Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 26 August
Written by August 26 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa – Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 26 August 2025:
Another busy day here at Marine Dynamics whale tours. Due to the spring tide, some of our trips once again either launched from or returned to Gansbaai Harbour, which led us past Danger Point. Different species were encountered throughout the day, including dolphins, sharks, whales, seals, and penguins. One of our trips spotted a small pod of the endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins, while others encountered Humpback whales. Our seasonal visitors, the Southern Right whales, praised some of our trips around Pearly Beach. Cape fur seals were, as always, vocalising on Geyser Rock, which left our guests with a bright smile on their faces. To say the least, our Cape fur seal colony never disappoints! The critically endangered African Penguins were spotted waddling over Dyer Island. Last but not least, most of our trips were also lucky to have encountered Bronze whaler sharks around the Shark cage diving boats anchored within the Shallows.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
