FAQs

The snorkel trails are self-led guides to great snorkel sites around Scotland. With over 80 locations in the snorkel trail network, you have plenty of exciting options to explore!

Alongside helpful beach maps with beginner and advanced snorkel areas, these leaflets highlight local facilities (eg kit hire, parking, toilets and showers), family-friendly attractions (such as visitor centres, parks, picnic areas), accessibility information, local businesses and community-led marine opportunities. All to help you make the most of your snorkel adventure.

This website compliments the existing leaflets to add even more information such as wildlife fact files, snorkel tips and frequently asked questions, directions and transport links, detailed site information and photo references. We hope this will enhance your snorkel experience even more, making Scotland’s seas more accessible to more people while supporting responsible ecotourism.

For beginner snorkellers, particularly those not already used to sea swimming in Scotland, we recommend that May – October is the best time of year to pop your fins on – when the weather and water temperature is likely to be more favourable. Your comfort is essential and will lead to you enjoying Scottish snorkelling to its fullest! However, it is possible to snorkel year-round if you have good conditions, the right equipment (think extra-warmth for winter) and you build up a confidence and tolerance of being in cold waters (gently does it, keep it fun by easing yourself in).

Beginner snorkel zones offer easy access to and from the water, with lots to see in sheltered areas which are close to shore. Keeping an eye on tidal changes, beginner snorkel zones offer shallower waters too (often standing depth). For beginner zones, the bay itself is also quite straightforward to reach (i.e. no long walks over difficult ground) and in most cases, there are facilities nearby to make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable (e.g. toilets, showers, parking etc.).

The advanced snorkel zones are those which offer more intrigue and adventure for more confident sea snorkellers. They are often in deeper water than the beginner zones and are further from the water entry/exit points so require a bit of extra swimming to explore. At times, they can be in areas which are a bit more exposed (e.g. around headlands where wind, swell or currents may be more prevalent) and therefore require more experience and confidence in knowing when the conditions make these areas safe to snorkel or not. Some advanced snorkel zones also involve a longer walk/journey to reach the snorkel bay and while many have facilities nearby, some call to the hearts of ocean explorers who want to discover more remote hidden gems which feel like truly wild places. This extra effort often leads to it’s own rewards of truly spectacular sights above and below the water, from unforgettable wildlife encounters to dramatic scenery.

We recommend building your confidence and experience up in the beginner snorkel zones before venturing into the advanced zones. Taking part in snorkel training courses, such as those ran by the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) will also help boost your skills and confidence to better enjoy the advanced snorkel zones.

First off, this is our most commonly asked question so be assured that others have wondered this too! From May, Scotland’s sea temperature rises from about 9°C, reaching it’s peak between August and September at ~12.6°C – 15.7°C.

So it’s a bit colder than your summer holiday snorkel in Spain… BUT don’t confuse colder for less exciting! You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference it can make when you wear good protective gear (we recommend 5-7 mm wetsuits), indulge in some self-care afterwards (beach chats over hot chocolate with cosy layers, yes please!) and plan around the weather to make the most of sunny spells.

First things first, we’d recommend speaking to some of the lovely snorkel guide businesses and supply stores in Scotland for more advice and to try before you buy. If you’re a beginner, consider hiring kit first to discover what suits you best before buying.

Now let’s talk wetsuits:

• We strongly advise wearing a wetsuit when snorkelling in Scotland, even if you’re used to just being in the sea in your swimmers – this is because 1.) snorkelling is a much slower activity than swimming, you do lots of floating and gentle movements while searching for sea life so you will feel cooler quicker and 2.) wetsuits offer good protection against jellyfish stings, should you encounter one.
• The thickness is personal preference since the thicker the suit, the stiffer your mobility and the more floaty you are (which might not suit more confident snorkellers who want to do lots of duck diving). Generally, we would recommend a wetsuit with a thickness of 5/4mm in the summer season (this means 5 mm thickness for your core, 4 mm thickness for your arms and legs – thinner there for better mobility).
• You can also wear a rash-vest underneath for extra insulation (it’s worth noting here that a swimsuit under your wetsuit is advised for comfort and it helps make changing easier!).
• Wetsuits can also get thicker (and with thickness, more expensive); for year round use look for wetsuits of 7 mm or more, or explore semi-dry or even dry suit options to see what’s right for you.

