Marine Big 5 daily blog
Written by February 26 2020

The day started off overcast but it cleared up soon during our tour. Due to low tide we launched from Gansbaai and made our way around the Danger Point peninsula. Once past the Danger Point lighthouse we were heading straight into deeper waters, where we have been lucky to find a Bryde’s whale female with her calf. Reaching geyser Rock after such an incredible sighting we were surprised that it has been so empty and most Cape fur seals have been out to sea hunting for some fish. After seeing some African penguins, we passed the shark cage diving boats and took a slow drive back to Kleinbaai. Before reaching the harbour, we spotted a pod of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins very close to shore. It has been the same individuals we have encountered yesterday already. All in all, it has been a fantastic day at sea, we could have not asked for any better.
What species did we see today?
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.
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 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.
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.
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.