Ocean safari

(Sunrise over the Indian Ocean)

(The dinghy boat st our service)

(The previous boat)

(The intrepid surfer)

(A bottlenose dolphin)

(A humpback whale of the KZN coast)

Today we set off for an ocean safari. An amazing experience where we cruised the sea in search for whales and dolphins. During the South African winter, the whales migrate from Antartica and head towards the Mozambican coast in search of warmer waters where they come to mate. What's more at this time of year there is a huge influx of marine life because of the sardine run (millions of sardines swimming up north), attracting dolphins and sharks that feed off them.

Hardly 20mns at sea we spotted a humpback whale not too far off the coast. We followed it slowly and were able to approach it a little and take some snaps. We were quite surprised to see a surfer carelessly swimming hardly 20m from the whale. I guess he wasn't afraid! After spending several hours cruising on our little dinghy boat we spotted 3 bottlenose dolphins, swimming graciously along our course.

I recommend this to anyone out there, it is a fun, fulfilling and enriching experience. However,word of caution it is not for the faint hearted so be sure to take your motion sickness tablets. Trust me I know what I'm talking about, my muesli breakfast is probably fish food by now.

(Umlhanga Rocks, 23th July 2008)