Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 22 November
Written by November 22 2024
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 22 November 2024:
Bright and early! Welcoming our guests aboard Dream Catcher, we headed out to sea, launching from Kleinbaai Harbour, as usual. As we concentrated on the Marine Big 5 on our trips, we had a tide schedule that included different areas for different marine species. Within the Shallows we targeted the Shark cage diving boats including Marine Dynamics vessel Slashfin working with our regulars, the Bronze whaler sharks. We headed to Pearly Beach our usual stop for a chance to spot our seasonal visitors the Southern Right whales. With our eyes wide open we were able to spot a pair within the swell. While spending some time with them fog rolled over our bay and made it unfortunately a bit difficult to work with. A must is the island system, including Geyser Rock, the Cape fur seal colony and Dyer Island, home to the endangered African Penguins and a huge variety of different seabird species. Entering Shark Alley, the channel dividing both colonies, we started with the fur seals on Geyser Rock. We could tell straight away the seals did not mind the warmer temperatures as they were either sunbathing on the island or enjoying the cool waters as they were the only ones that had the sun shining on them today. On Dyer Island, the African Penguins were waking up and getting ready to head out for some breakfast out at sea taking their time in the sun.
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What species did we see today?
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.
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.
