Marine Big 5 encounters, 03 October 2019
Written by October 3 2019
Today we enjoyed another day out on the water in the company of our Marine Big 5 species. We were very lucky in the morning to encounter our endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins that we don’t get to see on many trips. These coastal dolphins are usually quite shy and occur in small groups, but today we there were several individuals around, and we got to see at least 5 or 6 of them very well. The whales were also plentiful on all our tours today, as we are right in the peak of our Southern right whale season, and we have several mother and juvenile pairs hanging around in the bay. In the afternoon we were even lucky enough to see one of the juvenile whales jumping out of the water. On our first trip we also came across a subadult humpback whale near Dyer Island. It looked to be the same individual that we saw last week, so it seems this whale is staying around for a while. On Dyer Island, as well as in its surrounding waters, we spotted some African penguins, which is the smallest member of our Marine Big 5. And to complete our sightings list, we encountered Cape fur seals and Bronze whaler sharks on all our trips today.
Photos from today
A well known Indian Ocean humpback dolphin with a distinct mark behind its fin
Southern right whale
Adult and juvenile Southern right whales close to shore
Southern right whales rolling around
Adult and juvenile Southern right whales
Humpback whale approaching our boat
Humpback whale
Indian Ocean humpback dolphins
Indian Ocean humpback dolphin surfacing
Indian Ocean humpback dolphins
Southern right whale head
Cape fur seal
Cape fur seals fighting
Bank cormorants on Geyser rock
Cape fur seals on Geyser rock
Cape cormorants
Dyer Island
African penguins on Dyer Island
Bronze whaler shark
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
