Expert Guide to Guernsey Beaches

1. Cobo Bay, Castel

When arriving at Cobo, it almost feels as though you have been transported to the Caribbean because of the soft white sand and turquoise seas. If you are after the perfect day out this beach caters to everyone’s needs. Start your day by having a dip in the inviting waters and if you fancy snorkelling or kayaking the crystal-clear sea is ideal for this. There are lots of eateries nearby if you start to feel peckish and you can even take advantage of the gorgeous views in the evening at a local bar to keep the night going. 

Fermain Bay in Guernsey is famous amongst locals and visitors for being breath-taking and is one of the most beautiful tucked away gems on the Island. It is a rare pebbly beach and accessed via a cliff-top path or road down to the Bay but car parking is very limited. Located at the beach is the award-winning Fermain Beach Café, an exceptional spot to catch up with friends and enjoy some delicious seafood in the sunshine.

Similar to other beaches located on the west side of the Island, Grandes Rocques shares a beautiful sunset viewpoint. This beach is slightly less busy than Cobo so if you are looking somewhere that is quiet, yet still offers the same breath-taking views this spot is ideal. There are plenty of rock pools for the kids to explore when the tide is out and you can still swim during all tides. A range of amenities is nearby for when you or your family start getting hungry and you can bring your canine companion with you as dogs are always permitted.

Petit Bot is one of the most gorgeous beaches in Guernsey, the little cove is sheltered by high cliffs creating a golden suntrap for sunbathers. There is limited parking nearby, so we recommend you get there early to grab a spot. Be careful steps down to the beach can be a little tricky! The walk is completely worth the effort as you are welcomed by an idyllic waterfall and a pebbled beach top that continues to sand further down. The swimming here is sublime and the kids can have fun playing in the nearby rock pools. 

L’Ancresse and Pembroke bay are two of the best beaches in Guernsey and situated right at the top of the Island. The beach is frequently thriving with sailors, kayakers, windsurfers and surfers! The bays have a slight slope and a vast expanse of sand is great for playing beach games with the kids and even the littlest ones can paddle in the sea. The spot is also a population destination amongst dog walkers during the winter months as there is loads of room for your furry friend to chase after balls and bounce through the waves.

Vazon Bay is a surfer’s paradise and home to the Guernsey Surf School. If you are not a surfer just yet this beach is your calling as they cater for all abilities. The location is also extremely popular amongst windsurfers and kite surfers alike, but if you aren't keen on dipping your toes in the water you can relax at one of the nearby eateries or enjoy the spectacular sunsets. The stretch is around a mile and a half long which makes it the largest beach on the Island, so has plenty of space to roam around.

Rocquaine is one of Guernsey’s very few shingle beaches and in the summer, you can find patches of golden sand along the stretch. The beach is close to Portelet and they are connected by a short coastal road. At the other end of the bay you can see the Cup and Saucer, otherwise known as Fort Grey which is a Martello Tower built in 1804 to defend the coast. The beach itself is breathtaking and there is a variety of restaurants and cafés nearby to help fuel your appetite, get ready for a great day at Rocquaine Bay.

Portelet is a quaint little fishing harbour, perfect for watching the world go by. The beach is sheltered, safe and you can enjoy a swim in the shallow waters. As this beach is west-facing you can experience hours of glorious sunshine on your day out. The sea in Guernsey is warmest around September so it might be worth considering an early autumn break as well as a summer holiday. You can keep the little ones entertained by exploring the sea edge rock pools for marine life.

The gorgeous sandy cove is shielded by the surrounding cliffs and the perfect spot for a nice relaxing swim. This is one of Guernsey's less-visited beaches but that doesn't make it any less beautiful, ideal for those who want a more tranquil environment. This location could almost be mistaken for the dazzling blues of the Mediterranean Sea alongside the gorgeous golden sand. Saints Bay is one of the Island’s hidden gems and a wonderful location for photographers who are after some amazing photo opportunities.

If there are any Art Historians out there you will recognise this spectacular beach in some of the French Impressionist artist, Renoir’s, paintings. Renoir spent a month on the Island and became infatuated with Moulin Huet, producing 15 famous paintings of the location. The beach gives off a Mediterranean vibe because of the shallow waters and stunning views from the surrounding cliffs. From sunbathing to swimming in the turquoise sea, there is something for everyone here.

L’Eree Bay, St Peter

Families flock to L’Eree in the summer months due to the golden sand and crystal-clear waters. There is a lot of marine life to see at this beach especially when exploring the nearby rock pools, don’t forget your snorkels for an exciting underwater adventure. The extraordinary natural beauty is breathtaking and when nightfall approaches you can enjoy the tranquil sunsets with your loved ones. The beach is frequently cleaned and there is a range of amenities nearby, so grab your buckets and spades and head down to one of the best Guernsey beaches!

