What a surprise! Marine Big 5 Daily Blog
Written by November 26 2020
On our way along the coast we made a quick stop in the shallows where the shark cage diving boats usually head in summer time and how lucky were we to see a couple of Bronze whaler sharks just below the surface. Further along the coast we came across two African penguins and got surprised by a pod of Bottlenose dolphins heading our way. The dolphins were curios and were coming very close to our boat and riding in the wake for a while before they continued with their journey. After a drive through deeper waters we reached Geyser Rock, the Cape Fur seal colony, that is situated just behind Dyer Island. After also a stop closer to Dyer Island itself we made our way slowly back to Kleinbaai harbour.
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.
Bottlenose Dolphin Bottlenose Dolphin
At present there are two recognized species of bottlenose dolphin, and in some cases, both species can be found in the same area. The two species are the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), and the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (T. aduncus). In addition, there is a great deal of variation in colouration, diet and behaviour. The difference between the common bottlenose and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin are subtle, but the common bottlenose dolphin generally larger and more robust with a slight darker colouration.
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.