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Part of the Moray Firth snorkel trail!
Although the pool is no longer accessible, this interesting site offers a mix of sandy and pebbled beach with lots of rocky outcroppings to investigate.
Look out for many interesting fish species including juvenile cod, saithe, pollack and long spined sea scorpions.
The Portsoy harbour is nearby so remain close to shore and remain vigilant of boat traffic, making yourself visible with a high visibility marker/tow float.
Plan a visit
By road
Travel north through Portsoy, along Target Road onto Marine Terrace. Follow the road as it curves left towards the coast; parking is available at the end of the road.
From the parking area, walk west along the footpath for a minute to reach the beach, immediately next to the old tidal pool (no entry).
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 (18 miles away) and Elgin (27 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
Portknockie, Buckie
Black Pots, Whitehills
High Shore Beach, Macduff
Needle’s Eye / Tarlair Swimming Pools
Cullykhan Bay, Fraserburgh
Local group
Local Group 1
