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.
Moonlight & Starlight
Our resident bottlenose dolphin mother and calf
Report a sighting
Let us know what you have spotted in Manx waters
Become a member
Join us as a member to get more info and support our work
We had a great Sea Watch yesterday and saw a small basking shark incredibly close in. It was so close you had to be right near the edge to see it. It was first seen by us at 13:50 to the right of the sound. It headed in port erin direction but returned to feed in a circle just around the corner from our survey area. Lots of people had good views from the path just over the stile. If anyone has any footage or photos of this shark could you post it in comments please. I was too busy showing it to people to take any pictures. I think at one point we had about 50 people down for the event
We had a wonderful ocean craft session on Friday making marine picture frames! We are fully booked for this week but have spaces on all other remaining sessions through the summer hols. See the facebook event for all details and number to txt in order to book. Please don't book via facebook message as we don't get notifications.
Short-beaked common dolphin taken by Jane Young, August 2022 off the west of the Isle of Man
Recent sightings in Manx waters
| Date | Time | Species | Total | Duration | Location | Observer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/05/2016 | 14:00 | Risso’s Dolphin | 4 | 30 |
Marine Drive |
Mike Craine/Nick Gordon |
| 06/05/2016 | 13:38 | Harbour Porpoise | 2 | 1 |
South of The Sound |
Sue Whittaker |
| 06/05/2016 | 07:50 | Risso’s Dolphin | 3 | 5 |
Douglas Bay |
Mandy Maynard Wise |
| 05/05/2016 | 15:30 | Risso’s Dolphin | 3 | 20 |
Langness |
Mike Craine |
| 02/05/2016 | 17:15 | Harbour Porpoise | 1 | 5 |
Peel breakwater |
Rachel Jackson |
| 29/04/2016 | 10:52 | Harbour Porpoise | 3 | 5 |
East of the Calf |
Bill Holgate |
Online shop
Eco-friendly merchandise from the Visitor Centre now available online
Clothing store
Visit our online clothing store for unique T-shirts and jumpers