Hood, Gloves and Boots:

• Don’t make the mistake of skipping these items – they are really essential because your hands, feet and head are more vulnerable to the cold. If you want an enjoyable snorkel, which we’re sure you do, help yourself by prioritising your comfort.
• When considering boots, think about how these will fit alongside fins (if you are using them).
• These also come in different thicknesses, so think about how thick you want each item how this will affect your flexibility and buoyancy.

A snorkel and mask are a must of course:

• To ensure your mask is a good fit, press it gently on your face and breathe in – it should have enough suction to stick there without the strap being around the back of your head. Make sure all your hair and hood is out of the way before you embark upon your adventure, and if you mask starts to fog up, there are plenty of options out there to help with this (one of the most eco-friendly and cost-effective is to rinse your mask in seawater, spit inside the eyepiece and smear this around, then rinse in seawater again). We do not recommend full face masks; in fact we strongly advise avoiding these since they stop snorkellers being able to equalise the air spaces within the mask and their ears when underwater, which can be dangerous.
• For your snorkel, there are a few types to be aware of which have different features (e.g. splash guards on top, dry valves to stop water entering the snorkel tube, purge valves near the mouthpiece to expel water without you needing to blow it back out the top of the tube). Again, it helps to take a little time to chat with local snorkel businesses for advice if you’re unsure which is best, and give it a wee try (take it to the swimming pool with you to get used to it!).

Fins:

• Fins are really fun because not only do you feel like an underwater creature, you can swim far by expelling less energy – it’s a win-win! You’ll need the right fins for your foot size (remember to try them on while wearing your boots as this can affect sizing).
• Fins also come in different lengths, with different strap options and can be made of different materials with different flexibilities. Again, visit snorkel businesses and take time to get used to the kit.
• Top tip – pop your fins on while in shallow water and walk backwards, looking over your shoulder as you go (walking forwards or for long distances in fins isn’t easy or safe).

Any snorkel enthusiast will happily tell you all about the kit on their wish-list (it’s an ever-evolving list, trust us!). However, out-with go-pros and other fun gadgets, there are some other kit to prioritise:

• Snorkellers should wear high visibility markers to make themself visible to others (e.g. snorkel vest). Bright tow floats are recommended, since as well as improving your visibility on the water they allow you a float to rest on (some even double-up as dry bags to store valuables).
• For safety, it is also recommended you bring a first aid kit, mobile phone (check signal), sun cream and diving shears.
• More experienced snorkellers might want to think about weight belt options to help your duck-diving, or ankle weights for overly floaty legs!
• And of course, lots of warm layers (and a hot drink!) for afterwards is essential.

Snorkelling is a gentle, slow-paced activity that often requires a lot of floating as you peer through your mask searching the seabed. That said, you should be a confident and capable swimmer and never go beyond your comfortable water depth (it is worth noting that some of the best snorkelling is in water you can stand up in – shallower waters have more sunlight making waters warmer, visibility clearer and more life thrives here).

You should also be comfortable breathing through your snorkel (BSAC advise breathing normally and slowly while snorkelling). If you have any health issues or concerns, please speak to your doctor in advance of getting in the water. 

Yes, snorkelling is a family-friendly activity; the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) allows children to start snorkelling at 6 years old, provided they are confident swimmers. It is advised that children take part in some BSAC snorkel training, which is swimming pool based, before trying sea snorkelling. Once ready for sea snorkelling, it is crucial that children wear protective equipment, are supervised closely and aren’t in the water for long periods as they will get colder much quicker than adults; many snorkel businesses offer sessions specifically for children and families to ensure the safest possible experience.

This depends on time of year and your own comfort level, however as a general rule for adults, between May-October setting an alarm for 30 minutes is a sensible decision – if you haven’t got out the water yet you should start thinking about it. The important thing to focus on is not time but your comfort. It is essential to leave the water before experiencing any discomfort, or at most the earliest signs of discomfort – don’t stay in the water until you are shivering! Keep communicating with your snorkel buddy to share how you feel and notice how they are doing, leaving the water together when the first person decides to return to shore. By delaying the decision to leave the water, you put your safety at unnecessary risk.

