Sunfish, dolphins, sharks, seals and penguins! Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 17 January
Written by January 17 2022
Today’s trip started off with a penguin’s sightings just outside Kleinbaai harbour. After having had a close up look at the penguin, who was very relaxed alongside the boat we continued passed Danger Point into deeper waters where we first spotted a sunfish and shortly after a small pod of common dolphins. They were bow-riding our vessel Whale Whisperer before we moved off to Geyser Rock to see the Cape Fur seals. Before heading to Dyer Island, we have been lucky to quickly meet up with our research vessel and see how they deploy some acoustic receivers. Closer to the coast at the shark cage diving boats we saw bronze whaler sharks as well as a small pod of bottlenose dolphins.
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What species did we see today?
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.
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.
Bottlenose Dolphin Bottlenose Dolphin
At present there are two recognized species of bottlenose dolphin, and in some cases, both species can be found in the same area. The two species are the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), and the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (T. aduncus). In addition, there is a great deal of variation in colouration, diet and behaviour. The difference between the common bottlenose and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin are subtle, but the common bottlenose dolphin generally larger and more robust with a slight darker colouration.
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.
