Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 19 July
Written by July 19 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 19 July 2025:
Returning to the water after stormy conditions offered a beautiful day of wildlife encounters. Departing from Kleinbaai Harbour, our journey started in the shallow waters of Jouberstdam to witness the shark cage diving operations, providing sightings of the Bronze whaler sharks. Continuing to the Dyer Island ecosystem, resident African penguins could be spotted along the rocky beach of Sponge Bay, before a turn was made into Shark Alley. Nothing short of impressive, the extensive Cape fur seal colony was active in the water, with visibility that let us see them manoeuvring metres below. Venturing to deeper waters, we were rewarded with sightings of not only Sunfish, but mesmerising activity from Humpback whales. Cruising along the surface, they offered an amazing interaction that left all spectators in awe.
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What species did we see today?
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.
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.
Sunfish 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.
