Best beaches to wild swim on Islay
Top Islay swimming spots
Long sandy beaches, sheltered bays and 130 miles of Atlantic coastline. Here are our favourite wild swimming spots off Islay’s coastline.
Be aware that not everywhere is safe for swimming on Islay due to the strong tides and currents, always swim with a buddy and check the tides beforehand.
1. Laggan Bay
Location: 5 minute walk from the Machrie
On the west coast of Islay, a short walk from the hotel’s front door lies The Big Strand. A 7 mile expanse of sandy beach located in Laggan Bay. It’s a popular spot for swimming, fatbiking and sunset picnics and stretches from Laggan Point through Machrie to Kintra.
2. Blackrock
Location: 20 minute drive
A 20 minute drive from the hotel, you'll find Blackrockots, with lots of small bays with sandy entrances to the water. When the weather is calm you can swim to the black rock a short distance from the shore. Just right of the rock, there is a length of beach, ideal to swim along.
3. Kilnaughton beach
Location: 10 minute drive
Kilnaughton beach is calm, sheltered and shallow making it ideal for small children. Walk round the ruins of an old chapel or walk over to Singing Sands beach and after, there are restaurants, cafes, car park and toilets nearby in Port Ellen.
4. Claggain Bay
Location: 20 minute drive
On a sheltered and secluded part of Islay's east coast, a shingle and beach with views towards Kintyre. Drive up to the ruined church at Kidalton and the Kidalton Cross, a monolithic high cross carved in the second half of the 8th century AD.
5. Loch Indaal Way
Location: 30 minute drive from The Machrie
Also known as Port Ban Beach Bruichladdich, it is a half-hour drive from the hotel, where you'll find Loch Indaal Way monument. Taking the stairs down to the bay, you'll come out to calm, clear and sheltered water. A popular area with locals.
6. Singing Sands
Location: A short walk from Carraig Fhada Lighthouse, near Port Ellen
A secluded cove where the sand is rumoured to sing underfoot and wild goats roam the cliffs. A peaceful spot for paddling, exploring rock pools and watching the waves roll in.
Swim breaks
Whether you're dipping your toes into cold water swimming or ready to explore the coastline stroke by stroke, our guided swim breaks at Another Place, The Machrie offer the chance to immerse yourself in Islay’s wild waters with expert support from Emma MacDonald.
Dip and chill swim break
7-11 May 2026
Immerse yourself in Islay’s wild waters on our four-night swimming break. Ideal for cold water lovers who want to gain more confidence and experience the benefits of short immersions in just a swimsuit.
Guided swim trek
3-7 September 2026
Designed for confident sea swimmers, this four-night trek explores Islay’s wild coastline - covering 500m to 2km a day across wide beaches and hidden coves, all in a wetsuit.
Stories from Islay
Curated by the Another Place collective, here you’ll find a digital companion of inspirational stories and happenings from the island of Islay. Discover our favourite things to do, where to find the best whisky distilleries, swimming spots and wildlife photographers.