Careful planning is vital to having a safe and enjoyable snorkel. Read our snorkel safety webpage which includes a safety A-E checklist to help you plan your ocean adventure. We also strongly advise referring to other organisations who specialise in water safety advice (e.g. RNLI, BSAC). Ultimately you should know the area well before you go, having done your research on what to expect (e.g. facilities, access, weather, tides, water temperature, currents, water quality, other site-specific risks). When you arrive, check the conditions to ensure it’s safe to snorkel and be vigilant while in the water.

It is important to do your research before snorkelling – even the most well-loved sea spots can be susceptible to water pollution and other risks. Please check the SEPA website for bathing water locations and results to see the latest water quality status, checking the results in advance of your snorkel. It’s also recommended to check local news bulletins that mention water quality in the area that may be shared by the local council, environmental organisations such as Surfers Against Sewage and locals. Even if your research tells you that the water quality is good, always be vigilant on the day and do not enter if it looks unsafe, reporting any suspected pollution incidents to SEPA and the local council. It’s also important not to snorkel during or 1-2 days after heavy rainfall, since the risk of water pollution increases as greater volumes of water move from land to sea, transporting pollutants with it.

Long gone are the days where women had to miss out on water adventures from fear of period problems! That said, you know your body best and if you’re at a point in your cycle where you feel any symptoms such as cramps, headaches, light-headedness etc. are prevalent in a way which would make sea snorkelling unsafe, always prioritise your safety by opting out until you feel better. If in doubt, speak to your doctor in advance. If such symptoms are mild, we know exercise is known to help relieve period pains so snorkelling could be a great activity to consider. In terms of period products to help you, this will always be personal choice but there’s a lot out there from period swimwear (underneath your wetsuit) to menstrual cups. Find what works best for you. Let us also help with the myth-busting by reassuring you that there’s no evidence to suggest that menstrual blood attracts sharks… spread the word!

Sea snorkellers should be confident and capable swimmers who are also able to enter and exit the water with ease. Also consider access to the bay itself as some paths and places are more accessible than others, with some sites offering accessible facilities nearby and others none. Some snorkel businesses offer more bespoke sessions specifically for those who might require additional support. If you have any health issues or concerns, please speak to your doctor in advance. BSAC also provide snorkeller self-declaration medical fitness forms for members which are useful for self- reflection as to whether this activity poses additional risk to you.

Yes! Visit the BSAC website to book onto a snorkel course near you. We also recommend contacting the snorkel guide businesses across the snorkel trail network, who can take you out on an instructor-led snorkel session to build up your skills and confidence.

Don’t worry, this isn’t the end to your snorkel ambitions! First contact the local snorkel trail network groups and businesses, to find out what’s happening locally. This will help you understand the options available to you – such as joining regular community swim/snorkel groups (we’re lucky to have so many in Scotland!), taking part in local ocean events or booking onto guided snorkel sessions.

Appropriate action depends on the nature of the emergency. Whether something simply doesn’t feel right or you have a significant issue, attract help by alerting your snorkel buddy immediately who should be close to you (this is where it’s important to stay close to one another and keep an eye on each other’s behaviour). You/your buddy should share a pre-agreed emergency signal to your shore cover, the person keeping an eye on you both from land (practice communications in advance, see the BSAC website for useful hand signals). This person can dial 999 and/or take other important actions. The important thing is to stay as calm as possible and get back to shore as quickly and smoothly as you can (again practicing rescue tows etc. in advance, and taking part in open water/outdoor first aid training can help you and your buddy support one another in these situations). In an emergency, always dial 999 and the operator will send the appropriate care you need e.g. coastguard, ambulance).

As with many things when it comes to safety, good planning is essential. Having an emergency plan, ideally written down, will help you deal with the situation safely and sensibly. Make your snorkel experience a safe and enjoyable one by checking a few things in advance e.g. nearest defibrillator, nearest medical centre for minor injuries, phone signal. Take a first aid kit and a tow float (some people even use their tow float as a dry bag to store important items like their mobile phone, but there is always risk of water leaking in so this is personal preference).