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Seeing migrating whales from a terrace can certainly be considered quite special. However, in recent years, this spectacle has become fairly common along the coastline from Denia to Javea. June is the month when fin whales, the second-largest species on Earth, migrate along this route.
In 2023, 97 of these ocean giants were spotted, and in 2024, more than 60. Experts believe that at least twice as many fin whales pass through this migration route near the coast. After all, the migration also occurs at night when no one can witness it.
Those fortunate enough to have seen this spectacular event from relatively close will attest to how impressive these colossi are. This relatively slender animal can reach a length of 27 meters and a weight of 74 tons, which is more than 10 times (!) the weight of an adult male elephant.
Scientists are still searching for answers as to why the fin whales swim so close to the shoreline. Theories include the rich biodiversity in the marine reserve, the geographical location along the migration route, and changes in ocean currents.
Similarly unusual phenomena are becoming increasingly common at other locations on the Costa Blanca. Beachgoers at Campoamor were astonished when they saw a large manta ray calmly swimming close to the shore in the summer. Very unusual, as these creatures are typically only found deep in the Mediterranean, where they feed on plankton and small fish.
The largest of all rays, also known as the devil ray, can reach a wingspan of 5 meters. Its weight is equally impressive, sometimes exceeding 1,000 kilos.
There is no clear explanation for this "lost" ray, but changes in ocean currents seem a logical cause. Others attribute it to the decline in sharks due to overfishing, as they are the manta ray’s natural enemies.
Equally unusual was the event in June when two large sea turtles came ashore to lay eggs in Denia and Gandia. In the latter case, there were 62 eggs. To increase their chances of survival, 7 eggs were placed in an incubator, while the others were relocated to a protected nature reserve to ensure beachgoers wouldn't disturb the natural process.