The small, sandy cove is not easily accessible and often quiet, making it the perfect, relaxing escape away from all the hustle and bustle. The beach is reached by a 10-minute cliff top walk from Icart point, 218 steps down the steps and a ladder onto rocks. There are no amenities nearby, so we recommend that you bring a picnic along with you. It is hidden away and the journey can be a challenging plus Le Jaonnet is informally known and used as the only naturist beach on the Island.

Petit Port, St Martin’s  

After a steep 270 step journey down, you will reach gorgeous Petit Port. It is secluded, luxurious and completely compelling making the trek to the beach is worth every bit of effort. You might be lucky and have the beach completely to yourself, perfect for those who want to get lost in a book or relax the day away. We recommend bringing a picnic with you as you’ll have to climb back up the steps to get to the nearest eatery.

Portinfer, Vale

The swell at Portinfer makes it popular amongst experienced surfers and the large rocks that form the cove create an incredible backdrop. This beach can be quite dangerous, and it is recommended that you don’t go in the waters at low tide or when the tide is on the way up because of the sharp rocks. However, when the tide is on its way down the beach can get reasonably busy on a hot summer’s day.

Port Soif, Vale

Port Soif is a horseshoe-shaped beach that is safe and sheltered by the surrounding sand dunes. It is popular amongst both locals and tourists and you can often find families enjoying a BBQ on a warm summer’s evening. At low tide, there is a bit of a walk to get to the sea, but it is the perfect opportunity for the little ones to grab their nets and explore the rock pools. Swimming is best at high tide.

Port Grat, Vale  

Port Grat is small horseshoe-shaped bay and offers a more privacy than other beaches on the island. It is a gorgeous location if you are after a long day of basking in the sunshine and having a refreshing dip in the sea. If you want to take an energy inducing potter, walk to Rousse Headland and glance at the fully restored Rousse Tower. The nearby kiosk sells delicious snacks and refreshments to fuel your day of fun.

Grand Havre, Vale  

This incredible bay and natural harbour used to be where the Vale parish was once separated from the rest of Guernsey and the sea would flow between the two Islands. With golden sand to play in and beautiful clear waters to swim it is not to be missed. If you want a bit more history on your trip to the beach, Grand Havre used to be an 18^th-century strategic point and was defended by Rousse tower and Chouet, both worth a visit on your day out!

Chouet and Ladies Bay, Vale  

The adjoining bays are blessed with glorious views, crystal clear waters and soft sand. This location is popular with windsurfers and kite surfers if you are feeling adventurous. The Guernsey Sailing Trust runs windsurfing courses here for all abilities. The amenities here are great as there is lots of car parking available and delicious meals served at the local Roc Salt Restaurant for when you start craving some grub. There is a children’s outdoor playground situated at the beach.

Bordeaux Harbour, Vale    

Bordeaux fishing harbour has a lot of character and the little fishing boats dotted on the shore are extremely picturesque. The small bay is a fantastic spot for snorkelling because the water has wonderful visibility. Swimming beyond the harbour entrance is not recommended due to the strong currents. The harbour is a unique location to take your dog as there are no restrictions and you can also easily reach Vale Castle on foot if you are after a touch of culture on your day out.

Havelet Bay, St. Peter Port   

Havelet Bay in Guernsey is the convenient location as it is situated in St. Peter Port. If you are staying in the town centre for a short break away this beach is only a stone's throw away, so if you start feeling hungry or fancy a change of scenery you can always nip back into town. There are also three tidal pools at Havelet Bay, so you don’t need to worry about the sea being unsafe for your little ones. The views here are incredible as you can see the gorgeous Castle Cornet just offshore which is connected by a causeway.

You can bring your whole family on holiday with you, the beaches are a fulfilled escape for dogs as there is plenty of room to run around as well as beautiful waters to swim in. Most of the beaches in Guernsey will allow dogs at some point throughout the year and the majority are dog-friendly during the summer months.

READ OUR GUIDE TO DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES IN GUERNSEY

Portinfer

Portinfer is in a secluded spot near Port Soif and often picks up more swell than Vazon. Shortboarders frequently like to surf here because from mid-tide down it picks up a little more swell. It is another one of the most popular surfing locations but when the tide begins to rise there are sharp rocks that can be dangerous, so we would recommend this location for experienced surfers.

Havelet Bay

Havelet Bay is south of St. Peter Port’s harbour and can be easily accessed from the town centre by walking. There is a lot of street parking available if you prefer to drive but this can fill up quite quickly. The location is perfect for a relaxing stroll along the beach whilst admiring the views of Castle Cornet in the horizon.