Fine Foundation Marine Centre

Kimmeridge Bay lies within the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and boasts the best rockpooling and safest snorkelling site in Dorset!

The Fine Foundation Marine Centre, with interactive displays & aquaria, provides a fascinating and vital source of information, encouraging all ages to explore the bay, its ledges and rockpools.

Pop into the marine centre near the boat slipway and try your hand at fossil rubbing, sustainable fishing and learn about strandline treasures washed up on the shore. Peer inside eight different fish tanks housing native fish, corals, crabs and anemones and during the summer season, watch the surprise viewings of underwater Kimmeridge via the live seabed camera! There's even an opportunity to control the camera with an interactive joystick!

Dorset Wildlife Trust wardens educate and enthuse visitors in caring for the diverse marine environment, ensuring it remains as exquisite today as it will in years to come.

•The snorkelling trail guides the more adventurous through different seabed habitats.
Wildlife interest:
•Wide variety of seaweeds & rockpool life such as sea anemones, crabs, fish & invertebrates.
•Ballan wrasse, mullet, lobster & Tompot blennies can be seen against a colourful backdrop of Rainbow wrack & Coralline seaweeds.
Best time to visit:
Limited access in winter. A summer day spent at Kimmeridge is a wonderful outing. Check tide times to gain the most reward