Benderg Bay is a reef site located within the Killard National Nature Reserve in Strangford Lough. This shore-entry location is suitable for beginners, offering shallow depths ranging from 1 to 8 metres with an average of 4 metres. The environment features extensive rock pools and sheltered waters. Conditions vary, with mild currents and potential hazards including cold water, surf, and rip currents. Species recorded around this area include curled octopus, squat lobster, common lobster, wrasses, flatworms, sea slugs, catsharks, gurnards, conger eels, giant jellyfish, orange-clubbed nudibranchs, crabs, and sea stars. Parking is available at the site, which is well-suited for a 45-minute snorkel session.

Kilclief Beach, specifically the Castle Rocks area, is a reef site located on the western edge of the Strangford Narrows. The topography consists of a mix of sandy bottom and rocky reef, with depths ranging from 1 to 12 metres. This site is suitable for intermediate snorkellers due to strong currents and surf conditions. Water temperatures fluctuate between 9C and 15C throughout the year, and visibility typically ranges from 2 to 5 metres. Species recorded around this area include curled octopus, gray seal, orange-clubbed nudibranch, squat lobster, common lobster, conger eel, wrasses, flatworm, sea slug, gurnard, giant jellyfish, brittle star, sea star, and various crabs. Access is via the shore, with parking available nearby.

St. Patrick's Well at Ardtole offers a rugged shore entry into the marine environment of Strangford Lough. The site is characterised by a rocky seabed featuring extensive kelp forests and deep rock pools that are accessible at low tide. Divers should be prepared for cool water temperatures ranging from 9C to 15C throughout the year, necessitating appropriate thermal protection for extended exposure. This site is suited for intermediate divers due to the presence of strong currents and surf conditions. Snorkelling is also possible at this location, though conditions vary based on the local sea state.

Ardglass Gullies in Strangford Lough features a series of underwater gullies carved into folded sedimentary rock. The site includes a small sea cave, creating a complex topography for snorkellers. The walls of the gullies are covered in kelp, sponges, and anemones. Water temperatures at this site range from 9C to 15C throughout the year. Due to the presence of an overhead environment, surf, and cold water, this site is recommended for intermediate snorkellers. Entry is via the shore. Snorkellers should be prepared for variable conditions typical of this marine environment.

Phennick Point in Strangford Lough offers a sheltered environment for snorkelling, featuring rocky inlets, a sandy seabed, and scattered boulders. This site is well-suited for beginners due to the protection from wind and mild tidal currents. Snorkellers can expect depths ranging from 1 to 3 metres, with an average of 2 metres. Visibility varies between 2 and 8 metres. Access is via the shore, and the site is equipped with nearby facilities including parking, toilets, showers, and equipment rental. Be aware of boat traffic in the area and the risk of hypothermia due to water temperatures ranging from 9 to 15 degrees Celsius.

Sheepland is a rocky reef site located in Strangford Lough near Ardglass. This shore-entry dive offers depths ranging from 1 to 20 metres, with an average depth of 5 metres. Divers can expect mild currents and visibility between 5 and 15 metres. The water temperature remains cold throughout the year, typically between 9C and 15C, necessitating the use of a thick 5/4mm wetsuit with boots and a hood. The site is suitable for intermediate divers and provides a 4/5 rating for snorkelling. Hazards include jellyfish, sea urchins, and sharp coral. Parking is available at the site.

Granagh Bay is a nature reserve situated at the entrance of the Narrows in Strangford Lough. This shore-entry site is influenced by powerful tidal currents, making it suitable for intermediate snorkelers. The area is known for its seal colony, providing opportunities to observe these marine mammals. While specific sightings at this exact location are not confirmed, species recorded around this area include curled octopus, orange-clubbed nudibranch, squat lobster, common lobster, sea slug, wrasses, gurnard, conger eel, flatworm, catshark, giant jellyfish, brittle star, sea star, and various crabs. Water temperatures at the site range from 9C to 15C throughout the year.

The Water Rock in Strangford Lough is a shallow reef and artificial reef site suitable for beginners. Access is via a shore entry at the slipway of the historic stone pier. The site is shallow, with depths ranging from 0 to 5 metres and an average of 2 metres. It is best explored at high tide, as the harbour dries out significantly at low water. Conditions include mild currents and visibility between 3 and 10 metres. Species recorded around this area include gray seals, curled octopus, wrasses, catsharks, squat lobsters, common lobsters, sea slugs, gurnards, orange-clubbed nudibranchs, giant jellyfish, flatworms, conger eels, crabs, and sea stars. Hazards include entanglement and low visibility.