Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 17 August
Written by August 17 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 17 August 2025:
It was another beautiful day out at sea today. We boarded our whale watching vessel in search of marine life, and throughout all our trips, we left our guests happy and jaw-dropped. In deeper waters, we saw some fascinating pelagic birds from the shy albatross to multiple sooty shearwaters. Our trips stopped by Dyer Island to spot some penguins hidden between the rocks and boulders, and Geyser Rock, where the playful Cape fur seals swam alongside the vessel, showing off their playful behaviour. We ventured to the nearest shark diving vessels in an area known as the Shallows, where we got to see our local Bronze whaler sharks swimming towards the shark diving cage. All our trips were either joined by some Humpback or Southern Right whales.
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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.
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.
