Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 14 May
Written by May 14 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 14 May 2025:
Today dawned with beautiful skies and a gentle swell rolling through the bay, perfect conditions for an ocean adventure. After warmly welcoming our guests, we set off from Kleinbaai Harbour, excitement buzzing in the air as we hugged the stunning coastline in search of marine life. Our first bit of luck came quickly. As we cruised along the familiar stretch where the elusive and endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins are occasionally seen, two graceful dolphins made a surprise appearance. Watching them swim freely was a moment of pure joy. We then made our way to the shark cage diving area, where we got to see a Bronze whaler shark. Just as we thought the scene couldn’t get any better, a magnificent short-tailed stingray glided beneath the surface, captivating everyone on board with its sheer size and elegance. But the wonders weren’t over yet. Next, we journeyed toward Dyer Island, the crucial breeding ground for our beloved African penguins and Geyser Rock, a favourite haul-out spot for the playful Cape fur seals. The colony was lively, as always, offering a glimpse into the natural behaviours of these iconic coastal species. Pushing further offshore, we headed toward the deeper waters near Danger Point, an area known recently for sightings of the mysterious Bryde’s whale. With everyone eagerly scanning the horizon, our patience was rewarded when a Bryde’s whale surfaced in the distance, giving our guests a memorable view of this often-elusive giant. As we began our journey back to the harbour, we were treated to one final spectacle: a small raft of African penguins darting through the water, clearly on the hunt for fish. From dolphins to whales, sharks to penguins, today’s tour was a breathtaking reminder of the incredible biodiversity found right here in Gansbaai. Days like these reaffirm our passion for protecting and sharing the magic of the Marine Big 5.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
