CLOSE Know what you are looking for? Use these quick links to find what you want faster...
Part of the Berwickshire snorkel trail!
Below the breathtaking coastline of St Abbs lies a sea full of stunning, colourful marine life – but don’t take our word for it, experience it yourself!
Follow the gullies and channels out toward Seagull Rock (Maw Carr) to explore kelp forests. Look out for colourful sea slugs, anemones, urchins and starfish.
Plan a visit
By road
This snorkel site can be found next to St Abbs Harbour car park.
St Abbs is accessible by bus, train, bike and car, following signs for St Abbs.
The nearest train station is Reston (6 miles away) which has an on-demand bus service called Pingo.
A direct bus runs from Berwick, and from Edinburgh it involves one change. The bus stops (on request) next to St Abbs Head Nature Reserve car park (which is located at NT 913 674 and is well signposted from the B6438)..
Here you’ll find St Abbs Visitor Centre which has marine exhibitions and artefacts; information about the history of the village, geology and wildlife of the area; a high-powered telescope to view the cliffs and wildlife from the Outlook room; activities for children and a gift shop. Note that the centre is open seasonally, so please check opening times in advance.
Just up the road you’ll find the National Trust for Scotland’s Nature Centre, where you can discover more about local wildlife, geology and history of St Abb’s Head. Next door to the centre is Borders Pottery (a social enterprise that provides a cafe and opportunities to take part in pottery) and Number 4 Art Gallery.
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.
The cliffs around Starney Bay host several species of breeding seabirds from April to September – please keep a good distance and behave responsibly.
Grey seals also come ashore to pup in the winter months and should be left undisturbed.
This moderately accessible rocky shore site can be a bit of a scramble to enter the water and as such is easier on a high tide.
Please note that St Abbs Harbour is a working harbour. As such, when in the water please keep your distance from the harbour itself, be vigilant of other water users (in particular vessels) and make yourself visible using a bright tow float/swim cap.
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.
“St Abbs Visitor Centre, within the Old Village Hall overlooking St Abbs Harbour, is a great place to discover the history and culture of St Abbs past and present, through interactive displays and exhibits (open seasonally) “
FURTHER READING
Nearby reserves
Starney Bay
Eyemouth Beach
Killidraughts Bay
Coldingham Bay
Milldown Bay
Local group
Local Group 1
