Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 18 October
Written by October 18 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 18 October 2025:
The conditions were favourable today, with a clear sky and calmer seas. As we departed from Kleinbaai Harbour, the trips were all able to encounter the Southern Right whales as they calmly navigated within the shallow waters of the bay. The endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins were travelling in smaller pods, almost sticking around for the entire day. The Bronze whaler sharks were sighted at the shark cage diving vessels, with multiple individuals demonstrating their cooperative predation techniques. Proceeding towards the island ecosystem, the resident critically endangered African penguins of Dyer Island could be seen along the water’s edge. Entering Shark Alley, at Geyser Rock, the abundant Cape fur seals offered an entertaining sighting, with their charismatic and curious behaviour, finalising the wildlife for today and ticking off all of the Marine Big 5!
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What species did we see today?
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.
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.
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.
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.
