This report is slightly overdue as I’ve been catching up after our recent office move, which has kept me away from the computer. Nonetheless, it’s great to finally share it!
We arrived at Hout Bay Harbour to a startling sight—a large, dead humpback whale hauled onto the slipway, ready for processing by the City of Cape Town. The whale was being prepared for disposal after being towed in the previous day. There were a few bite marks, likely from a small shark, but no clear indication of its cause of death. The slipway was slick with whale oil, and the air was filled with a strong stench as heavy machinery stood by for removal. Even now, on 3 December, traces of whale oil remain in the harbor.
Our Ocean Safari crew took a moment to marvel at the sheer size of the humpback before heading out to sea. Although there was a small swell, the inshore waters were murky. However, the mood quickly lifted as we encountered playful Heaviside’s dolphins. These charming creatures came right up to the boat multiple times, delighting us with their acrobatics. I’ve been regularly contributing photos of these dolphins to Happywhale to help document and track individuals.
Our next stop was Duiker Island to see Buffel the Elephant Seal, among the lively Cape fur seals. It’s the start of pupping season, and we spotted a mother seal carefully moving her newborn pup to a safer position on the rocks. On the way to the kelp forest at Cosy Bay, we were lucky to encounter a pod of dusky dolphins gliding through crystal-clear waters—an awe-inspiring sight.
Once at Cosy Bay, we snorkeled in the vibrant kelp forest with excellent visibility—around six to seven meters. The underwater world was teeming with life, including rock lobsters, sea urchins, and anemones. Back on the boat, we witnessed another incredible moment: a large pod of dusky dolphins feeding and playing, providing a captivating finale to our day.
We returned to Hout Bay Harbour, now clear of the humpback whale, though the slipway still bore slick patches of whale oil. It was a day filled with unforgettable moments—a reminder of the ocean’s surprises and wonders. Encounters with playful dolphins, stunning marine life, and the sobering sight of a humpback whale’s removal made for an extraordinary adventure.
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