Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 22 June
Written by June 22 2026
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 22 June 2026:
We headed out to sea early, taking advantage of the calm conditions before the wind began to increase. Along the coastline, we stopped near the shark cage diving vessels, where guests enjoyed sightings of bronze whaler sharks. Some visitors are even lucky enough to encounter humpback dolphins in this area. Travelling between the islands and the mainland, we were fortunate to spot two southern right whales. Watching these gentle giants move through the water is always a highlight of any trip. At Dyer Island, we caught a brief glimpse of an African penguin, one of the critically endangered species that make this area so special. We then continued to Geyser Rock, where thousands of Cape fur seals were gathered on the rocks and in the surrounding waters. With wonderful wildlife sightings and beautiful ocean conditions, it was another memorable morning at sea.
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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.
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.
Southern Right Whale Southern Right Whale
Southern right whales attract thousands of visitors every year to experience these gentle giants off the South African coast.
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.
