Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 23 February
Written by February 23 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 23 February 2025:
It was another beautiful day out at sea with incredible sightings. Shortly after leaving Kleinbaai Harbour behind us, we spotted a pod of Bottlenose dolphins. While cruising alongside the boat, we saw the individuals breaching, even accompanied by their young ones! Not long after we encountered two endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins in the same area enjoying the swell building up closer to shore. A stop at Marine Dynamics Shark cage diving vessel Slashfin offered us some looks at the Bronze whaler sharks as well as at a Short-tailed stingray. Ahead of Dyer Island, we have spotted a raft of critically endangered African Penguins observing the area. Another stop at Dyer Island brought our guests closer to the history of the island itself and its population. The Cape fur seal colony on Geyser Rock was relaxing on the island and the remains of the Prince Port while others had a blast in the cool waters of Shark Alley. Leaving for deeper waters we spotted two Bryde’s whales nearby. Coming up quite a few times our guests got some great looks at this elusive species.
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What species did we see today?
Bottlenose Dolphin Bottlenose Dolphin
At present there are two recognized species of bottlenose dolphin, and in some cases, both species can be found in the same area. The two species are the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), and the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (T. aduncus). In addition, there is a great deal of variation in colouration, diet and behaviour. The difference between the common bottlenose and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin are subtle, but the common bottlenose dolphin generally larger and more robust with a slight darker colouration.
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.
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.
Brydes Whale Brydes Whale
The mysterious Bryde's whales visit the Dyer Island area throughout the year, with most sightings occurring during summer into winter.
