Two Bryde’s whales! Marine Big 5 Daily Blog
Written by December 24 2020
The ocean was once again filled with life today! On route and passed Uilenkraalmond we had our first encounter with a juvenile African penguin before reaching the shark cage diving boats. There, a Bronze whaler shark was active at the surface passing the cage several times so we could get some great looks. At Geyser Rock and cruising through Shark Alley, we watched the Cape Fur seals. Many of the big males were posing in the sun, but always keeping an eye open for other males that might come to close. Out in the deeper water behind Dyer Island the ocean was filled with Cape Fur seals and other seabirds as well as Bryde’s whales and we have been extremely lucky to see two of them on today’s tour.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
