Why visit?
Visit for:
- birdwatching
- coasts
- geology
- scenery
- mammals
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Part of the South Ayrshire snorkel trail!
The National Trust for Scotland’s Culzean Country Park offers incredible snorkelling alongside accessible facilities. There’s something to enjoy for all the family!
Port Carrick is a popular sandy beach with rocky outcrops and a sea cave to snorkel through. Gas House Bay offers a jaw-dropping backdrop as you snorkel below Culzean Castle.
Plan a visit
By road
Follow the A719 to Culzean, following signs for Culzean Castle and Country Park. Note that paid entry is required at this National Trust for Scotland location. Parking is available next to the visitor centre (which has accessible parking and electric vehicle charging) or near the Boat House.
For Port Carrick, pass the Pagoda and follow the down steps downwards. The skerries are a favourite spot for seals. For Gas House Bay, follow the steps/ramp.
Access Google Maps location pin here (TBC).
By rail
The nearest train station is in Girvan (6.6 miles away)
By bus
Buses are provided locally by Stagecoach West Scotland and Shuttle Buses.
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
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.
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.
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