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Part of the Moray Firth snorkel trail!
This wide bay is the perfect spot for a tranquil snorkel, with lots to see below the waves as well as stunning views of Shuna and Luing.
Beginner snorkellers can swim close to shore around the rocky outcrops of Asknish bay, where interesting wildlife can be found such as brown crabs and common urchins. More confident snorkellers can swim further from the water entry/exit point to explore other rocky reefs along the shoreline.
Ardauine Jetty also offers easy access to the water and exciting snorkelling around the jetty.
Plan a visit
By road
Follow the A816 south of Loch Melfort, parking at the Loch Melfort Hotel (where accessible parking and electric vehicle charging is available).
Take the footpath around the hotel to the rear of the building. Here, follow the accessible path across the grassy area to the boat house on the coastline. The water is easily accessible from here.
At Arduaine jetty, the water is easily accessible from the shore or steps (take care on wet steps which may be slippery).
Access Google Maps location pin here (TBC).
By rail
The nearest train station is Oban (19 miles away).
By bus
Bus services are provided locally by West Coast Motors. This snorkel site is a 40 minute bus journey from Oban, and 50 minute bus journey from Lochgilphead, with bus stops situated outside the Loch Melfort Hotel.
Provided by Google Maps
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
Take care not to stand on or kick the seagrass with your fins
Please be a responsible snorkeller; do not touch, take or tease wildlife.
This area is home to internationally important colonies of 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.
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:
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.
FURTHER READING
Nearby reserves
Village Bay, Loch Craignish
Ganavan Sands
Wee Ganavan (Camas Bàn)
SAMS Beach (Camas Rubha na Liathaig)
Queenie Reef, Loch Creran
Creagan, Loch Creran
Local group
Local Group 1
