Coast & Currents - Slystyn as Strooghyn

The Sound is the area of water, about 500 metres wide, which separates the Calf of Man from the Isle of Man. The small islets of Kitterland and Thousla Rock further narrow this channel. The swirling waters and fierce tidal currents can make this an extremely hard crossing. Even experienced seafarers can get into difficulties. So much water passes through the Sound each hour, bringing with it essential nutrients, that the area is an important haven for marine life.

The tide runs through the narrow channel of the Sound with tremendous energy and at times the current travels at eight knots. The flow is most rapid during high spring tides when there is only a very short period of slack water. Counter currents and back eddies are also common along the coast. The flood tide runs through the Sound from the north-west and the ebb tide flows back through from the south-east.

Please see the Visitor Information page for details of opening hours.