News
The Dolphins of False Bay
We have had incredible common dolphin sightings since I arrived back in False Bay for my second season with Apex Shark Expeditions and I can’t stop smiling at the moments both crew and guests alike have shared during these times. I can honestly say I have never seen anything quite so spectacular and magical as the pods of dolphins that have joined us over the past two months at sea. In my previous trips to Seal Island I have been fortunate enough to meet these beautiful creatures on a number of occasions but it is fair to say that this year they have utterly won my heart, which says a lot for a self-confessed sharkaholic.
During our trips we have seen pods of dolphins ranging in size from 200 to over 3000 individuals and each pod is unique in its formation, its movement and the individuals it contains. We have seen dolphins with missing dorsal fins, with partial dorsal fins and dolphins ranging from fully grown adults right down to the smallest juveniles one can imagine. I particularly enjoy watching the young dolphins by their mothers’ side as they swim past our boat. These youngsters lack the sand coloured markings of the adults and are, quite frankly, very cute with their grey bodies and perfectly formed features in miniature. The pods themselves can be tightly packed like sardines in a tin or spread across the bay as far as our eyes can see from top deck. One particular pod of 2000 dolphin that we saw recently was formed as a beautiful crescent shape across the bay and travelled south in search of bait fish. The sunlight upon this arc of dolphins was stunning and the white water that followed them glowed golden in the early morning.
It is sights such as those that have left our guests and I speechless and dewy eyed at times. Dolphins are such mythical creatures and are well known for their intelligence and healing abilities. It is very humbling to stand in silence on a boat whilst surrounded by thousands of dolphins calling gently to one another and it is a shared experience that I treasure every single day. My pulse races whenever I hear our skipper let us know there are dolphins on the horizon and we are going to visit them.
It is not only the presence of the dolphins that have left this impression upon us but also the other wildlife we see alongside them. On many occasions we see Cape Gannets with the dolphins and admire them wheeling overhead in search of a fish supper below. The adult gannets are smartly dressed in their white and golden plumage and follow the dolphins as they search for bait fish. If the dolphins corral the fish into a bait ball, the gannets dive from great heights to obtain a meal. It is breathtaking watching them dive with such precision and with their pointed wings folded elegantly behind them at the last second. I am somewhat of a fan of the juvenile gannets if truth be told. The young gannets are grey and spotty in their plumage and they often fly close to the boat at eye level. I can’t help but smile at their friendly nature and their piercing blue eyes as they investigate what is going on around them.
As for the bait balls we have seen, words fail me at this point. The noise of thousands of gannets diving, thousands of dolphins churning the water and millions of sardines swirling below the surface is a sensory overload. The sardines leap from the water in a silver flurry when the dolphins herd them tightly into a ball and leave a sparkling wake of fish scales behind them. When I witnessed my first bait ball this year I could do no more than just stand back in amazement at the magnificence of nature and listen. I turned towards the guest on top deck beside me and he just shook his head with tears in his eyes and admitted it was one of the most emotional experiences of his life. It really was a dream come true and a moment he will never forget.
To find out more about False Bay, visit www.apexpredators.com.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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