Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 20 January
Written by January 20 2023
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 20 January 2023:
It’s been a picture-perfect day with no wind and a calm sea. Just outside Kleinbaai we had our first sighting of some penguins. Further, we were heading along the coast towards Danger Point and then through deeper water where we found a small pod of common dolphins and even a Bryde’s whale close by. The dolphins were chasing after the fish with two cape fur seals amongst them. The Bryde’s whale was very relaxed and definitely something we don’t see a lot, what a great sighting through the shallow waters on the lookout for some marine life. Today we first passed the Cape fur seal on Geyser Rock before we stopped in Sponge Bay to see the endangered African Penguin, but also spotted other seabirds that inhabit the protected area.
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What species did we see today?
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.
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.
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.
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.
