Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 20 December
Written by December 20 2024
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 20 December 2024:
What a beautiful day out at sea! With a slight southwesterly breeze and minimal swell, we could not wait to get our guests aboard. We left our local harbour behind us and headed in the usual direction. Towards the natural estuary, we could once again spot a pod of the endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins! To our delight, it seems like they have decided to stick around for a bit. Enjoying the shallow waters and our company we got to spend a decent time with them before we waved our goodbyes and headed to the Shark cage diving boats. A few local operators were anchored within the Shallows. Stopping by Marine Dynamics Shark cage diving vessel Slashfin we could see the shadows of the incredible Bronze whaler sharks approaching the cage and eventually cutting the surface with their beautiful copper-coloured dorsal fin. Continuing our trips we eventually made it to the island system. Both Dyer Island and Geyser Rock were filled with their inhabitants. On Dyer Island, the endangered African Penguins were sharing their space with Cape Cormorants soaking in all the sun shining onto the island today. The Cape fur seals had the same idea as thousands of them relaxed on Geyser Rock while others were cooling down in the clear waters of Shark Alley. The first tour of the day was lucky to see another dolphin species, we came across some playful common dolphins in deeper waters. These common dolphins are just great to watch while bow-riding our vessel Dream Catcher. The second trip on the other hand has been lucky to spot a Bryde’s whale.
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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.
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.
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.
Common Dolphin Common Dolphin
With an 'hourgalss' patch on either side and aerial activity the common dolphin is an agile and majestic species, that may easily reach a speed of 40km/h.
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.
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.
