Find the nearest Beaches in Guernsey

Platte Saline beach is NOT a swimming beach due to severe undertows, although it is a popular spot for fishing.

L’Eree beach is open sandy beach and as the tide ebbs, a wide expanse of the rocky seabed is exposed providing much to explore. Lihou Island can be accessed from here along the causeway when there is a low tide. Car park, toilets, a curry house and fish and chip shop are located by the beach. Also close by is the L’Eree Bay hotel which often offers a ‘dip and dine’ deal.

Mouisonniere Beach is an underrated sandy affair that runs the entire length of Herm’s north coast between Alderney Point and Oyster Rocks. This is the beach to go for almost total peace and quiet as many people do not make the effort to either cross the Common to get there or walk around the coastline. No facilities. Shell Beach is the closest food stop and a little further still for the toilets.

Portelet beach is the most southerly sandy beach on the west coast. Very sheltered, it offers a peaceful swimming spot when the tide is in. At low tide, a small fishing harbour pier is revealed but is rarely used by the small number of local fisherman who moor here. This beach is highly underrated and its natural location makes it a fairly secure option for those with young children. The round-island bus route stops off at the Imperial Hotel which splits Rocquaine and Portelet. An undulating walk can be taken west to Fort Pezeries and the Pleinmont headland for views out towards Les Hanois lighthouse. A kiosk and toilets are located at the end of the car park.

Shell beach is Herm’s most popular beach by far. A 5-600 metre stretch of beautiful (but quite coarse in places) sand running north to south. Usable at all states of tide but arguably it its most magnificent on a spring low tide when the sea seems to go out for miles and anchored boats are grounded on the seabed. The northern tip of Shell Beach is Alderney Point which is a fantastic spot to get away from the crowds on a hot sunny day when the tide is up. Watch the sea surface ripple through with tidal stream and listen to the sound of the waves lapping the beach. A beach side kiosk. Toilets are located half way to Belvoir – a 3 to 4 minute walk south. In the summer this is a well-used anchorage spot so beware of boats if swimming. Not all skippers are experienced so be prepared for occasional nautical bad manners.  

La Grande Grève beach is the largest and one of the most popular beaches on Sark. This west facing beach is one of the few sandy beaches on Sark and access is via a climb down the 100-metre cliff via the path and stairway.

Portinfer is traditionally recognised as a low to mid tide surfing location, however, there is a small sandy stretch and pebble beach at the top of the bay that is very pleasant particularly when the tide is up. For those willing to negotiate the awkward central rocky patch in the bay, Portinfer offers a beautiful stretch of sand on spring low tides. Nearest facilities are a 5 minute walk along the coast path to Port Soif. A car park can be found along a single track road that leads to the clay pigeon range at the northern end of the bay.

Saye beach is an excellent shallow white sandy family beach. Sand dunes separate the beach from the Saye campsite. Possible use of campsite toilets and small shop also located at Saye campsite.

Petit Port is tucked inside the Jerbourg peninsula and presents a lush sandy beach when the tide drops. Access is via 270 or so steps down the cliff, but the effort is worthwhile. Toilets are located in the car park that is found opposite the Doyle Column monument.

Vazon beach is Guernsey’s premier beach location is divided into two distinct sections by a rocky area that helps provide a surfing break. Vazon’s northern end is a large, gentle sandy sweep enjoyed by swimmers, surfers, windsurfers, kite surfers and those who just wish to paddle their feet in the shallows. Approximately 2/3rds along the coast road (heading south) is Richmond kiosk which is an alternative and busy spot to stop. To the west the beach becomes more coarse and grainy, but otherwise the sand is as good as the more popular northern end. The main Vazon area has a choice of two bistros – Vistas and Crabby Jacks. Public toilets are on the the coast side next to Vistas. Car parks can be found all along the coast road. A 5 minute walk inland or 1 minute drive will take you to a small Co-op store. As you drive south you pass La Grande Mare golf course and hotel and a little way past that on the side is Richmond kiosk and more public toilets.

Fermain is mainly a smooth pebble beach until the tide drops right away, but despite its pebbly nature, it is very popular because it is an excellent sun-trap and offers views across to Sark. A short walk to the northern side up the cliff path will provide you with a great view looking back at the bay. Those with cars might want to try parking in Becquet Road to the north of the bay and walking down through the wooded area to the beach.