Description
General information about the beach
Coral Beach, or Claigan, is a unique beach with white sand made of crushed coral. It is located near Dunvegan and surrounded by rocks, making it one of the most photographed spots on the Isle of Skye.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
coral sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
moderate
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
mixed
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
recommended
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
200 m
Frequently asked questions
Coral Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity crystal, average temperature +12.0°C, warms up to +15.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Coral Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.3 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Coral Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — moderate. Bottom — mixed. It is recommended to bring aqua shoes — parts of the bottom have rocks or corals.
Coral Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — coral sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — medium. Beach length — 200 metres.
Coral Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in June. It ends in August. The best month for a holiday is July. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Coral Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Coral Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: seals, otters. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Coral Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Coral Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Coral Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: The Three Chimneys, Waterside Cafe Bistro. Cuisines available: Local. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Coral Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Water shoes, Cash, First aid kit.
Coral Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to visit is from June to August. The water is cold, swimming is recommended only for experienced swimmers.
Coral Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Leaving rubbish is prohibited. Parking at the farm is paid (£2).
Coral Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Coral Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for nature lovers and hikers. Not suitable for people with limited mobility or families with small children.
Coral Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Coral Beach is made of crushed skeletons of red coralline seaweed maerl, giving it a white colour and making it unique for Scotland.
Coral Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Unique coral sand, Crystal-clear water, Scenic basalt cliffs, Few people, Excellent snorkelling. Cons: Long walk from parking, No infrastructure, No lifeguards, Cold water.
Coral Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Coral Beach: how do I get to the city of Portree?
The beach is located near the city of Portree. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Portree.