Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 9 May
Written by May 9 2023
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 09 May 2023:
Today was an incredible trip out at sea! We started off at our shark cage diving vessel, Slashfin, where we sighted both Bronze Whaler sharks and a Great White shark! Over by Geyser Rock the 60,000-strong Cape Fur seal colony delighted everyone on board with their curious nature. By Dyer Island, we were even lucky enough to spot the endangered African Penguins on land! Out in some deeper waters of the bay, we encountered a Sunfish (Mola Mola) which was predating on box jellyfish. We also made a stop for a raft of Africa Penguins out on the water and were pleasantly surprised to see a juvenile Hammerhead shark cruising alongside the boat, a very rare sighting indeed! There was some great bird activity today including Cape Gannets, African Oyster Catchers, Ruddy Turnstones, Little Egrets, and even a Eurasian Whimbrel on Dyer Island!
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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.
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.
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.
Bank Cormorant Bank Cormorant
Often enjoying a broad diet including klipfish, rock lobster and more, the increasing rarety of the Bank Cormorant makes every moment we see them even more special.
