Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 23 August
Written by August 23 2026
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 23 August 2026:
Today’s Marine Big 5 tour departed from Kleinbaai Harbour under fantastic conditions, with plenty of sunshine and a calm, beautiful ocean making for an incredible day at sea. Our first exciting sightings included bronze whaler sharks near the shark cage-diving boats, giving us a wonderful opportunity to observe these impressive predators in their natural environment. Along the coastline, we were treated to sightings of southern right whales travelling and resting in the coastal waters of the bay. We spotted African penguins, both around Dyer Island and out at sea. Around Geyser Rock, hundreds of Cape fur seals provided plenty of activity as they swam, played and hauled out on the rocks.
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What species did we see today?
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.
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.
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.
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.
