Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 22 October
Written by October 22 2024
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 22 October 2024:
A sunny day with numerous sightings! Welcoming our guests aboard we left Kleinbaai Harbour and shortly after had our first sightings close to shore. The early birds were lucky to have encountered two individuals of the endangered Indian Ocean Humpback dolphins to start their tour with. The Southern Right whales were spotted in shallow waters floating which enabled our guests some incredible views of these gentle giants. The active Bronze whaler sharks could be seen around Marine Dynamics Shark change diving vessel Slashfin. Around the island system, we were met by thousands of Cape fur seals enjoying the warmer weather on Geyser Rock and playing in the cool waters of Shark Alley. A few of the endangered African Penguins could also be seen soaking in the sunrays on top of the boulders or on the beach of Dyer Island.
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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.
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.