Multi-coloured rock outcrops on the shoreline indicate the volcanic geology of the coastline in this area. Am Balg is a rocky islet located 1 mile off Sandwood Bay. The strong currents combined with minimal human intervention in this remote part of Scotland means that the marine life is diverse and unspoilt. The distinctive feature of Am Balg is the blowhole. A blowhole or 'gloup' may form if the erosion at the back of the cave breaks through the roof to the top of the cliff. This usually happens at high tide in stormy weather. At Am Balg, the blowhole is in the cliff face just above the surface. As the swell runs up against Am Balg rock, water shoots up and through the blowhole, expelling a plume of spray which can be several metres tall.
Drop down into the gully and swim in towards Am Balg. The rocks gradually close in and there are numerous swim throughs to go through and under. If you follow the gully all the way in you will enter a small cave which is very photogenic. Life on the walls is diverse, brightly coloured and stunning.
Maximum depth of 30 metres.
