The old jetty at Whiting Bay offers an ideal place for snorkelling, with easy access across a sandy beach.

You’ll quickly forget you’re in the middle of town when you look underwater and realise there’s lots to see! Whiting Bay is a fantastic place for beginners and younger snorkellers.

For the more experienced, head further out on a low tide towards the mooring buoys to find an amazing seagrass habitat.

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Trail leaflet

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Facilities

Car park
Accessible by public transport (bus)
Accessible public toilets
Defibrillator
Cafes
Shops
Arran Art Gallery

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How to get there

By road

Head along the A841, following signs for Whiting Bay (bus stops are adjacent to the snorkel site). Once you arrive in the seaside town, the sandy beach can be accessed easily behind the row of buildings; head to the public toilets and walk over the grass to reach the beach.

Bike and e-bike hire is available in Brodick. There are also some electric vehicle charging points on Arran, as well as car hire and taxi options. For more information on local travel advice, events and more, please see the Visit Arran website.

By bus

There are three main bus routes on Arran: the 324 goes via Lochranza to Blackwaterfoot (North End); the 323 goes via Whiting Bay to Blackwaterfoot (South End) and the 322 heads across the String to Blackwaterfoot. All three routes then operate on a return basis, and most of these coincide with ferry times from Brodick. Bus timetables are available on the Stagecoach website.

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

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 walking on the jetty at low tide as it can be very slippery.

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.

Other snorkel sites on this trail

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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