Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 16 May
Written by May 16 2026
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 16 May 2026:
With some slight east wind coming into the bay, we left Kleinbaai Harbour behind us. Heading down the coastline, we passed the natural estuary and moved towards our Shark cage diving vessel Slashfin. Our regulars, the Bronze whaler sharks were already cruising passed the boat on our arrival. Continuing our trip through the reef system, we also introduced our guests to our kelp forest. Geyser Rock with its Cape fur seal colony did not disappoint, as thousands of individuals welcomed us with their loud vocals. Penguins were either seen on the island but also out at sea. In deeper waters, once again, we came across a sunfish. On top of that, a Humpback whale was putting on a show by breaching!
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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.
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.
Sunfish
