Aberdeenshire has miles of sandy beach, and several of them have an official bathing water rating. Those ratings are about water quality for people, and none of the official pages we read gives a dog-specific swimming rule. So this guide sticks to what the official sources say and tells you plainly where they say nothing. We haven’t tested the water, and your dog’s safety is your call on the day.
Beaches with a 2026 bathing water rating
SEPA, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, rates designated bathing waters each year. Its 2026 classifications list Balmedie, Cruden Bay, Fraserburgh (Philorth), Peterhead (Lido), Rosehearty and Stonehaven as Excellent. Collieston, Fraserburgh (Tiger Hill) and Inverboyndie are rated Good. Inverbervie isn’t a designated bathing water on that list. For Balmedie, Cruden Bay and Stonehaven, SEPA’s beach profiles ask dog owners to clean up after their dogs and don’t mention any dog restriction.
Water-safety points from the official pages
After rain. SEPA’s profiles for Balmedie, Cruden Bay and Stonehaven advise avoiding bathing during heavy rain and for one to two days afterwards, when pollution can wash in. Stonehaven’s profile also says to check the daily good or poor forecast on the beach sign and online from 15 May to 15 September, and not to bathe when poor is predicted.
Jellyfish. The same three profiles say numbers may rise in summer and to look but not touch. A curious dog may not follow that advice, so keep a close eye on what yours sniffs on the tideline.
Seals. NatureScot says to keep dogs under control or on a short lead and well away from seals, all year round, especially around the Ythan estuary at Newburgh. If a seal lifts its head or moves, you are too close. Pups are around in November and December, when NatureScot has asked visitors to view the seals from the south side of the Ythan at the Beach Road car park in Newburgh.
Blue-green algae in fresh water. Aberdeenshire Council’s advice is to keep pets out of, and stop them drinking, water where blue-green algae is suspected. Blooms can be patchy, so unmarked areas may still be affected. SEPA’s marine profiles say blue-green algae isn’t expected in these seawater beaches, but it can affect lochs and rivers. If your dog drinks from or swims in water you’re unsure about and then seems unwell, contact your vet straight away.
Balmedie’s hazards. The council warns of anti-tank blocks at the foot of the dunes and old fishing poles that can show at some tides. They are worth knowing about if your dog likes to bound around unseen.
What we couldn’t confirm
We found no official dog rules for the beaches at Fraserburgh, Rosehearty and Collieston, and we didn’t open SEPA’s profiles for those beaches or for Inverboyndie. We also found no official Aberdeenshire source on rip currents or cold-water risk, so we haven’t made claims about them. Look for signs at each beach. The council’s beaches page lists the beaches but gives no dog or safety advice.
For walks above the tideline, see our Aberdeenshire dog walks guide. Aberdeen’s own beach is covered separately in our Aberdeen City swimming guide. If your dog isn’t a natural swimmer, a calming bite is a complementary feed some owners use for stressful outings, though for anxiety, speak to your vet. More local guides are on our Aberdeenshire dog services page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs swim at Aberdeenshire beaches?
The official pages we read, from SEPA and the council, give no dog restrictions for Balmedie, Cruden Bay or Stonehaven and ask owners to clean up. We found no official dog swimming advice either way, so check the signs on the day.
Is blue-green algae a risk for dogs in Aberdeenshire?
It can affect fresh water such as lochs and rivers. The council advises keeping pets out of water where it is suspected. If your dog seems unwell after being in water, contact your vet straight away.
Written by Georgiana & Figo.
