Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 19 December
Written by December 19 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 19 December 2025:
Another glorious day well spent, with calm weather conditions and spectacular sightings. Along the coast of Uilenkraalsmond, the endangered Indian Ocean Humpback dolphins were seen cruising along the coastline. A stop was made near our local shark diving vessels, where the calm misunderstood Bronze whaler sharks emerged, putting on a show as they swam around the diving cage. In deeper waters, the Bryde’s whale was spotted with us, ending the day near Geyser rock and Dyer Island to get a good close-up view of the playful Cape fur seals and African penguins.
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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.
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.
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.
