Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch (MWDW) has been at the forefront of marine mammal science on the Isle of Man since 2006.
We work voluntarily year round to ensure the safeguarding of whales, dolphins, and porpoises (cetaceans) in Manx territorial waters through non-invasive research and public awareness efforts.
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Let us know what you have spotted in Manx waters
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We are open for cake and hot drinks! We have lots of lovely books about marine life, along with lovely company. What more could you wish for on rainy day? Where-MWDW Visitor's Centre on peel high street.
*Through November we will only advertise as open to the public on Saturdays 10-4*. We can open weekdays for group visits and request drop-ins but these must be arranged in advance. We will open sporadically during the week when we are in there doing office work so if you walk past and the light is on, come on in. Don't forget we have a coffee morning this Sat 10am-midday, all whalecome!
Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch updated their business hours.
A small family of Bottlenose dolphins have been spotted off Peel castle/breakwater and inside the bay frequently over the last few weeks. Thanks to photo's taken on two separate days by Brian Liggins, we know these are the same dolphins and there are at least 3 adults with one young calf. They are recognisable as one adult has two very small notches at the top of the dorsal fin and another has white patches on the fin. The calf has visible foetal folds (folds of skin which develop when the dolphin is curled up in the womb) these gradually fade away and usually disappear at around 4 months of age. The more defined the lines, the younger the dolphin. Keep an eye over the coming weeks from the breakwater or the beach and take photo's with a long distance lens. We will be keeping an eye on boat activity to ensure people are behaving respectably around these animals. You do not need to be on a boat to see them. Any sightings reports should be sent in to the link in the comments and if you have any photo's/video please drop us an email on info@mwdw.net. Also in the comments see our list of recent sightings.
Recent sightings in Manx waters
| Date | Time | Species | Total | Duration | Location | Observer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/11/2019 | 12:30 | Bottlenose Dolphin | 4 | 150 |
Peel Breakwater and bay |
David B, Kirsty K, Tim G, Brian L |
| 02/11/2019 | 08:30 | Bottlenose Dolphin | 2 | 10 |
Peel Harbour, off the breakwater. |
Suzie & Dan |
| 29/10/2019 | 14:40 | Bottlenose Dolphin | 1 | 10 |
Peel castle |
Peter Christian |
| 28/10/2019 | 13:10 | Bottlenose Dolphin | 7 | 30 |
East of the Calf |
Vanninveg |
| 28/10/2019 | 12:00 | Bottlenose Dolphin | 20 | 30 |
Eary Cushlin to Niarbyl |
Liz Wykes, Anna Sillars |
| 26/10/2019 | 13:20 | Bottlenose Dolphin | 4 | 30 |
Scarlett point |
Vanninveg |
Diary of a Dolphineer
Online blog written by our summer interns each year
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