A Mesmerizing Aerial Journey: Discovering South Africa’s Marine Wildlife with Jean Tresfon

Jean Tresfon, a conservation photographer, has dedicated himself to showcasing South Africa’s magnificent marine wildlife. Recently, Tresfon and his companion Crispin Russell embarked on a two-and-a-half-hour aerial adventure to document the marine wildlife and unique natural phenomena of the Western Cape.

A Captivating Flight

Their journey began on a beautiful winter day as they soared above the coast from Melkbospunt to Blouberg. The duo was soon captivated by a commotion on the water’s surface, which turned out to be a gathering of cormorants and gulls, forming a large raft.

Wreck Sites and Iconic Locations

Tresfon and Russell explored numerous shipwrecks, both old and recent, scattered along the island’s shores before making their way to Mouille Point. From there, they followed the coastline westward, passing iconic locations such as Hangberg, Hout Bay, and Chapman’s Peak Drive.

Rare Sighting

Their journey then took them to Noordhoek and on to Slangkop Point, where they spotted a group of surfers enjoying the waves at Outer Kom. The real highlight of the flight, however, came with the rare sighting of a Bryde’s whale calf swimming alongside its mother. This marked only the third time Tresfon had encountered such a scene during his thirteen years of conducting coastal marine survey flights.

Humpback Whales and Cape Fur Seals

Continuing along the Cape’s shoreline, they reached Cape Point and entered False Bay, where they discovered three humpback whales frolicking in the water, accompanied by cape fur seals. Near Partridge Point, they observed another humpback whale in the company of a boat operated by Simon’s Town Boat Company, a licensed whale-watching provider.

Unforgettable Experience

Although the remainder of their flight, which traced the western and northern edges of the bay, did not yield any additional wildlife encounters, the experience was nonetheless an unforgettable one. After passing through Simon’s Town, Glen Cairn, Fish Hoek, and Muizenberg, they returned to Table Bay, reflecting on the extraordinary sights they had witnessed.

A Renewed Appreciation

For Tresfon and Russell, their leisurely afternoon excursion was a powerful reminder of the unparalleled beauty of South Africa’s marine wildlife. As they soared above the coastal landscape, they felt a renewed appreciation for the region, which remains a treasure trove of unique natural wonders and captivating underwater creatures.