Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 20 July
Written by July 20 2024
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 20 July 2024:
After being unable to head out to sea we are even more excited to see what marine wildlife is in our area. As usual, we welcomed our guests aboard Dream Catcher and left Kleinbaai Harbour behind us. Heading into deeper waters first towards Danger Point, we stopped briefly at Danger Point lighthouse. In deeper waters, we came across several Shy Albatrosses as well as an Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross, numerous other pelagic birds and a few endangered African Penguins. Spotting a Humpback whale in the distance we approached it slowly but surely and encountered a Sunfish while looking out for the whale. A little later in the trip we spotted and encountered some more Humpback whales. One was quite interested in the floating kelp and came even closer to the boat to investigate. After spending some time around the whales we let them be and continued our trip towards the island system. On Geyser Rock the Cape fur seals were cuddled together to stay warm whereas others still wanted to play in the cool waters of Shark Alley. Due to some swell, we were not able to head too close to Dyer Island but as the island is just opposite Geyser Rock our guests were still able to get a good look at it. Shortly after we moved through the reef system into more shallow waters before heading back to Kleinbaai Harbour.
Tripadvisor – https://bit.ly/2YZ0jDR
Google – https://g.page/r/Caej8uYZYnR8EBE/review
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/WhaleWatchSA
What species did we see today?
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.
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.
Sunfish