Marine Big 5

The term Marine Big 5 originated a few years ago when it was noted that 5 important marine species frequent the coastal waters of the small fishing village of Gansbaai. Wilfred Chivell, owner of Dyer Island Cruises, Marine Dynamics and founder of Dyer Island Conservation Trust, patented the term and it has since become a big attraction for the area.
The Marine Big 5 consists of Southern Right Whales, Great White Sharks, Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins, Cape Fur Seals and African Penguins.
The Great White Shark
Great White Sharks have always held our attention, whether it is because of their majestic movements or awe-inspiring strength and agility. And although these apex hunters have been given an ominous presence in the underwater kingdom, it is only due to the fact that not much is known about them. Found in all oceans around the world, these animals have been known to travel great distances in a single trip. Recent studies showed that Gansbaai holds the largest population of Great White Sharks in the world and it is speculated that this is due to the great number of Seals and Penguin (their natural prey) that is found here. The large congregation of Great White Sharks in this small area has given origin to the thriving Shark Cage Diving industry in this small fishing village.
The Southern Right Whale
Southern Right Whales travel great distances every year to mate, give birth and raise their young in the warmer coastal waters of the world. Large groups of Southern Right Whales return each year to the sheltered waters of Walker Bay in Gansbaai. These gentle giants are the 4th largest whale in the world and are part of the Baleen Whale group. These great whales and their young can be seen frolicking in the shallow waters of the area and often delight onlookers by spy-hopping, breaching and lob-tailing close to shore. The whales gather here every year from June till December, when they return to the colder waters to feed.
The Cape Fur Seal
Cape Fur Seals are known for their inquisitive natures and are a part of the small group of Seal species that have external ears. These brown seadogs can be found diving for fish in shallow waters around the islands they call home or basking in the warm African sun. Fur Seals are mammals and give birth to live young which then suckle their mothers. A 55,000 strong population of these apt swimmers can be found just off the coast of Gansbaai on Geyser Island. Also known as Brown Fur Seals, they are often seen swimming alongside local fishing boats.
The African Penguin
These flightless birds are incredibly social and known to form pair bonds that last up to 10 years. African Penguins are found only on small islands along the Namibian and South African coast and a fairly large population of them have made Dyer Island off the coast of Gansbaai their home. The whole island is a nature reserve and protected by the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and Cape Nature. These charismatic seabirds can swim up to 20 km/h and have been known to dive up to 130 m below the ocean.
Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins
Indo-Pacific Dolphin are found in warmer coastal waters of the southern hemispheres and was only recognized as separate species in 1998. The highly intelligent and sociable Dolphins can be found in schools of up to hundreds of individuals strong. A large variety of Dolphins frequent Gansbaai, but specifically large groups of Indo-Pacific Dolphins have been spotted enjoying the surf here. Growing up to 2,5m long, these docile darlings can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h and have been employed by various establishments in rescuing people and locating mines.

Although spotted individually along the South African coast, all 5 species of the Marine Big 5 can be found in Gansbaai, near the southern tip of Africa. The sheltered waters of Walker Bay and protected areas of Geyser Rock and Dyer Island provide the perfect natural habitat for these extraordinary animals. The Marine Big 5 are soon to be as large an attraction to South Africa as the already well-known African Big 5.

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