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Part of the NEW Orkney snorkel trail!
This serene sandy cove is well-loved by local children, adults and wildlife!
Take a 10-minute walk from the ferry pier to discover dense mosaics of stunning seaweeds, home to many species including colourful anemones. Advanced snorkellers can explore deeper, rocky habitats.
The north side of the bay is prone to stronger winds and waves. Seals also haul out and swim here so please keep your distance to avoid disturbance.
The Fishmart cafe/hostel has toilets and showers and
the Stronsay Development Trust may offer wetsuit hire.
By road
The Ayre of Myres is just a 10-minute walk from Stronsay ferry terminal.
You can use public transport to travel to Stronsay by ferry or plane. Stronsay also has a great harbour for those arriving by private boat.
Orkney Ferries operates a daily ferry service to Stronsay from Kirkwall. All vessels serve hot and cold drinks and cold snacks at modest prices.
If you’re bringing a car, you should book ahead of time. You can book online after creating an account, or you can contact the Kirkwall Office: Tel: 01856 872 044, Email: info@orkneyferries.co.uk
Foot passengers do not need to book ahead of time. You can pay for your tickets on board.
For current timetable information visit: www.orkneyferries.co.uk
To purchase a ticket to travel to or from Stronsay, you can book online or phone the Loganair office at the Kirkwall airport: 01856 872494.
Private boats can tie up at the pier or to one of the moorings in the harbour.
For more information, please see visitstronsay.com
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
The north side of the bay is prone to stronger winds and waves.
Please be a responsible snorkeller; do not touch, take or tease wildlife.
Seals haul out and swim here at the Ayre of Myres, 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.
“Enhance your Stronsay snorkel experience by taking a snorkel boat charter with the Pomona Prefect!”
FURTHER READING
Nearby reserves
Shapinsay, Elwick Bay
Inganess Bay
Churchill Barriers number 2 and 3
Finstown
Hoy, The Ayre (Hoy and South Walls Causeway)
Local group
Local Group 1
