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Part of the NEW Orkney snorkel trail!
This stunning snorkel site is a local favourite and it’s not hard to see why… from soft sand to a sunken shipwreck, prepare to plunge into Orkney’s natural and cultural heritage.
The sandy seabed is home to flatfish, hermit and shore crabs and the occasional pipefish. Explore the seaweed at the bay’s fringes too.
A swim around the wreck of the Juanita is a must for advanced snorkellers, confident in deeper water. She is covered in encrusting animals and was originally sunk as a blockship at Churchill Barrier 4. Best accessed at low tide.
Swim closer to shore if Arctic terns show signs of agitation at your presence and be aware of other water users such as jet skis.
Plan a visit
By road
From Kirkwall town centre (2.6 miles away), travel South-east through St Ola to reach Inganess Road (single track with passing places). Follow Inganess Road for 1.1 miles until the road ends at Inganess beach car park.
Buses are available from Kirkwall town centre.
Access Google Maps location pin here.
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.
Best accessed at low tide.
A gently sloping sandy shore makes for easy water entry and exit.
Be aware of other water users such as jet skis.
Wrecks can pose various risks to snorkellers. Don’t attempt to enter or climb on the wrecks, or the Churchill Barriers.
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.
Other considerations
Please be a responsible snorkeller; do not touch, take or tease wildlife.
Swim closer to shore if Arctic terns show signs of agitation at your presence.
Orkney has many breeding seal and nesting bird colonies. Please be sensitive
by not snorkelling in these areas in pupping/nesting season. Arctic terns breed from April-August. For more information see sealalliance.org and nature.scot.
FURTHER READING
Nearby reserves
Churchill Barriers number 2 and 3
Finstown
Shapinsay, Elwick Bay
Hoy, The Ayre (Hoy and South Walls Causeway)
Stronsay, Ayre of Myres
Local group
Local Group 1
