Helen's Bay Beach in Strangford Lough is a gently shelving sandy beach that offers accessible shore entry for snorkelers. The site is particularly suited to beginners, with the rocky headlands located at either end of the beach providing the primary areas for exploration. Water temperatures at this marine site fluctuate between 8C and 15C throughout the year. Due to the nature of the terrain, snorkelers should be prepared for varying conditions typical of the region. The site is well-regarded for its water quality, making it a practical choice for those looking to practice snorkeling in a sheltered coastal environment.

Swineley Bay in Strangford Lough offers a shore-entry snorkelling experience featuring a combination of reef and kelp forest habitats. The site is accessed via a coastal path and provides facilities including parking, toilets, showers, changing rooms, and a cafe. Water temperatures at this location vary between 8C and 15C throughout the year. Due to the nature of the terrain and the environment, this site is best suited for intermediate-level snorkellers. The bay is noted for its peaceful conditions and is rated 4/5 for snorkelling activities.

Smelt Mill Bay is a pebble beach cove located at the base of Strickland's Glen in Strangford Lough. This site features rock formations and gullies suitable for snorkeling. The area is accessible via shore entry and is generally suited for beginners. Depths range from 1 metre to 10 metres, with an average depth of 5 metres. Conditions include mild currents and water temperatures varying between 8C and 15C throughout the year. Divers and snorkellers should remain aware of potential boat traffic and surf conditions in the area. Parking is available for visitors.

Jenny Watts Cove in Strangford Lough is a sheltered reef site suitable for beginners. Divers and snorkellers access the water via a slipway or a set of steps with a handrail that leads into a rocky gully. Conditions are generally mild, though visitors should be aware of surge, boat traffic, and cold water temperatures ranging from 8C to 15C. Marine life recorded at the site includes very common sea squirts and snails. Divers may also encounter uncommon sea slugs, barnacle-eating dorids, crabs, common sea stars, grey sea slugs, rock crabs, and European green crabs. Rare sightings include wrasses, tompot blennies, sea stars, and brittle stars. Facilities include parking, toilets, showers, and changing rooms.

Skippingstone Beach in Strangford Lough is a sheltered cove featuring a Victorian-era bathing pool area. Accessible via a modern ramp, this shore-entry site is suitable for beginners looking for a quick snorkel. The site reaches depths of 1 to 10 metres, with an average depth of 5 metres. Conditions include mild currents and visibility ranging from 3 to 10 metres. Water temperatures are cold, fluctuating between 8C and 15C throughout the year, presenting a risk of hypothermia. Divers and snorkellers should be aware of potential hazards including boat traffic, entanglement, and rip currents. Facilities available at the site include parking, toilets, showers, changing rooms, and a rinse station.

Luke's Point is a shore-entry reef site located in Strangford Lough, situated just east of the waste water pumping station. The topography consists of bedrock and coarse sand, offering a varied substrate for exploration. Divers and snorkellers should note that depths are shallow, ranging between 2 and 7 metres. Due to the nature of the location, intermediate skill levels are recommended. Visitors should remain vigilant regarding boat traffic and potential surf conditions. Facilities available at the site include parking and toilets. The site is well-suited for snorkelling, holding a rating of 4 out of 5.

Fisherman's Quay in the Scotch Quarter of Carrickfergus offers a shore-entry snorkel site situated in the shadow of Carrickfergus Castle. The site features a rocky seabed and is classified as an artificial reef. Depths range from 1m to 5m, with an average of 3m. Conditions include moderate currents and visibility ranging between 3m and 10m. Water temperatures are consistently cold, fluctuating between 8C and 14C throughout the year. Due to the environment, snorkelers should be aware of boat traffic, cold water, and low visibility. Facilities available at the location include parking, a cafe, and showers.

Groomsport Beach West is a shore-entry reef site located near Groomsport Harbour in Strangford Lough. The topography consists of a sandy seabed interspersed with rocky patches, reaching depths of 1 to 5 metres with an average of 3 metres. Snorkellers may encounter catsharks, common sea stars, and snails, which are frequently recorded here. Other species observed include European green crabs, shannies, sea squirts, and various sea slugs. Conditions are subject to moderate currents, and users should be aware of potential hazards including entanglement and sharp structures. Facilities at the site include parking, toilets, showers, changing rooms, a cafe, and a dive shop.