Enjoy Whale Watching and the Marine Big 5 on this spectacular oceanic safari

The iconic Big 5 as you know it shares the African plains. But did you know that South Africa also has the Marine Big 5 who share our Southern Cape ocean? This term was coined by Dyer Island Cruises in the seaside town of Gansbaai, who could rightfully consider themselves the Serengeti of the sea as Gansbaai is the only place in the world where you can see the full marine big five on one trip. Up-close encounters with the Marine Big 5 in their natural habitat is a sight few have had the privilege to witness. Enjoy this marine spectacular with whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins in all their glory as they feed, frolic and play.

Join Dyer Island Cruises on a purpose-built eco-friendly tour vessel and enjoy a trip led by experienced marine biologists and guides. Every trip offers a possibility of a whole Marine Big 5 experience!

Now meet South Africa's Marine Big 5!

1. Whales

Southern Right Whale

Of the 3 whale species, these gentle giants are one of the strongest draws for our visitors, as thousands return every year to experience the majesty of the Southern Right Whale.

Fun Fact: The tail of a southern right whale can reach up to 7 metres in length

Humpback Whale

One of the larger whale species to visit area and with their distinctive body shape, humpback whales are a special favourite of Dyer Island Cruises guests and crew alike.

Brydes Whale

Mysterious and often solitary, Bryde's whales frequent the Dyer Island area throughout the year, with most sightings occurring during the summer months.

Fun Fact: Bryde's whales are named after the Norwegian Whaler, Johan Brydes. Brydes came to South Africa to set up the first modern whaling stations in South Africa.

2. Dolphins

Common Dolphin

With golden side patches and a beautiful, high pitched whistle, the Common Dolphin is an agile and majestic species. These dolphins may reach a speed of 50km/h.

Fun Fact: Common Dolphins can be found in pods measuring up to 10 000 animals, our peak season for sightings is between March and August.

Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin

One of South Africa's rarest coastal cetaceans. These animals get their name from their accumulated fat hump under their dorsal fin and have a range of up to 500km.

Fun Fact: Unlike most other dolphin species, humpback dolphins are largely solitary animals who don't typically form large groups.

Bottlenose Dolphin

The bottlenose dolphin is the archetypal, and possibly most famous species of dolphin. They are the most commonly seen dolphin on television and in aquariums.

Fun Fact: Using a technique similar to sonar, bottlenose dolphins send ultrasounds through the water, which are then bounced back to the animal which can be used to navigate and detect potential food sources.

3. Sharks

Great white sharks

Gracious, beautiful, misunderstood - three words used by guests of Dyer Island Cruises after witnessing South Africa's most infamous marine species.

Fun Fact: The skin of a great white shark actually comprises of countless tiny teeth, giving them a sandpaper-like texture.

Bronze whaler sharks

The Bronze whalers (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.

Fun Fact: Bronze Whalers reach a size of just over 3m and can be seen here during our summer months. We see mostly female Bronze Whalers around our boats.

4. African Penguin

As one of only 17 penguin species left in the world (and the only one on the African continent), the endangered African penguin often breeds in offshore colonies, such as Dyer Island.

Fun Fact: The African penguin is the only species of penguin which is endemic to the African continent.

5. Cape Fur Seals

With a local population of 60,000, it's no wonder our guests capture so many photographs of these wonderfully playful marine mammals.

Fun Fact: Females can weigh up to 80kg and males up to 300kg! This is because male seals must fight off competing males during mating season.