our residential whales, the Bryde’s whale. Heading towards a bait ball, the individual stayed just underneath the surface, taking regular breaths, which granted awesome looks at this elusive species.
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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.
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.
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.
Giant Petrel Giant Petrel
Around the Greater Dyer Island area we encounter both species of Giant Petrel, the Southern Giant Petrel and Northern Giant Petrel.
