Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 30 June
Written by June 30 2022
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 30 June 2022:
With two trips launching today, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. On both trips today, we crossed off 5 out of 5 species to complete our Marine big 5 experience! With a spectacular show from a large pod of Common Dolphins and Humpback whales alike, our first trip was filled with excitement from both guests and crew. After a stop at Dyer island to view the African Penguin and Geyser rock for some amazing Cape Fur seal action, a visit to our shark cage diving vessels left us with amazing sightings of a Great white shark and a Bronze Whaler shark too!
The afternoon graced us with some beautiful Humpback whales in deeper water and awe-inspiring looks at two Southern right whales with two Indian Ocean humpback dolphins swimming alongside. The sharks were active around the cage diving vessels, giving us glimpses of a Great White and a Bronze whaler shark. Dyer island had African Penguins basking in the sun while Geyser Rock gave us some activity with cape fur seals. A great way to end the week with beautiful weather before we have a few days off of the sea.
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What species did we see today?
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.
Great white sharks Great white sharks
Gracious, beautiful, misunderstood - three words used by guests of Dyer Island Cruises after witnessing South Africa's most infamous marine species: The Great White Shark.
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.
Southern Right Whale Southern Right Whale
Southern right whales attract thousands of visitors every year to experience these gentle giants off the South African coast.
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.
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.
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.
