What animals can you see in Dakhla, Morocco?

When it comes to Dakhla, the first thing that springs to mind is its beauty. Dakhla is home to all kinds of exceptional animals. For an adventure in this white dune, it’s best to keep your eyes peeled so as not to miss a single crumb of what it has to offer. In Dakhla, the richness of the seabed lies in the fish. Everyone dreams of staying in this corner of paradise to admire its aquatic fauna. The camp where you will see the most animals is undoubtedly the Ocean Adventure Dakhla Natural Park.

Conquering marine animals!

Dakhla is home to many types of animal at the bottom of its seas. Such is the case of the green lobsters that grace its bay. Surprising and extraordinary at first sight, they are the pride of the locals. Did you know? Dakhla is one of the few countries to have this magnificent marine creature. Today, these lobsters have become a highly protected treasure. Dakhla is also home to many other marine fauna, such as the fiddler crab. Every day, many visitors head to Dakhla to see what these crabs look like. A short stroll along the vast beaches is a must to marvel at the unrivalled beauty of these animals.

With a bit of luck, while walking along the beaches of Dakhla, dolphins are often spotted enjoying the softness and tranquillity of the sea. There’s nothing better than watching these magnificent cetaceans pass by at sunset. What if you opted for a short cruise to get as close as possible to them?

Uca vocans, Fiddler Crab walking in mangrove forest at Phuket beach, Thailand

In fact, meeting these animals is the most majestic part of a trip to Morocco. You can also meet them in the south of Morocco, in the yellow house. There is a secluded beach where tourists are allowed to rub shoulders with dolphins and many other animals. These animals, which always fascinate us, will liven up your trip to Dakhla. What a pleasure to hear their cries and whistles! Basking sharks, which pose no threat to humans, are particularly fond of Morocco’s coastal waters.

Birds in Dakhla

Not only is Dakhla rich in marine life, it is also a popular meeting place for a wide range of birds. Come and meet these fascinating birds during your stay at Villa Cisneros.
Kenya’s Lake Nakuru may be home to an unimaginable number of pink flamingos, but Dakhla is also home to dozens of them. They are birds of intrinsic beauty because of their silhouette and their beautiful dress.

Flock of Greater Flamingoes (Phoenicopterus roseus) taking off, Morocco.

Bald ibises also fly over the skies of the Dauphiné. These birds have long, slender beaks that curve downwards. Visitors are fascinated by these magnificent long-billed birds, as they provide a source of motivation to continue their journey. With so many rare birds in the city, birdwatchers are in for a treat.

The rarest reptiles

Among the most authentic places in Africa, Dakhla is the place to find extravagant reptiles. There are many different types, some of which only exist in the Moroccan area. For example, it is possible to come across small, harmless and beautifully coloured lizards in Dakhla.

You can also expect to see vipers and cobras with your own eyes. Go to more or less deserted areas of Dakhla for this. These types of snake often come in a variety of colours, but are identical in shape. In some cases, you can come across them in the middle of town thanks to snake charmers. Many people in Morocco have them as pets.

Fishing trips: discover the treasures of the sea

Dakhla Bay is one of the most exceptional places in the world, so a number of visits are planned to admire its seabed. On the programme: fishing trips.
Thanks to its wide, fish-filled coastline, Dakhla is a great place to go fishing. What’s more, Dakhla has a microclimate where temperatures never exceed 27°C.

Dakhla has even hosted rod-fishing competitions in the past. The last one was held at Asskemit beach, to the north of the town. The aim of the competition is to maintain and share sea-fishing practices in the commune of Bir Anzarane. It is also a way of ensuring that cleanliness is maintained and that the ecological spaces destroyed by over-exploitation of the sea are protected.

Mini-cruise on the clear waters of the Atlantic

Dakhla is known as the centre of the earth when it comes to kitesurfing. However, this is not the only attractive activity here. In fact, Dakhla offers you the chance to take a trip on board a catamaran to admire its large turquoise lagoon, one of the main features of this magnificent peninsula. You’ll have the chance to see migratory birds, in particular pink flamingos, as well as dolphins. But above all, this outing gives you the chance to explore the favourite spots for fiddler crabs and fish.

While in Dakhla, we recommend a visit to Herné Island, also known as “Dragon Island“. It offers an amazing panoramic view of the small lakes, dunes and white sands (seen from afar). You can also go shell hunting, but don’t forget to bring snacks for the picnic. You should also bring tents or bivouacs if you want to spend the night.

In any case, if you’re a good fisherman, you’ll have plenty to eat after a mini-cruise. This experience is sure to spice up your stay in Dakhla. Don’t forget your camera, the splendour of the panorama will create some magnificent shots.