Dyer Island was first named Isla da Fera by the Portuguese seafarers during the 15th century. Isla da Fera: Island of wild animals. The name is still applicable. The Island is home to 10'000ths of African penguins and other sea birds. The neighbouring island, Geyser Rock, is fully filled with over 50'000 Cape fur seals.
The island got its present name from its first permanent resident Samson Dyer, a black American, who settled on Dyer Island in 1806 and who made a living by clubbing seals for an American company.
Dyer Island and Geyser Rock is now a nature reserve managed by Cape Nature and visitors are not allowed on the Island. Still, boat-tours from Kleinbaai take you very close along the shore and Cape fur seals will escort the boat in Shark Alley, named after the Great white sharks that cruise in these waters, looking for their favourite food : Cape fur seals.
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