Snorkeling in United Kingdom
Including Ballycastle Bay, Cwm yr Eglwys, and Flamborough Head Chalk Cliffs. On the map.
The vibe
Peering into the cold, kelp-forest shallows reveals a surprising abundance of crabs, wrasse, and darting schooling fish if you are brave enough to brave the chill. Late summer offers the clearest water and warmest temperatures, though a thick wetsuit is mandatory regardless of the month. It is a completely DIY affair where you pull on your rubber by the boot of the car, entirely removed from any tropical resort bubble.
Ballycastle Bay, County Antrim
Northern Ireland
Mike Faherty / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Ballycastle Bay on the north coast of Northern Ireland provides protected shore-snorkeling opportunities along its rocky eastern edge near the pier. Snorkelers can discover diverse marine flora and fauna clinging to the basaltic rock formations.
Access. Easy roadside parking and shore entry right off the seafront and harbor area in Ballycastle.
Notes. Keep clear of active fishing boat traffic entering and leaving the harbor.
Cwm yr Eglwys, Pembrokeshire
Wales
Stefan Czapski / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A picturesque, sheltered sandy bay flanked by rocky reefs teeming with crustacea, small fish, and rich seaweed beds. The calm bay conditions make it one of the premier family-friendly snorkel spots along the Welsh coast.
Access. Easy shore entry directly from the beach parking area near Dinas Cross in Pembrokeshire.
Notes. Subject to swell from north-easterly winds; check forecasts before heading out.
Flamborough Head Chalk Cliffs, Yorkshire
England
originalpickaxe / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Striking white chalk headland creating dramatic underwater gullies, swim-throughs, and boulder fields. The nutrient-rich North Sea waters support dense kelp forests, lobsters, and shoals of fish.
Access. Shore entry from secluded coves like South Landing or North Landing, accessible via cliff paths.
Notes. Surge can be strong near the chalk caves and rock faces; watch out for boat traffic near fishing slipways.
Loch Carron Maerl Beds, Highlands
Scotland
Dave Fergusson / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Home to rare and fragile pink maerl coral-like seaweed reefs that create unique underwater habitats. Snorkelers can glide over vivid pink carpets and observe rich assemblages of temperate fish and invertebrates in sheltered sea loch waters.
Access. Shore entry from accessible points along the loch shoreline near Plockton.
Notes. Maerl is fragile; buoyancy control and careful finning are required to avoid damaging the habitat.
Lundy Island Marine Reserve, Devon
England
Nilfanion / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Britain's first statutory marine reserve offers exceptional temperate-water snorkeling around granite reefs and kelp forests. Snorkelers regularly encounter curious grey seals, wrasse, and an array of colorful sea anemones in clear Atlantic-influenced waters.
Access. Accessible via the MS Oldenburg ferry or charter boat from Bideford or Ilfracombe on the North Devon coast.
Notes. Tidal currents can be strong around the island; check local conditions and dive center briefings before entering.
Porthkerris Cove, Cornwall
England
Anne Burgess / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Protected from prevailing south-westerly winds on the eastern side of the Lizard Peninsula, Porthkerris features a rich shingle and reef shoreline. Snorkelers can explore kelp-covered rocks bustling with juvenile fish, spider crabs, and flatfish.
Access. Direct shore entry from the beach with facilities from the local dive center.
Notes. Popular with local diving and snorkeling schools; safe and well-mapped site.
Sound of Mull Wrecks, Scotland
Scotland
Gordon Hatton / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Sheltered between the Scottish mainland and the Isle of Mull, the Sound features accessible shallow shipwrecks and rich kelp forests. The clear, protected waters provide fascinating underwater exploration of historical remains and marine life.
Access. Shore access at sites like the SS Birmese or via local dive boat operators based in Oban or Tobermory.
Notes. Tidal flows through the sound require careful timing of slack water.
St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve, Scottish Borders
Scotland
Callum Black / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Renowned for remarkably clear North Sea water and vibrant rocky reefs draped in soft pink and yellow soft corals. Snorkelers swim among large shoals of pollack, cod, and wolf fish in sheltered coastal coves.
Access. Shore entry from the rocky harbor and sheltered bays around the village of St Abbs, a short drive from Edinburgh.
Notes. Water temperatures are cold year-round; a thick wetsuit or drysuit is essential.