Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 28 March
Written by March 28 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 28 March 2025:
After launching from Kleinbaai, we headed along the coast towards Uilenkraalsmond and the shoreline’s waters. A bit further down, we stopped at the shark cage diving vessel, Slashfin, and were fortunate to briefly see a Bronze Whaler shark under the surface and a short tailed stingray coming up in front of the cage. Continuing our journey along a kelp forest, we eventually arrived at Dyer Island, where we stopped to see some of the critically endangered African Penguins, Greater-crested Terns and Cape Cormorants. Arrived at Geyser Rock, we were in awe of seeing so many Cape fur seals at once and head a great time observing them in the water and on land. Further out in the bay we saw a huge variety of different seabirds, including some shearwaters, petrels and gannets. Between the strong wind and spray over the sides of the boat, we briefly saw the dorsal fin of a Bryde’s whale and later on could get a few quick looks at a humpback whale.
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What species did we see today?
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.
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.
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.
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.
