Inganess Bay
A stunning Orkney bay featuring the iconic Juniata shipwreck, perfect for wild swimming, scenic walks, and wildlife spotting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light and peaceful start
Inganess Bay
Best Time
Magical light and peaceful start
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Orkney bay featuring the iconic Juniata shipwreck, perfect for wild swimming, scenic walks, and wildlife spotting.
"Beautiful beach with white sand. Ideal for a walk. Spectacular view."
🌊 Brave the Cold Water
Embrace the local wild swimming culture for an unforgettable, invigorating experience.
📸 Capture the Wreck
The Juniata shipwreck is a must-photograph. Visit at sunrise or sunset for dramatic light.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Juniata Shipwreck
Inganess Bay Beach
A hauntingly beautiful, rusty shipwreck beached on the sand, offering a unique photographic backdrop.
Wild Swimming Haven
Inganess Bay Waters
Crystal-clear waters make this a top spot for invigorating sea swims, popular with local wild swimming groups.
Shallow Water Discoveries
Inganess Bay Shallows
Explore the shallows for tiny marine life like bobtail squid; great for a safe, accessible snorkeling adventure with kids.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Chill: Wild Swimming
The Iconic Juniata Wreck
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Brave the Cold Water
Embrace the local wild swimming culture for an unforgettable, invigorating experience.
📸 Capture the Wreck
The Juniata shipwreck is a must-photograph. Visit at sunrise or sunset for dramatic light.
🤿 Explore the Shallows
Snorkel in the clear, shallow waters to spot tiny marine creatures. Great for kids!
🚶♀️ Scenic Coastal Walks
Enjoy beautiful views on walks from Kirkwall Airport to the bay and back.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Brave the Cold Water
Embrace the local wild swimming culture for an unforgettable, invigorating experience.
📸 Capture the Wreck
The Juniata shipwreck is a must-photograph. Visit at sunrise or sunset for dramatic light.
🤿 Explore the Shallows
Snorkel in the clear, shallow waters to spot tiny marine creatures. Great for kids!
🚶♀️ Scenic Coastal Walks
Enjoy beautiful views on walks from Kirkwall Airport to the bay and back.
✨ Aurora Potential
On clear nights, Inganess Bay can offer stunning views of the Northern Lights over the wreck.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Inganess Bay for its stunning natural beauty, highlighted by the unique and iconic Juniata shipwreck. The clear waters are a major draw for swimmers and snorkelers, and the soft sand makes it ideal for walks. While the water can be cold, the overall experience is described as beautiful and memorable.
"My friend and I went to the beach at Inganess Bay today, based on a recommendation by the Orkney Polar Bears wild swimming group. It did not disappont. The views were beautiful and the shipwreck made it even more unique. The water was clear and my friend, who swam in the bay, could see the bottom. The sand was very soft and there was very little seaweed in comparison to other beaches we have visited this week. Would definitely recommend."
Kellie Smith
"Damned cold, but a beautiful beach"
Sue Brown
"It's nice scenery"
Calum Mackenzie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Inganess Bay is conveniently located near Kirkwall. You can enjoy a scenic walk from Kirkwall Airport to the bay, which takes about an hour.
Yes, Inganess Bay is very close to Kirkwall Airport. It's just a short walk away, making it a perfect stop for arrivals or before departures.
Walking is a fantastic way to explore the coastline around Inganess Bay, offering stunning views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Inganess Bay is a natural beach and public access area, so there are no entrance fees. You can visit and enjoy the scenery and activities freely.
Inganess Bay is accessible at all times, as it is an open public beach. However, for activities like swimming or photography, daylight hours are generally preferred.
No booking is required to visit Inganess Bay. It's a public beach, so you can simply turn up and enjoy your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Inganess Bay, you can enjoy scenic walks, wild swimming in the clear waters, photography of the iconic Juniata shipwreck, and exploring the shallow waters for marine life.
Yes, Inganess Bay is family-friendly. The shallow waters are safe for children to explore and snorkel in, and the soft sand is great for playing.
Absolutely! Inganess Bay is a popular spot for wild swimming, known for its clear waters. Be prepared for the cold, especially outside of summer months.
In the shallow waters, you might spot small marine life like bobtail squid.
Yes, Inganess Bay is a great place for dog walkers. You'll often see owners with their dogs enjoying the beach and coastal paths.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunity is the Juniata shipwreck, especially at sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light for photographing the Juniata shipwreck.
Yes, Inganess Bay is a fantastic location for photographing the Aurora Borealis, with the shipwreck providing a unique foreground element.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring along some snorkeling gear to discover tiny marine creatures like bobtail squid – it's like a mini underwater adventure! The soft sand provides ample space for building sandcastles and playing. The unique sight of the Juniata shipwreck also adds an element of intrigue that kids often find fascinating. It's a great place for a relaxed day out with plenty of natural discovery.📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 Capture the interplay of light and rust against the sea and sky. The bay itself provides beautiful coastal landscapes. For those interested in astrophotography or unique night shots, the bay is also a prime location for capturing the Aurora Borealis with the wreck as a striking foreground. 🏊♀️ Wild Swimmers & Adventurers
Be prepared for the bracing temperatures, but the experience is incredibly rewarding. The bay offers a safe and beautiful environment for this activity. Adventurous souls will also appreciate the opportunity for snorkeling in the shallows to spot unique marine life. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story of the Juniata Wreck
The wreck serves as a constant reminder of the sea's power and the history of maritime activity in the Orkney Islands. It's a popular spot for drone photography and has even been captured under the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights.
The sheer scale and weathered texture of the Juniata make it a photographer's dream and a fascinating point of interest for anyone visiting Inganess Bay.Inganess Bay for Wild Swimmers
Visitors are advised to be prepared for the cold, as Orkney's waters are bracing year-round.
The presence of the Juniata wreck adds an unusual and memorable backdrop to any swim.Exploring the Shallows: A Micro-Safari
These small creatures, along with other fascinating marine life, make the shallows an exciting area for exploration, particularly for families with children. Snorkeling in these clear, calm waters is highly recommended for a close-up view of the bay's inhabitants. It's an accessible and engaging way to experience the local marine biodiversity without needing to venture into deeper waters. This 'micro-safari' aspect of Inganess Bay adds another layer of discovery to the visitor experience, proving that adventure can be found even in the smallest corners.
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