Marine Big 5 Daily Blog 27 March
Written by March 27 2025
Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa Welcome to Gansbaai, home of the Marine Big 5.
Trip Summary 27 March 2025:
What an amazing day we had out at sea! We were lucky to have encountered the Marine Big 5, including penguins, sharks, seals, dolphins, and whales! We welcomed our guests aboard Dream Catcher and left Kleinbaai Harbour behind us. Close to the natural estuary, we spotted a pod of the endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins. After we spent some time with them in shallow waters, we moved over to the Shark cage diving boats. Stopping by the Marine Dynamics vessel Slashfin we were able to get a glimpse of some Bronze whaler sharks as well as a Short-tailed stingray. On our way to the island system, we passed the reef system where we also came across two of the critically endangered African Penguins ahead of Dyer Island. Entering Shark Alley, numerous Cape fur seals were cooling down in the water or sunbathing on Geyser Rock. In deeper waters, we were met by several pelagic bird species such as White-chinned Petrels, Sooty and Manx Shearwater. Within the same area, we spotted and encountered Bryde’s whales and a very entertaining pod of Common dolphins!
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What species did we see today?
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.
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.
Brydes Whale Brydes Whale
The mysterious Bryde's whales visit the Dyer Island area throughout the year, with most sightings occurring during summer into winter.
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.
