Wildlife and nature on the Isle of Man

The Isle of Man is a paradise for nature-lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a bird-watching holiday or fancy getting up close to a basking shark, we’ve got it all!

Go exploring with the Manx Wildlife Trust

The Manx Wildlife Trust is the island’s leading nature conservation charity, caring for land, sea and fresh water environments. The Trust’s main aim is to acquire and manage nature reserves on the island, creating safe spaces for wildlife and conserving some of the Isle of Man’s best habitats and species.

With has a great programme of regular events suitable for all the family, throughout the year, the Trust encourages visitors of all ages to learn about the Isle of Man’s wildlife and environment. Events include boat trips to view marine birds around the island’s coastline, bug hunts in our magical glens and informative walks to find out more about what lives on our beaches.

Birdwatching on the Isle of Man

The Isle of Man is a haven for birdwatchers, thanks to our diverse landscape of dramatic coastlines, sprawling marshland, wooded glens and sandy beaches. Manx BirdLife is a great resource for your birdwatching holiday on the Isle of Man. You can find a detailed list of Manx birds, as well as tips on where to watch birds on the island and news on latest sightings.

You can also find details of the charity’s latest events as well as news and updates about some of the island’s birds.

Meet the creatures at Curraghs Wildlife Park

Curraghs Wildlife Park is the Isle of Man’s only zoo. Dedicated to helping conserve the natural world as well as educating and inspiring people of all ages to get passionate about our environment, the park offers a fun day out for all the family.

Meet creatures from the Amazon Rainforest, ride the miniature railway, play in the park’s Enchanted Woods and wander along the Butterfly Trail.

The park also has a cafe serving an extensive menu of hot and cold food.

Spot a whale, a dolphin or a shark!

If you’re lucky, you may even spot a dolphin, a whale or a basking shark during your visit. The Isle of Man’s waters are inhabited by these sea mammals and sightings often take place close to land, so visiting the island is a great way to witness them in their natural environments.

Boat trips can be booked, too, giving you an even better chance of getting up close to these magnificent creatures.

Go wild about wallabies

Believe it or not, the Isle of Man has a thriving wallaby population.

Although native to Australia, the wallabies have populated Curraghs area in the north of the island, and can often be spotted grazing in the marshland.

Why not go for a Wallaby Walk while you’re staying here on the Isle of Man? Visit Isle of Man has a great online trail map that’s fun for all the family.