Why visit?
Visit for:
- birdwatching
- coasts
- geology
- scenery
- mammals
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Part of the North Ayrshire snorkel trail!
A picturesque bay next to the Southern harbour in Maidens.
Ancient Devonian lavas have created an intertidal zone that supports diverse rockpool species. Look out for species hiding in the mixed seaweed beds, rocky crevices and on the sandy seafloor.
Plan a visit
By road
From Girvan, drive north along the A77 and through Turnberry along the A719 to reach Maidens. Turn left onto Harbour Road and follow the coastline west, passing Ropes Bistro and reaching Carrick Coastal Rowing Club next to the pier.
There is a small parking area in front of the pier, but a much larger car park a 4 minute walk way (0.2 miles, Harbour Road car park) which also offers electric vehicle charging.
From the small parking area at the harbour, follow a narrow path leading to a secluded sandy cove behind the harbour wall.
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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