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Part of the NEW Orkney snorkel trail!
Explore the history of Elwick Bay, once used as an anchorage by King Haakon IV of Norway before the Battle of Largs in 1263.
This sheltered bay, just a 10-minute walk
from the ferry pier, provides a seaweed garden
of kelps and codium for snorkellers to enjoy. Take
care walking down to the shore from the lay-by
as the ground is uneven. For local services such as
e-bike hire contact Shapinsay Development Trust.
By road
Shapinsay is only about 25-minutes away from mainland Orkney by ferry. Orkney Ferries operates a regular daily ferry service from Kirkwall.
For current timetable information visit: www.orkneyferries.co.uk
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
Take care walking down to the shore from the lay-by as the ground is uneven.
Please be a responsible snorkeller; do not touch, take or tease wildlife.
Seals haul out on the West side of Elwick Bay, so please keep your distance to avoid disturbance.
Orkney has many breeding seal and nesting bird colonies. Please be sensitive by not snorkelling in these areas in pupping/nesting season. For grey seals this is October-November and for common seals June-July.
For more information see sealalliance.org and nature.scot.
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
Inganess Bay
Stronsay, Ayre of Myres
Finstown
Hoy, The Ayre (Hoy and South Walls Causeway)
Churchill Barriers number 2 and 3
Local group
Local Group 1
