It was a beautiful day out in Hout Bay, with calm, windless conditions and only a slight swell—perfect for an ocean safari with Animal Ocean Safari's Danny Jegels, Samantha Sivewright and Rob Caine. It was incredible to see so many active, jumping Heaviside’s dolphins along the beach and beneath Chapman’s Peak. There were far more Heaviside’s than usual, possibly around 30 individuals. These small, agile dolphins are endemic to the cold waters of southern Africa and are known for their playful acrobatics, often leaping out of the water and riding the waves.
Hiking trails were busy between Sandy Bay and Hout Bay, and recreational paddleboarders, kayakers, and swimmers were out enjoying the ocean. The Ocean Sentinel Alliance coffee shop was bustling with activity, a great sign of the community’s love for the sea.
Visibility was generally poor, with a greenish tint throughout the bay due to seasonal plankton blooms, which, while reducing clarity, are a crucial food source for many marine species. However, as we approached Duiker Island, the water clarity improved significantly near the kelp forest surrounding the island. Visibility was best around the Bos 400 wreck, where we snorkeled, as well as in Cosy Bay, another great snorkeling spot.
Along the way, we were lucky to encounter three sunfish (Mola mola)—the heaviest bony fish in the world, capable of reaching up to 2,300 kg (5,000 lbs). One in particular stood out—it had turned completely white and was resting at the surface, seemingly sunning itself. This behavior likely helped it raise its body temperature after feeding at great depths, where the water is much colder. Another reason sunfish bask at the surface is to allow seabirds, such as gulls and albatrosses, to pick off parasites from their skin—essentially getting a natural cleaning service. They are also known to seek the sun after deep dives to restore their energy levels, aid digestion, and possibly regulate buoyancy before their next descent.
We also spotted small pods of dusky dolphins, which briefly rode the bow of our boat. This species is highly social and intelligent, often forming large groups and engaging in cooperative hunting behaviors. An interesting sighting was two Heaviside’s dolphins much farther north than usual, passing the Oudekraal area. While we almost always see them in a specific part of Hout Bay, it’s rare to spot them in this location. Images were taken and sent to Happy Whale for fin ID submissions. Tracking these movements could provide insight into how environmental factors, such as water temperature and prey availability, influence their distribution.
There was plenty of feeding activity, with Cape cormorants, Hartlaub’s gulls, and swift terns taking advantage of scattered fish schools. Cape cormorants are a vulnerable species, heavily dependent on small pelagic fish like sardines and anchovies, so seeing them actively feeding is always a positive sign.
Snorkeling in the kelp forest was a highlight, offering guests a chance to see starfish and other marine life up close. Kelp forests provide shelter for countless species, from tiny nudibranchs to larger predators like sharks. The golden light filtering through the swaying kelp creates an almost dreamlike atmosphere, making it an unforgettable experience.
This day on the water perfectly showcased the rich biodiversity of Hout Bay, from the playful Heaviside’s dolphins to the elusive sunfish and the thriving kelp forests. It was a reminder of the delicate balance that sustains marine life and the importance of continued conservation efforts. Every trip out to sea brings new discoveries, and today was no exception. We left with a deep sense of appreciation for the ocean and its wonders, eager for the next adventure.
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