Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
25 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
1 600 m
Frequently asked questions
Inganess Bay: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +11.0°C, warms up to +14.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Inganess Bay: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.2 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Inganess Bay: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 25 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Inganess Bay: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 1 600 metres.
Inganess Bay: 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.
Inganess Bay: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Inganess Bay: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: seals, strong currents. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Inganess Bay: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Inganess Bay: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Inganess Bay: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: The Brig, Ferry Inn, The Hamnavoe Restaurant. Cuisines available: Scottish, Seafood. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Inganess Bay: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Water shoes, Cash, Headwear.
Inganess Bay: when is the best time to swim?
Best time to visit is morning or evening. Swimming requires caution due to cold water.
Inganess Bay: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Do not leave litter. Respect wildlife.
Inganess Bay: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Inganess Bay: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for snorkelling enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking a secluded spot. Not suitable for families with small children due to cold water and lack of infrastructure.
Inganess Bay: what makes this beach unique?
The sunken ship Juniata, a former WWII blockship, lies in shallow water and is accessible for snorkelling, making this a unique spot for exploring maritime history.
Inganess Bay: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Scenic bay with white sand, Sunken ship Juniata, Excellent snorkelling spot, Birdwatching, Peace and solitude, Free entry. Cons: No infrastructure, Cold water, No lifeguards, Limited natural shade, Hard to find.
Inganess Bay: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Juniata Shipwreck, Kirkwall. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Inganess Bay: how do I get to the city of Kirkwall?
The beach is located near the city of Kirkwall. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Kirkwall.