So many great sightings! Marine Big 5 Daily Blog
Written by November 5 2020
We perfectly used today’s weather gap to head out and find some marine wildlife. Just as we passed Uilenkraalmond we found some Indian Ocean humpback dolphins. The small group was travelling close to shore and went even closer just before moving on towards Pearly Beach. On the way we made a stop as we saw some splashes in the water, it was a Cape Fur seal tearing an octopus appart. Arriving in Pearly Beach we encountered a Southern Right whale cow-calf pair, both were very comfortable with our vessel Whale Whisperer and approached us slowly while we were in motion and just drifting in the sea. This close encounter allowed us to get some great looks at these gentle giants. Our next stop was at Geyser Rock to see more of the Cape Fur seals and while looking closer we even spotted a single penguin inbetween, usually we see them on Dyer Island. Closer to the island we saw more of the endangered African penguins, Swift terns and plenty of cormorant.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
