Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 25 April
Written by April 25 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 25 April 2025:
Although the day started with some fog, we had some great sightings throughout the day and the tour. Both trips were lucky to find the endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins not too far from shore. They have been seen as endangered along the South African coast for a few years, with an estimated less than 500 left. At the shark cage diving boats, there was some activity this morning, but unfortunately, we weren’t able to spot any on the second tour. Both trips were able to spot a penguin or two on Dyer Island and got to see thousands of Cape fur seals in Shark Alley and on Geyser Rock. The deeper waters were filled with some coastal and pelagic birds as well as a sighting of a Bryde’s whale.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
