Part of the Small Isles snorkel trail!

Galmisdale Bay is a picturesque sandy cove, easily accessible next to Eigg’s ferry pier.

The west beach offers easy access into shallow, sheltered water whilst the east beach has rocky shoreline and kelp beds to explore.

Trail leaflet

Download the trail leaflet for offline access to site information

Download Leaflet

Facilities

An Lamhraig offers accessible toilets, accessible showers, a cafe and shop

What other people say

How to get there

By road

The Small Isles can be reached by boat from Arisaig (via Arisaig Marine) or Mallaig (via CalMac).

Visitors cannot take cars onto the islands however bicycles are encouraged.

From Eigg ferry terminal, walk past An Lamhraig community hub and take the footpath that curves right, following the edge of the coastline to arrive at Galmisdale Bay (15 minute walk).

Access Google Maps location pin here (TBC).

By rail

Not applicable

By bus

Not applicable

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

More information

  • Enhance your snorkel experience by contacting the Isle of Eigg Guiding Co. who offer fantastic guided snorkel tours as well as paddleboard hire.
  • Explore the Small Isles further by contacting Eigg Adventures for bike, e-bike and sit on kayak hire.
  • Discover Canna with the National Trust for Scotland, who offer guided Ranger walks.
  • In Rum, visit Drift for local handmade original crafts, made by talented artisans of the Isle of Rum.
  • In Muck, the Green Shed offers locally-made crafts and produce.

Wildlife warning

  • From April-August birds nest on Green Island so do not step onto it; keep your distance and avoid disturbance.

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

  • Be aware of tidal channels at the bay entrance and Castle island.
  • Be vigilant of boat traffic, making yourself visible using a high visibility marker (e.g. bright tow float, bright swim cap).

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.

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