If you have always wanted to see a whale in Manx waters, now may be your chance.

There are presently at least two minke whales feeding in an area the size of a football pitch, between Fort Island and the runway at Ronaldsway.

The whales have been seen foraging in the area all day, every day, since October 20, and can be seen just a couple of hundred metres from the coast, making sightings from the coastline exceptionally easy. Since September 1, 44 sightings of minke whales have been reported to Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch.

In September they were spotted frequently between Onchan head and Port Soderick, with many sightings inside Douglas bay, which has just became a marine nature reserve.

In Manx waters, minke whales predate on herring, following the fish around the island throughout the year. Between May and August, the herring and minke whales occur off the west of the island, typically slightly further offshore.

In September and October, the herring move round to their spawning grounds, inshore on the east coast.

The best time of year to see these whales is during the autumn as they get involved with the feeding frenzy.

Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch say people should watch these animals from the coastline so as not to cause any disturbance.

A spokesman said: ’There really is no need to see them from a boat, but if you do come across them at sea, maintain a slow and steady course at least 100 metres from the animal, before turning your engines off.

’It is impossible to know how long the whales will stick around for, at least until all the food has gone.’

MWDW urged pepople to report all sightings of whales, dolphins or porpoises to Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch www.mwdw.net