Perfect morning for a boat tour! Marine Big 5 daily blog
Written by September 22 2020
It has been the perfect morning for a boat tour, the sun was shining and a light breeze only blew later on. After a launch from Kleinbaai harbour we were cruising along the coast past Uilenkraalmond estuary and passed a major reef system and kelp forest before reaching Pearly Beach area. Not long after arriving in Pearly Beach we spotted a Southern Right whale very close to shore. We had some great looks at the whale surfacing quite frequently, before it decided to approach our vessel a bit closer. Before leaving the whale behind we had a unique experience, hearing the whale making some sound while at the surface.
The Cape Fur seals were scattered around Geyser Rock and Shark Alley and playful as usual. We even spotted a few bird species in between like the African oystercatcher. And before heading back to the harbour we made a closer pass at Dyer Island to see some penguins and more bird species.
What species did we see today?
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.
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.
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.