Dyer Island

Located about 5 miles off the coast of Gansbaai in South Africa’s Western Cape, Dyer Island is a bird sanctuary closed to the public. Originally named Ilha de Fera, meaning ‘Island of Wild Creatures’ in Portuguese, the island lives up to its name as it hosts hundreds of African penguins. The rocky and windswept terrain provides a natural habitat for these birds, making it a critical site for their conservation. Visitors, while not allowed on the island, can often observe the penguins and other seabirds from boat tours, which offer a close-up view of the island’s vibrant avian life.