Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 16 October
Written by October 16 2024

Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 16 October 2024:
What an incredible day out at sea! The sightings did not disappoint. The marine life in our bay was out and about and super active offering both crew and guests some amazing views. On all trips today we encountered whales, seals, penguins and more. The first trip was lucky to have even spotted some of the endangered Indian Ocean Humpback dolphins close to shore and a sunfish, also known as a moonfish or under its scientific name, the mola mola. Several pairs of Southern Right whales were spotted in coastal waters or around our reef system being very interactive and curious as we had several close encounters! As we had great visibility within the Shallows, where the local Shark cage diving companies operate we were not just able to see the Bronze whaler sharks in front of the cage but also investigating our vessel. Both the Cape fur seals and the endangered African Penguins were enjoying the warmer weather either within their colonies on Geyser Rock and Dyer Island or in the cool waters of Shark Alley. Once again, thanks everyone for joining our Marine Big 5 trips on such a successful day out at sea!
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Cormorant Cape Cormorant
One of the most famous species of Cormorant in the Western Cape, the Cape Cormorant is well known for it's beautiful turquoise eye and impressive size.