Whales and more! Marine Big 5 Daily Blog
Written by April 18 2021
We launched this morning into a glass calm sea and were heading out into the bay looking for any signs of wildlife activity. Soon we spotted some diving birds indicating some small fish and other marine life. After having a closer look around, we heard a whale coming up to the surface before we spotted it close to the boat. In the same are we also had big rafts of African penguin and more diving birds further off. After having such a wonderful start into the trip, we continued to Dyer Island and Geyser Rock. The Cape Fur seal pups are truly getting big now and ready for leaving the island to catch their own fish. On our way back we passed through the shallows and continued along the coast line where we spotted a Cape Fur seal having caught itself a white steenbras for lunch. And as we were about to head into Kleinbaai harbour we spotted a group of five humpback dolphins travelling along some kelp forests. What a stunning day it has been at sea!
What species did we see today?
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.
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.
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.
