Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 29 February
Written by February 29 2024
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 29 February 2024:
We had a beautiful sunny and calm day here in Kleinbaai and set sail into the bay this morning. Along the coast, we were lucky to spot an endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphin that was traveling fast toward Uilenkraalsmond. Next, we stopped the shark cage diving boats and saw some Bronze Whaler sharks before we continued to a reef where we had a special encounter with a rather rare hammerhead shark. Out in the deep, we came across two common dolphins. Arrived in Shark Alley we watched the Cape fur seals and had a closer look at Dyer Island and the penguins. Before we reached Kleinbaai harbour we came across more penguins at sea. What a beautiful day to remember!
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What species did we see today?
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.
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 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.
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.
