Enjoy stunning views above and below Loch Mhàraig.
Snorkel within a sheltered sea loch providing a different marine habitat to Harris’s other snorkel trail sites. Many different species of algae can be seen here, as well as crabs, anemones, fish and shellfish.

Trail leaflet

Download the trail leaflet for offline access to site information

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Facilities

Parking

What other people say

How to get there

By road

From Tarbert, follow the A859 north through Àird Àsaig and as it curves east to Loch Mharaig.

Parking on the old slipway, across from Lochedge Lodge, is advised however this is gated – please call the North Harris Trust in advance to check whether the gate can be opened to allow parking. Parking is also possible before the cattle grid that leads to the loch/Lochedge Lodge, where the road widens.

The nearest electric vehicle charging station is in Tarbert (12 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

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

  • Huisinis Gateway offers the following facilities: toilets & showers, vending machines, indoor seating, chemical disposal point, freshwater standpipe, recycling facilities for plastics, cans, glass and interpretation/local 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.
  • Contact Immerse Hebrides based in Stornoway offering wildlife boat trips, swimming holidays and wellness retreats

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

  • Water entry and exit requires some scrambling over rocks and uneven ground.

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.

Other snorkel sites on this trail

Top tips

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.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust strives to provide accurate information but cannot accept responsibility for changes, errors or omissions.

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