Knockinelder Bay is located on the Irish Sea side of the Ards Peninsula within Strangford Lough. This site features a mix of sandy bays and rocky outcrops characteristic of the open coast. It is suitable for beginners and provides shore access for snorkelling. Water temperatures at the site vary throughout the year, ranging from 9C in the late winter and early spring to 15C during the late summer and early autumn months. As an open coast location, conditions can vary, and visitors should plan their snorkelling activities accordingly.

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.

The Narrows in Strangford Lough is a drift and reef site defined by strong tidal currents. It is suitable for advanced divers, with depths ranging from 10 to 70 metres and an average depth of 15 metres. Typical dives last approximately 20 minutes. Due to the challenging conditions, including strong currents, boat traffic, and potential for decompression, this site requires careful planning. Entry is possible from both shore and boat. Snorkelling is possible, though it is strictly limited to the short slack water window to ensure safety. Water temperatures fluctuate between 9C and 15C throughout the year, and visibility varies from 2 to 10 metres.

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.

Gun's Island in Strangford Lough features a topography of sheer underwater walls and rocky gullies. Located 183 metres offshore, the site requires boat access and is suited for advanced divers due to moderate to strong currents. Depths reach up to 16 metres over a rocky seabed. Water temperatures range from 9C to 15C throughout the year. Species recorded around this area include Gray Seal, Curled Octopus, Common Lobster, Conger Eel, Catshark, and various nudibranchs and sea stars. The site is also suitable for snorkelling.

The Pins is the site of a 19th-century wooden schooner, the S.V. Nimble, located in Strangford Lough. The wreck rests on a sand and gravel slope at an average depth of 10 metres, with a maximum depth of 12 metres. Divers access the site from the shore near the roadside lay-by. Conditions include moderate currents and visibility ranging from 3 to 8 metres. The site is suitable for beginners, with typical dives lasting around 30 minutes. Due to the nature of the wreckage, divers should be aware of potential entanglement hazards. Snorkelling is also possible at this location.

Outer Lees in Strangford Lough is a wreck site featuring the stern section of the Empire Tana. Divers and snorkellers can explore the hull, which is covered in dense kelp forests, sponges, and sea squirts. The site is located 1000 metres from shore and requires boat access. Conditions are variable, with depths ranging from 12 to 18 metres and visibility between 5 and 15 metres. Due to strong currents, down currents, and potential entanglement hazards, this site is suited for intermediate divers. Boat traffic is a common hazard, and the wreck presents an overhead environment. Facilities including air fills, guided tours, and boat charters are available nearby in Portaferry.