Today was the last of the near-perfect conditions before the wind and swell arrived, and it was an amazing day on the water! We had adventurers from Peru, America, the UK, and Holland, all eager to explore the stunning Cape Town coastline and the incredible Atlantic Ocean we call home.
We headed out on our boat trip and encountered dolphins unique to the Benguela upwelling system—tiny, characterful dolphins resting in calm waters. We explored rock pools filled with sea anemones, mussels, and barnacles, and even spotted a new addition to our species list: the Dassie (rock hyrax)!
In the bay, we saw multiple adult African penguins resting peacefully, allowing us to get close for some fantastic views. A brief sighting of a humpback whale in the distance added to the excitement, as did schools of yellowtail and tuna feeding on small baitfish. The visibility was excellent—over 10 meters—with a water temperature of around 15°C. Cliff jumping and seal sightings at Duiker Island were highlights, with Buffel, the resident elephant seal, putting on a show.
We also visited the Bos 400 shipwreck, where everyone was thrilled to see West Coast rock lobsters in the kelp forest. It’s alarming to notice the increasing presence of invasive mussels in the area, which are hindering new kelp growth and affecting local invertebrates.
These trips are a unique way to explore Cape Town's coastline, and I’m excited about their growing popularity! I’m using all my knowledge to showcase the natural beauty of this region. As a local, it's easy to forget how special our surroundings are, but seeing it through the eyes of first-time visitors brings a renewed appreciation for our spectacular coastline.
We also welcomed members of Trail Freedivers and local kayakers today, which was great! As we prepare to move our premises after selling our house on Albert Road, we're exploring exciting options for a new space where we can greet visitors and suit them up for adventures.
Additionally, we’ve started an initiative to introduce guests to a piece of drift kelp, allowing them to touch and explore it while we search for invertebrates and mollusks. This hands-on experience highlights the details of kelp without getting lost in the vastness of the kelp forest. We’ve even used our Safari table to showcase marine life in a small fish tank, like jellyfish and West Coast rock lobsters.
Thank you for all your support, and here’s to many more incredible adventures ahead! Cheers!
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