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Part of the Moray Firth snorkel trail!
A breath-taking location overlooking the iconic rock formations of Bow Fiddle Rock and the Whale’s Mou (Whale’s Mouth).
A snorkel area perfect for intrepid ocean adventurers ready to be wow-ed. Feel nestled in the shelter of the bay while surrounded by tall, dramatic sea cliffs and incredible rocky outcrops teeming with life.
We advise snorkellers avoid the channel under the rock formation, due to potential stronger currents and risk of injury/disturbance due to
creel pots that can sometimes be found there.
By road
Travel north through Portknockie, along Patrol Road to the car park on Addison Street.
From the car park, follow the Buckie hiking route, to access the pebbled beaches. To reach the Whale’s Mou rock archway, head east along the cliff path until reaching a steep staircase down to the water entry point. For the snorkel site near Bow Fiddle rock, follow the coastal path down to the pebble beach near the car park.
The nearest electric vehicle charging station is 2.6 miles east, within Cullen.
Access Google Maps location pin here (TBC).
By rail
The nearest train station is Keith (17 miles away) and Elgin (21 miles away).
By bus
Bus services are provided locally by Stagecoach North Scotland.
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 internationally important colonies of 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.
FURTHER READING
Nearby reserves
Portsoy Pool, Banff
Black Pots, Whitehills
High Shore Beach, Macduff
Needle’s Eye / Tarlair Swimming Pools
Cullykhan Bay, Fraserburgh
Local group
Local Group 1
