6 minute read
Experience the wonder of the Marine Big Five
Dyer Island Cruises’ guests have the unique opportunity of potentially seeing all the Marine Big 5 in a single trip, nature permitting. The Marine Big Five™ - Sharks, Whales, Dolphins, the Cape fur seal, and the endangered African Penguin – are the subject of many nature documentaries.
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The Dyer Island ecosystem is a marine wildlife dream for many. Dyer Island is classified as an Important Bird Area and is home to breeding colonies of the endangered African Penguin, as well as other seabirds.
The many sheltered areas of the bay provide the mating and calving ground for the Southern Right Whales that migrate here from the sub-Antarctic islands between June to December each year. You may also even see a breaching Humpback whale that is migrating along the coastline, a 3000 km journey from the sub-Antarctic islands towards Mozambique’s warmer waters. Or perhaps one of the local species, the shy Bryde’s whale, may make an appearance. These whales are found along the coastline throughout the year and feed on fish so often follow large shoals.
Gansbaai is world renowned for the iconic great white sharks that visit the bay. This is one of the most accessible populations in the world as the sharks are often found just metres from shore or hunting around the 40 000 strong seal colony on Geyser Rock, opposite Dyer Island. November is pupping season and
there are many small pups at this time of the year. These pups will venture out to the open sea at around 6 months (April) and this is the time when white sharks may capitalise on their inexperience. If sister company Marine Dynamics is on sea, you may be lucky to see this legendary apex predator, or perhaps be enthralled by the bronze whaler sharks with their shimmering gold colour.
We have three dolphin species that move through these waters – the Common dolphin, the Bottlenose, and the Humpback dolphin. Common dolphins are generally seen in large groups, even in the hundreds. Bottlenose dolphins tend to travel in family groups, whilst the elusive and endangered humpback dolphin may be sighted alone or in small groups. Studies of the endangered humpack dolphins show that there are probably less than 500 individuals on the South African coastline. The team can hopefully show you some of our favourites - Oupa, Fingers, Captain Hook, or Newton.
The African penguin breeds on Dyer Island and is sometimes seen in groups swimming at sea. Sadly, the species is classified as
Whale
Image credit - Hennie Otto
Image credit - Kelly Baker
Shark
Dolphin African Penguin
Cape Fur Seal
endangered with an estimated 13 300 breeding pairs left in South Africa. Dyer Island Cruises together with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust is doing much in terms of penguin conservation and a visit to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary is a must.
The onboard marine biologist will entertain and educate you on all the species we see and the ecosystem at large. There is magic on the ocean and besides the Marine Big 5, stingray, box jellyfish, sunfish (mola mola) and maybe even orca, might be spotted.
The trip is suited to all ages and is a great way to introduce children to the marine world. Life is an adventure to be lived is a quote the Dyer Island Cruises live by. Join the adventure.
A memorable birding experience on sea to photograph albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters and more.
This one is for the bird lovers. Many pelagic birds are opportunistic feeders that find and follow the commercial fishing trawlers found in the deeper waters off the continental shelf. The expert team heads out 70-80km offshore to observe these seabirds, some of the largest and most awe inspiring that includes albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters, jaegers, terns, prions, and of course cormorants and gulls.
Over 50 or more pelagic seabird species may be sighted throughout the year. It is a breath-taking experience to watch as the birds feed on fish as they are brought to the surface, or on scraps thrown overboard. As we leave the harbour, you will see some typical shoreline birds, such as Kelp Gull and Swift Tern, but the first true seabirds we are likely to encounter are small Sooty Shearwaters and the larger Subantarctic Skuas. We usually encounter White-chinned Petrels and one or two albatrosses before we even get to the first trawler.
The trip is a full day leaving early from the Great White House in Kleinbaai and returning in the afternoon with a stop at the famous Dyer Island to view the extensive Cape cormorant colony and the endangered African penguin.
For bird photography, a lens greater than 400mm could be a liability. A 100-300mm range is ideal, but a wide-angle also offers exciting possibilities. An illustrated guide of seabird species is provided.
Three albatross species - Indian yellow-nosed, shy and black-browed as well as some kelp gull Image credit - Wilfred Chivell
Shy albatross, white chinned petrels and kelp gull Image credit - Wilfred Chivell
Join DYER ISLAND CRUISES on an unforgettable and educational marine safari.
Marine Big 5 Tour OR Shark cage diving - South African Special - 40% discounted rate Valid till May 2021.; Under 5s free of charge. R25 conservation fee per person for the Dyer Island Conservation Trust is applicable.
Pelagic Birding – As and when conditions allow and guests go on a waiting list. All trips depart from the Great White House 5 Geelbek Street, Kleinbaai, Gansbaai, Western Cape.
By joining any of the tours, you can be assured that YOUR CHOICE MAKES A DIFFERENCE for conservation and the community through the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. Leaders in responsible shark cage diving and pioneers of ethical marine eco-tourism, Marine Dynamics and Dyer Island Cruises are award winning Fair Trade Tourism certified companies provide logistical, marketing, and financial support to the Trust.
Visit the key project – the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary. Entrance is free and penguin feeding can be observed at 3pm daily. Coffee and curio shop on site.
Email: whales@marinedynamicstravel.com / Ph: 082 801 8014 / www.dyerislandcruises.co.za sharks@marinedynamicstravel.com / Ph: 082 380 3405 / www.marinedynamics.co.za Visit the daily blogs for updated sightings. •
