Dyer Island
The
name of the island originated from an African American, Samson Dyer,
who went to live on the island in the 19th century. He collected
"guano" (bird droppings), and made a living from supplying
it to farmers on the mainland as fertilizer. The boats that were
used to transport the guano from the island to the mainland, were
salvaged years ago by the South African Air Force and today they
can be viewed in the Maritime Museum at the Waterfront in Cape Town.
Dyer Island (larger island) is the breeding ground of Jackass Penguins, Cape
Cormorants and Gannets, while Geyser Rock (smaller island) is a
breeding Mecca for Cape Fur Seals and currently home to approx.
50 000 seals.
In season, whales and dolphins may also be spotted.
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