Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 26 July
Written by July 26 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 26 July 2025:
After not being able to head out to sea yesterday, we are back today! Due to the spring tide, we launched the first two trips from Gansbaai Harbour. All three trips were successful in spotting Humpback whales in deeper waters. A few pelagic birds, such as White-chinned Petrels and Shy Albatross, were accompanying us along the way. A mandatory stop is the island system consisting of Geyser Rock, the Cape fur seal colony, and Dyer Island, home to the critically endangered African Penguins. Fur seals were relaxing on land, enjoying the sun. The African Penguins were mainly hiding closer to their artificial nests. For a glimpse at some sharks, we stopped by the Marine Dynamics vessel Slashfin, where we instantly got eyes on the incredible Bronze whaler shark cutting the surface with their copper colored dorsal fins.
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What species did we see today?
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.
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.
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.
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.
