Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 24 July
Written by July 24 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 24 July 2025:
Today we had some cloudy conditions and some west winds in the bay. As usual, we launched from Kleinbaai harbour and started our search for the Marine Big 5. In deeper waters, we were able to find at least 4 different Humpback whales. On the first trip, we were lucky to spot a sunfish that even broke the surface, revealing its incredible face! The Cape fur seal colony on Geyser Rock was next, leaving our guests in awe as thousands of fur seals vocalised and greeted us loudly. A few of the critically endangered African Penguins were spotted on top of the island, relaxing on one of their favourite boulders. Last but not least, we stopped by Marine Dynamics’ Shark Cage Diving vessel, Slashfin. A look at the amazing Bronze whaler sharks was granted on the first trip. Unfortunately, there was no shark activity for our second trip.
Tripadvisor – https://bit.ly/2YZ0jDR
Google – https://g.page/r/Caej8uYZYnR8EBE/review
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/WhaleWatchSA
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.
Humpback Whale Humpback Whale
One of the best-known whale species, they are renowned for their acrobatic behaviour and complex melodious song as well as extremely long flippers and are a special favourite of Dyer Island Cruises guests and crew alike.
Sunfish 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.
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.
