Black Rock is located within Scotland's first community-led No Take Zone in the Sound of Mull. This protected area features significant seagrass meadows and maerl beds, which provide a stable habitat for local marine life. The site is accessible via a shore entry and is suitable for beginners, holding a high rating for snorkelling. Water temperatures in this region vary throughout the year, ranging from 8C in the late winter months to 15C during the summer. As a protected zone, the site offers a unique opportunity to observe a habitat free from fishing activity.

Imachar is a rugged rocky outcrop located on the west coast of Arran. The site features underwater geology characterised by deep gullies and crevices, providing a varied environment for snorkellers to explore. Water temperatures at this marine site fluctuate between 8C and 16C throughout the year. The site is accessed via the shore and is rated as suitable for intermediate snorkellers. While the habitat supports a range of temperate marine life, including various reef fish and invertebrates, specific sightings are not confirmed. The rocky terrain and complex underwater structures make this a notable location for those comfortable with shore-based exploration in the Oban and Sound of Mull region.

Millport Bay is a shore-entry reef dive located in the Oban and Sound of Mull area. The site is well-suited for beginners, featuring a reef structure at depths between 10 and 13 metres. Divers can expect mild currents and visibility ranging from 5 to 10 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 8 and 15 degrees Celsius throughout the year, making a drysuit strongly recommended for comfort. As conditions and access arrangements can change, it is advisable to check locally for the latest information and facility availability before planning a dive. This site offers a straightforward environment for those building cold-water experience without the need for a boat charter.

Keppel Pier at the Field Studies Council in Millport offers accessible snorkelling in the Oban and Sound of Mull region. The site is suitable for beginners and provides both shore and boat entry options. Underwater, the pier pilings are encrusted with marine life, supporting a diverse range of species. Snorkellers may encounter sea stars, including common and red comb varieties, alongside various crab species like the European green crab. Other recorded sightings include gray seals, catsharks, and several types of jellyfish. Water temperatures fluctuate between 8C and 16C throughout the year, with the site maintaining a snorkel rating of 4/5.

Ballast Bank in Troon is a rocky shoreline featuring extensive kelp forests and gullies. This site is suitable for beginners, with depths reaching up to 7 metres. Access is via the shore, and the area is well-supported by local facilities including parking, toilets, and a cafe. Divers and snorkellers can explore the dense seaweed beds, which provide a habitat for a variety of temperate marine life and invertebrates. Conditions vary, and visitors should be aware of potential hazards including boat traffic, entanglement, jellyfish, and surf. The water temperature ranges from 8C to 16C throughout the year.

Dunure Castle Skerries offers a unique coastal dive beneath the ruins of a 13th-century castle. The site features rocky headlands and skerries that support diverse seaweed communities and patches of seagrass. Divers and snorkellers can expect to encounter a variety of temperate marine life typical of the region, including various invertebrates and reef fish. This shore-entry site is suited for intermediate divers due to the presence of mild currents and potential rip currents. Water temperatures range from 8C to 16C throughout the year. Hazards include cold water, jellyfish, sea urchins, and surf. Facilities available at the location include parking, toilets, and a cafe.

Wishing Well is a shore-entry site located on the east side of the island, featuring a cleared pathway through the rocks that leads directly into a kelp forest and boulder reef. The site is suitable for beginners, with depths ranging from 8 to 30 metres and an average depth of 15 metres. Divers can expect moderate currents and visibility between 5 and 10 metres. Species recorded around this area include various sea stars, crabs, catsharks, and seals. Facilities at the site include parking and air fills. Typical dives last approximately 45 minutes, and the site is also suitable for snorkelling.

Horse Rock in Strangford Lough is a reef site featuring volcanic rock formations accessible via a sandy causeway from the shore. The site is suitable for beginners, with depths starting at 1 metre. The seaward side of the rock provides deeper water for more experienced snorkelers. Conditions vary, with moderate currents and potential surf. Water temperatures fluctuate between 8C and 16C, necessitating a dry suit with a warm undersuit for most of the year. Facilities including parking, toilets, and a cafe are available nearby.