This serene sandy cove is well-loved by local children, adults and wildlife!

Take a 10-minute walk from the ferry pier to discover dense mosaics of stunning seaweeds, home to many species including colourful anemones. Advanced snorkellers can explore deeper, rocky habitats.

The north side of the bay is prone to stronger winds and waves. Seals also haul out and swim here so please keep your distance to avoid disturbance.

The Fishmart cafe/hostel has toilets and showers and
the Stronsay Development Trust may offer wetsuit hire.

Trail leaflet

Download the trail leaflet for offline access to site information

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Facilities

Car park
Picnic tables
Accessible by public transport (ferry)

What other people say

How to get there

By road

The Ayre of Myres is just a 10-minute walk from Stronsay ferry terminal.

You can use public transport to travel to Stronsay by ferry or plane. Stronsay also has a great harbour for those arriving by private boat.

 Travelling to Stronsay by Ferry

Orkney Ferries operates a daily ferry service to Stronsay from Kirkwall.  All vessels serve hot and cold drinks and cold snacks at modest prices.

If you’re bringing a car, you should book ahead of time. You can book online after creating an account, or you can contact the Kirkwall Office: Tel: 01856 872 044, Email: info@orkneyferries.co.uk

Foot passengers do not need to book ahead of time. You can pay for your tickets on board.

For current timetable information visit: www.orkneyferries.co.uk

Travelling to Stronsay by Plane

To purchase a ticket to travel to or from Stronsay, you can book online or phone the Loganair office at the Kirkwall airport: 01856 872494.

Arriving in Stronsay by Private Boat

Private boats can tie up at the pier or to one of the moorings in the harbour.

For more information, please see visitstronsay.com

Get directions

Provided by Google Maps

Local conditions

Here is the wind forecast and tide times for this snorkel site. It is your responsibility to assess whether these conditions are suitable for snorkelling.

Other considerations

More information

  • Visit Stromness Museum; established by the Orkney Natural History Society in 1837, it is one of Scotland’s oldest independent museums. Examine over 90 marine species up close to help you identify species during your snorkelling adventures.
  • Contact Kraken Diving who lead fun-filled guided snorkelling and diving experiences.
  • Scapa Scuba and Leviathan International, both in Stromness, offer snorkel equipment sales.
  • Reach out to the Pomona Prefect, offering spectacular Seafaris on their snorkel boat charter, with onboard expert WiSE guide, from Stronsay or Sanday.

Wildlife warning

Please be a responsible snorkeller; do not touch, take or tease wildlife.

Seals haul out and swim here at the Ayre of Myres, so please keep your distance to avoid disturbance.

Orkney has many breeding seal and nesting bird colonies. Please be sensitive by not snorkelling in these areas in pupping/nesting season. For grey seals this is October-November and for common seals June-July.
For more information see sealalliance.org and nature.scot.

Stay safe

  • The north side of the bay is prone to stronger winds and waves.

Snorkelling can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is your responsibility to check the conditions present on the day and assess whether it is safe to snorkel.

Please read our top tips to being a safe and responsible snorkeller.

Top tips

Snorkelling can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk.

Information is provided free of charge; it is your responsibility to check the conditions present on the day and assess whether it is safe to snorkel.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust strives to provide accurate information but cannot accept responsibility for changes, errors or omissions.

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