Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 02 November
Written by November 2 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 02 November 2025:
After a day of heavy winds and swell, we are back and ready to head into November. Throughout the entire day, we have been fortunate with our sightings. Different species of dolphins and whales were spotted, filling the day with excitement. On some trips, we were lucky to have spotted Bottlenose dolphins as well as the endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins. Southern Right whales and Humpback whales were either seen around the island system or within the Pearly Beach area. Even though the Humpbacks were moving on before our later trips could see them too, no one missed out on some close looks at the rest of the Big 5! Bronze whaler sharks were seen around the Shark cage diving boats within the Shallows, an area popular for experiencing sharks in full glory. Around the island system, we spent some time around the Cape fur seal colony on Geyser Rock and the critically endangered African Penguin colony on Dyer Island.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
