An exciting new experience to the Berwickshire Coast, the Berwickshire snorkel trail is not one to miss! It is famous as one of the UK’s top diving destinations so why not give snorkelling a go?
The Berwickshire Coast is where the warm and cold currents meet resulting in a unique mix of the cold artic fish as well as tropical corals. The marine reserve is also host to some of the UK’s best habitats – sea caves, rocky reefs and sea arches.
Developed by the Berwickshire Marine Reserve and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, the Berwickshire Snorkel Trail is just the third of its kind in Scotland and consists of 5 snorkel locations – Starney Bay, Coldingham Bay, Milldown Bay, Weasel Loch and Eyemouth Beach. Snorkelling equipment can be hired from St Vedas Surf Shop.
BOOK A SNORKEL EXPERIENCE
Guided tours and introductions to snorkelling is available both from land and sea
- Snorkel Wild – Snorkel Wild take you from the beach into the sea to explore the incredible underwater world. The experiences are suitable for all ages and abilities.
- St Abbs Charters – Take a trip on the boat with St Abbs Charters to discover all the wonders of the Berwickshire sea.
THE TRAILS
- Starney Bay – Within the St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve, the rich kelp beds and rocky reefs are home to colourful ballan wrasse, leopard-spotted gobies and an array of anemone species. Perfect for beginners, try out the central section whilst more advanced snorkelers can explore the rocky outcrops.
- Coldingham Bay – Ideal for a family day out, Coldingham Bay is very accessible. For first time snorkelers start in the central sandy area. More experience snorkelers can explore the rocky outer edges of the bay full of seaweed, anemones, urchins, butterfish and more.
- Weasel Loch – Targeted towards advanced snorkelers, it’s a great opportunity to explore a variety of habitats. Look out for swimming crabs and two-spotted gobies in the kelp forests, sea hares amongst the red seaweed and cuttlefish above the sandy floor.
- MIlldown Bay – A secluded bay for advanced snorkelling. Explore the cracks and crevices for urchins, anemones and edible crabs. The kelp beds are a shelter for juvenile fish including the saithe, butterfish and scorpionfish.
- Lastly, Eyemouth Beach is easily accessible and ideal for new snorkelers. To the north, the rockier outcrops are quite an experience for advanced snorkelling giving you the chance to catch a glimpse of crabs and squat lobsters in the rockpools. Discover a variety of fish species in the seaweed.
For more information, click here to view the official leaflet.
