Wednesday whales! Marine Big 5 daily blog
Written by October 7 2020
Although it was overcast, we had a fantastic trip with a calm sea and great whale sightings. As usual we launched from Kleinbaai harbour and were heading along the coast past Uilenkraalmond towards Pearly Beach, but halfway through the bay we already spotted our first Southern Right whales. This mom and her calf were slowly traveling alongside us and coming up for frequent breaths. After some great looks we continued to Geyser Rock and Shark Alley to see the Cape Fur seals. As their breeding season is about to start, we see more and more big males on the island starting to dominate the females and fighting for their territory. Around the corner closer to Dyer Island itself we spotted African penguins and plenty of Cape cormorants and were lucky to find another pair of Southern Right whales. They were slowly moving alongside the kelp when we spotted them. It was great watching the mother and calf breaking the surface at the same time. After a couple of great looks at them we were heading back home to Kleinbaai harbour. What a great day at sea and thanks everyone for joining us.
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.
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.
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.
