Albatross and humpback whale! Marine Big 5 Daily Blog
Written by August 11 2021
It has a been a perfect morning out at sea. The light has been great for photographs and the animals were just everywhere, especially the pelagic seabirds. As soon as we launched from Kleinbaai harbour we made our way to Danger Point where we spotted a few White-chinned Petrel. Further along the way to Dyer Island we encountered a humpback whale, breaching once for us and then travelling relaxed alongside the vessel. While waiting for the whale to come up we had the opportunity to take photos of Shy Albatross gliding past and a few more bird species around. At Dyer Island we managed to see the some of the endangered African Penguin and Cape Cormorant. And as always it has been a joy watching all the Cape Fur seals in Shark Alley and on Geyser Rock.
What species did we see today?
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.
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.
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.