Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 15 August
Written by August 15 2026
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 15 August 2026:
What a day we had at Marine Dynamics! Due to spring tide, we launched some trips from Gansbaai while others returned to it, leading us past the Danger Point peninsula. Throughout the day, thousands of Cape fur seals on Geyser Rock did not disappoint, and the critically endangered African Penguins spent their day out at sea looking for fish or roaming Dyer Island. In deeper waters, we either spotted the elusive Bryde’s whales or playful Humpback whales. A stop by our Shark cage diving vessel could of course not be missed. During our visit, Bronze whaler sharks were passing the boat and investigating divers in the cage.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
