Come and explore the world beneath Orkney’s waves with a brand-new snorkel trail featuring six special destinations across the islands.
The trail, developed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and Stromness Museum, includes stunning snorkelling locations and the chance to swim above wartime wrecks at the Churchill Barriers.
Those taking to the water will also be able to see some beautiful sea life, from sea urchins and starfish, to crabs and kelp forests.
In Orkney, the snorkelling sites can be found at:
- The Ayre of Myres in Stronsay
- Elwick Bay in Shapinsay
- Bay of Firth in Finstown
- Inganess Bay on the outskirts of Kirkwall
- Churchill Barriers 2 & 3, between Lamb Holm, Glimps Holm, and Burray
- The Ayre between Hoy and South Walls
At most locations there are areas for beginner and advanced snorkellers. Information leaflets, including route guides, safety information and checklists of some of the marine life snorkellers might see, can be downloaded from the Scottish Wildlife Trust website.
Newcomers to the water are encouraged to book a guided snorkel tour with local dive company, Kraken Diving, to get used to the snorkelling experience first.
The Orkney trail is part of a network that now includes 13 locations and around 80 snorkel sites, covering the majority of Scotland. Among the supporters of the Orkney snorkel trail are Cath Downie and Pete Raines who raised over £2,000 in donations to celebrate their wedding. This money directly supported the development of the new trail.
Katy Firth from Stromness Museum said: “Even if you’ve swum or snorkelled here many times before, or are yet to step foot in Orkney’s waters, you’ll learn lots and be surprised at the variety of incredible marine life our waters have to offer.
“The new snorkel trail will support responsible eco-tourism across Orkney and inspire people, local and visiting, to connect with, value and protect the wildlife in our seas.”
Explore other outdoor activities available in Orkney.