The Herring Pond is a natural deep-water rock pool in Strangford Lough, protected by an artificial breakwater that maintains calm conditions even when the nearby Atlantic is choppy. This site is suitable for beginners and offers a shallow environment reaching depths of up to 6 metres. Snorkellers can observe dense kelp and thongweed ecosystems. Marine life recorded here includes snails, which are very common, alongside uncommon sightings of catsharks, rock crabs, tube worms, and European green crabs. Rarer encounters include skates, giant jellyfish, various crabs, rockpool prawns, and shannies. The water remains cold throughout the year, so a 5mm wetsuit with gloves and boots is recommended for comfort. Entry is via the shore.

Portnahapple is a sheltered, narrow inlet featuring vertical bedrock walls adorned with dense kelp forests. This site serves as an accessible training location for beginners, offering a typical depth range of 1 to 10 metres with an average of 7 metres. Divers and snorkellers can explore the cove, which includes several small swim-throughs. Access is via the shore, with the main features located approximately 100 metres out. Conditions generally include mild currents and visibility ranging from 5 to 15 metres. Surf may be present at this location. Facilities including parking and toilets are available nearby, and the site is suitable for night diving.

Portnahapple is a sheltered shore dive located in Strangford Lough, offering a mix of reef, kelp forest, and artificial reef habitats. Divers can expect depths between 8 and 10 metres, with an average of 7 metres. The site is suitable for beginners and features mild currents. Marine life commonly observed includes catsharks, European green crabs, and snails. Less frequently, divers may encounter compass jellyfish, giant jellyfish, skates, crabs, and tube worms. Visibility ranges from 5 to 15 metres, and the site is accessible for night diving. Facilities at the shore include parking and toilets. Typical dives last approximately 45 minutes.

Portstewart Head is a rocky headland featuring underwater ridges and small canyons covered in thick kelp forests. This shore-entry site is suitable for intermediate divers, with depths ranging from 2 to 10 metres and an average of 6 metres. Divers may encounter various crustaceans, including rock crabs and European green crabs, alongside snails, tube worms, and occasional sightings of catsharks, skates, and jellyfish. Visibility typically fluctuates between 5 and 15 metres. Be aware of potential hazards including entanglement in kelp, moderate currents, and surf conditions. Facilities at the site include parking and toilets.

The Barmouth is an estuarine snorkel site located where the River Bann meets the Atlantic. Snorkellers access the water from the shore on the Castlerock side of the pier, where rocky topography defines the underwater environment. This site is suited for intermediate snorkellers due to the variable conditions of the river mouth. Water temperatures range from 9C in the winter months to 15C in late summer. Species recorded around this area include harbour and grey seals, catsharks, skates, and various invertebrates such as common lobsters, rock crabs, and tube worms. Compass jellyfish and giant jellyfish are also occasionally present during the summer months.

Barmouth is an artificial reef located at the eastern extremity where the River Bann meets the Atlantic in Strangford Lough. This site consists of an artificial training wall or pier structure. Diving here is suited for advanced divers due to strong currents and low visibility, which typically ranges between 1 and 5 metres. The site is shallow, with depths ranging from 3 to 7 metres and an average of 5 metres. Entry is via the shore. Snorkelling is possible along the western training wall, though the site is rated 2 out of 5 for this activity. Hazards include entanglement, low visibility, and strong currents.

The Bann Estuary, located at the eastern end of Castlerock Beach, offers a unique dive experience where the River Bann meets the Atlantic. The site features long stone training walls and an artificial reef constructed from pier boulders. Divers can expect depths ranging from 3 to 7 metres, with an average of 5 metres. Access is via the shore, though conditions include moderate currents and visibility between 1 and 5 metres. Due to the presence of boat traffic, cold water, and potential rip currents, this site is best suited for intermediate divers. Facilities available on-site include parking, toilets, showers, a rinse station, and a local dive shop offering guided tours.

Castlerock Pier and Rocks is a shore-entry snorkelling site located near the mouth of the River Bann in Strangford Lough. The topography consists of rocky areas surrounding the pier structure. Conditions at this site are variable, as visibility can be influenced by discharge from the nearby river. Water temperatures range from 9C in the winter months to 15C during the peak of summer. This site is suitable for beginners, though it is rated 2/5 for snorkelling activity. Divers and snorkellers should be aware of the influence of the river environment on local water conditions.