Information about
Sea turtles, dolphins and whales are some of the marine species that frequent the marine reserve and other areas of the coast of Dianes, as well as different types of birds.
Cetacean Passage:
It is an area of passage of cetaceans such as the fin whale (whale), the second largest animal in the world, which has established its passage between the months of May to September. Throughout the year we can observe bottlenose dolphins and sometimes striped dolphins, very close to the coast. Occasionally, species such as the pilot whale, the Risso’s dolphin and the sperm whale can also be sighted.
Seabirds:
In the cliffs of Cabo San Antonio nests the shag. Also in the area of the Marine Reserve you can see species such as the peregrine falcon, osprey, grey heron, gannet, tern, shearwater “Balearic” and “ashy”, etc..
Other Marine Species:
The loggerhead turtle is one of the four species of sea turtles in the Mediterranean. and this species usually frequents the waters of the marine reserves of Cabo de San Antonio. Also, this species nests on several beaches of Dénia, such as Marineta Cassiana and Les Albaranes area of Les Marines beach.
Diana turtle: The loggerhead turtle, known as Diana, is one of the females that laid three nests on Marineta Casiana beach in 2023. In 2025 she returned to lay her eggs on the same beach. In 2023 she was implanted with a microchip in order to identify her in case she returns and to provide her with greater protection. This has made it possible to recognize it on its new visit to the beaches of Dénia to spawn in 2025.
Release of turtles: The City Council of Dénia organizes the release of sea turtles from the beaches of Dénia for the general public and school children with the aim of disseminating the presence of these emblematic animals in the waters of Dénia and how we can participate in their conservation.
Important: Do not interfere in the nesting process and notify 112 in case of any sighting, in order to activate the protection protocol and guarantee both the viability of the eggs and the welfare of the animal.
Volunteer campaigns: Annually, the City Council of Dénia, together with the NGO Eucrante, organizes volunteer campaigns for the observation of cetaceans and the detection of turtle nests.
Bird and cetacean observatory.
At the end of the Les Rotes area is the bird and cetacean observatory, where there is an information panel with the main species that can be observed.
If from the observatory, walking along the beach or sailing, you see a dolphin, turtle, whale, etc. you can call or send an email to viuiconviu@ayto-denia.es You will contribute to the study and conservation of cetaceans in this area. In the case of a specimen in trouble, call 112 and the rescue protocol will be implemented.
How to observe without disturbing
From the boat, in the case of dolphins, these are the ones that approach on many occasions to look around and take advantage of the currents generated by the boat. When this happens: Turn off the boat’s sonar and do not change speed or course.
In the case that the animals DO NOT APPROACH US, we must be as respectful as possible and not get too close, if we get close it must be:
