Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 26 December
Written by December 26 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 26 December 2025:
We are back at sea after Christmas and ready to head to sea. Leaving Kleinbaai Harbour behind us, we, as usual, kept our eyes wide open on the lookout for marine wildlife. Throughout the entire day, we were able to spot some of the endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins in shallow waters along the coast. Bronze whaler sharks were encountered while stopping by the local Shark cage diving operators within the Shallows, an area known for its density of different shark species. A stop by the island system is mandatory and offered sightings of the critically endangered African Penguins on Dyer Island and thousands of Cape fur seals on Geyser Rock. Our last trip of the day has been super lucky as we spotted a pod of Common dolphins and a Bryde’s whale in deeper waters!
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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.
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.
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.
Common Dolphin Common Dolphin
With an 'hourgalss' patch on either side and aerial activity the common dolphin is an agile and majestic species, that may easily reach a speed of 40km/h.
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.
