Articles
Seals and Cetaceans
August 11, 2009 12:33PM
We always try and impart with our guests that even though we are providing a shark experience it is to their benefit to take in the whole environment and eco-system around Seal Island. This month we have started to sight the first Southern Right whales that have migrated to False Bay from Antarctica. These sightings should start to increase in August and September. We also had one brief sighting of a school of common dolphin. Two of our highlights of the month were actually of a whale encounter and a couple of seal dives.
On a particularly bumpy and very rainy day we were drifting looking out for predations when a Brydes whale approached our boat. They are normally a shy species of whale but this individual was very curious and circled our boat for about 40 minutes. It would constantly spy-hop a few meters from us and dive to encircle the boat another time. One of the most memorable things about this encounter was just listening to the whale exhale each time it came to the surface. It was pouring with rain but I was quote happy to stand outside to make the most of this special encounter!
A number of days after this we have very calm conditions with virtually no swell. This created a unique opportunity to dive in a sheltered bay around the Island with the seals. This area was full of the young of the year seals who were very curious of the divers and really wanted to interact with them.
Testing nips become a little more than that after a while! I could see that for Chris and the guests that did this dive they really could appreciate how special it was to be able to spend time with the seals underwater and I think also created a stronger bond with the Island itself.
