CLOSE Know what you are looking for? Use these quick links to find what you want faster...
Part of the Berwickshire snorkel trail!
Snorkel surrounded by dramatic sea cliffs, at the National Trust for Scotland’s St Abbs Head Nature Reserve!
This beautiful beach is accessed by the steps down from the coastal path. Rich kelp beds and rocky reefs in the bay are home to colourful ballan wrasse, leopard-spotted gobies and an array of anemone species. The easier central section is perfect for beginners, whilst the rocky outcrops offer more advanced snorkelling.
Plan a visit
By road
This site is easily accessible by bus, train, bike and car, bus, train, bike and car, following signs for St Abbs Head Nature Reserve.
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).
Outside the Nature Centre are bike racks, picnic benches and accessible parking, There is also an accessible toilet next door to the Nature Centre.
To discover more about local wildlife, geology and history of St Abb’s Head, visit the National Trust for Scotland’s Nature Centre. 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.
Just down the road in the village of St Abbs, you’ll find St Abbs Visitor Centre where you’ll find 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.
Please check the opening times of these centres in advance, as many operate seasonally.
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.
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.
“To discover more about local wildlife, geology and history of St Abb’s Head, visit the National Trust for Scotland’s Nature Centre (open April to November).”
FURTHER READING
Nearby reserves
St Abbs Harbour
Coldingham Bay
Milldown Bay
Eyemouth Beach
Killidraughts Bay
Local group
Local Group 1
