Finstown is famed for its snorkelling, why not take a dip with friends old and new!

Enter the water at the recreational slip, taking care of
slippy algae at the far end of it. In summer this area
is a seagrass meadow – swim towards the end of
the stone pier to the east. The seagrass bed is home
to snakelocks anemones, sponges, sea squirts and
starfish. Look out for variegated scallops attached
to the rocks on the seabed. Be aware of other water
users and make yourself visible (e.g. with tow-float/
bright cap). Take care not to stand on the seagrass.

Trail leaflet

Download the trail leaflet for offline access to site information

Download Leaflet

Facilities

Car park
Picnic tables
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible
Electric vehicle charging station
Leigh's snack van

What other people say

How to get there

By road

Finstown is on mainland Orkney and accessible by public transport. The snorkel site is immediately adjacent to Finstown car park.

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. Take care not to stand on or kick the seagrass with your fins.

Stay safe

  • Take care entering and exiting the water at the recreational slip, as slippy algae can grow at the far end of it.
  • Be aware of other water users and make yourself visible (e.g. with tow-float/ bright cap).

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

Why visit?

Visit for:

  • birdwatching
  • coasts
  • geology
  • scenery
  • mammals
  • archaeology

Other information

“Meet up with a local snorkel enthusiasts or even book a snorkel safari with Kraken Diving, who will help you discover marine creatures hiding within the shimmering seagrass”

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.

Back to top