Part of the Lewis and Harris snorkel trail!

A historically and culturally important snorkel spot, overlooking the old Bunavoneader Whaling Station (Bun Abhainn Eadarra); the only remaining example of an early 20th century shore based whaling station in the UK (and possibly further afield) and therefore designated as an ancient scheduled monument by Historic Scotland in 1992.
Around the rocky headland, a sandy seabed awaits fringed with different species of algae providing a great opportunity to see crabs and starfish, including sunstars.
A more advanced option is situated off to the left of the headland where there are fantastic kelp beds and shoals of pollack and coalfish.
A working pier is near the beginner zone therefore please stay close to shore and make yourself visible to other water users using a high visibility marker (e.g. bright tow float).

Trail leaflet

Download the trail leaflet for offline access to site information

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Facilities

Gallery

What other people say

How to get there

By road

From Tarbert, follow the A859 north to Àird Àsaig. After passing Ardhasaig Filling Station (24 hour fuel), take the next left passing Ardhasaig House Hotel and Restaurant and Seaside Cottage. Road-side parking is possible as the road widens across from the cottage (provided drivers park respectfully by not blocking gates or passage on the road itself) or as visitors to Ardhasaig House Hotel and Restaurant.

The nearest electric vehicle charging station is in Tarbert (2.6 miles away).

Access Google Maps location pin here (TBC).

By rail

N/A

By bus

Buses are provided locally by Lochs Motor Transport

Get directions

Driving

Public
transport

Walking

Cycling

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

  • Book a snorkelling session with Wild Harris to explore these rich waters with an expert snorkel leader and marine biologist, discovering hidden gems in a comfortable and fun environment.
  • Book a snorkelling lesson with Surf Lewis & Harris, for an immersive experience where you will benefit from expert snorkel instruction and a wealth of local knowledge of the marine environment. Surf Lewis & Harris also offer equipment hire for your own snorkel adventures and lead other sea-based activities such as surfing and stand up paddleboarding.
  • Reach out to Clean Coast Outer Hebrides who engage tourists and the local community, lead beach cleans, deliver educational outreach sessions to schools and community groups and host environmental discussions.

Wildlife warning

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

This area is home to breeding seabirds (April-September) and seals (harbour seals June-July, grey seals August-December). Please behave responsibly and stay distant, wildlife should be left undisturbed. For more information see sealalliance.org and nature.scot. Avoid disturbing ground-nesting birds and livestock; follow the Outdoor Access and Marine Wildlife Watching codes.

Stay safe

  • A working pier is near the beginner zone therefore please stay close to shore and make yourself visible to other water users using a high visibility marker (e.g. bright tow float).

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.

Share your snorkel stories #ScottishSnorkelTrails

We have worked hard with coastal communities and organisations across Scotland to create these snorkel trails, to:

  • make Scotland’s seas more accessible to more people
  • support responsible, local eco-tourism and community-led coastal projects across Scotland
  • encourage people to better understand, value and protect our precious marine ecosystems

We would therefore love to hear your feedback on how you’ve found using them! From photos, videos and artwork to posts, blogs and more – every piece of little or large feedback will be read and valued! You can share them with us via email (livingseas@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk), Facebook (@Scottish Wildlife Trust) or Bluesky (@scotwildlife.bsky.social) – use the #ScottishSnorkelTrails.

Other snorkel sites nearby

Huisinis

Species records

Visit the NBN Atlas to see all species records from this reserve.

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Fish
Small-spotted catshark
Ballan wrasse
Sand eels
Pollack
Crustaceans
Shore Crab
Velvet Swimming Crab
Hermit crab
Brown crab
Molluscs
Painted topshell
Dog whelk
Flat periwinkle
Common limpet
Other invertebrates
Snakelocks anemone
Common cuttlefish
Breadcrumb sponge
Beadlet anemone
Jellyfish
Lion’s mane jellyfish
Moon jellyfish
Barrel jellyfish
Stalked jellyfish
Starfish and urchins
Common starfish
Common Brittlestar
Sunstar
Common urchin
Marine plants
Cuvie kelp
Maerl
Seagrass
Bladder wrack

top tips

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