Jersey Beach Guide

In Jersey, you’re never more than ten minutes from the sea. So find your perfect sunbathing spot with our guide to Jersey beaches, from the golden sandy bays of the south, the Atlantic waves of the west coast and the sheltered coves and hidden rock pooling spots of the north and east.

●South

Wide stretches of sandcastle-perfect sand uncovered at low tide, shallow water and sunshine for most of the day make the beaches of the south a popular destination for visitors. Head to beautiful St Brelade’s Bay for classic Jersey sunbathing, or explore a little further to discover your own sheltered hideaway at coves like Beauport and Portelet.

Beauport
A real suntrap on the south coast, once you’ve trekked down the steep path from the car park and crossed the pebbles, you’ll reach a sheltered south-facing beach with golden sand and shallow turquoise water, ideal for swimming.

Havre des Pas
Close to the centre of St Helier, this sandy beach is worth a visit to see the striking architecture of the art deco-style lido pool, filled by the tide each day. The beach is easy to access, and safe for swimmers.

Ouaisne Bay
This south west facing beach is the wilder contrast to the adjoining St Brelade’s Bay. The beaches are connected at low tide, or cross the pine-rich headland and walk along the sea wall next to the protected L’Ouaisné Common towards locals’ favourite, The Smugglers Inn.

Portelet Bay
Climb down the long flight of steps and you’ll be rewarded with a sunny, sheltered and sandy beach circling Janvrin’s Tomb at the centre. Portelet Bay Restaurant serves excellent pizza throughout the season, and the pub at the top of the steps, the Old Portelet Inn is a family favourite.

St Aubin’s Bay
A crescent of south-facing sand from St Helier to St Aubin, the beach is in full sun for most of the day. With several beach cafes along the promenade front, look out for the softest sand around the Gunsite cafe (La Haule), with waterskiing and jet ski hire close by.

St Brelade’s Bay
The beautiful beach at St Brelade’s Bay is one of the island’s busiest, and is a visitor favourite for its soft sand, safe swimming, beach activities and seaside cafes and restaurants. Voted as number three in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards, this stunning south-facing beach is in the sun for most of the day.

Marine Lake, St Aubin’s Bay
This large tidal pool dates from Victorian times and was built as a safe place for sea swimming when the tide retreats. Recently restored, it’s now one of the largest marine lakes in the UK. The sheltered beach and swimming spot is overlooked by Elizabeth Castle, with La Fregate Cafe at the top of the slipway.

●West

Dominated by St Ouen’s bay, the Atlantic swell and tidal shifts along miles of sand open up plenty of beach exploration opportunity, from surfing and kiteboarding to beach walks. Spanning the west coast, the beach can be windy but makes a perfect afternoon destination with photo-perfect golden light and stunning sunsets over the sands of St Ouen.

St Ouen’s Bay
With miles of sand washed by rolling Atlantic waves, the magnificent St Ouen’s beach is a natural playground for surfers and adrenaline seekers. It’s where one of the oldest surfing clubs in Europe has its home and makes a stunning setting for beach walks through the seasons. Swimmers should take care in the strong currents and stick to the flagged zones. The beach is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards during the season.

●North

The north coast’s steep cliffs dip sharply into stunning sheltered bays with rock pools and sea caves carved by the tide. From sandy Plemont and Greve de Lecq to hidden-away harbours like Rozel and Bonne Nuit, time your visit with low tide to get the best of the beaches.

Bonne Nuit
A tiny fishing harbour with space to play on the sand, picnic or catch some sun, but not ideal for swimming. Worth visiting for the excellent beach cafe.

Bouley Bay
A winding hill leads down to this steep pebble beach with deep water for competent swimmers. The bay is home to one of Jersey’s scuba-diving schools.

Grève de Lecq
The most popular of the north coast beaches, Grève de Lecq’s sheltered sands and rockpools are ideal for families but lose the sun in late afternoon. Don’t miss the excellent cafes and local pubs close by.

Plemont
A pristine sandy cove reachable by a long flight of steps, where the intrepid are rewarded with a stunning natural playground of rock pools, sea caves and an excellent beach cafe perched on the cliffs. There’s safe swimming when the sea is calm, and surfing when its wilder, and the beach is completely covered at high tide.

Rozel Bay
A small fishing village lined with beach huts and harbourside cottages, Rozel is more of a fishing harbour than a place to swim. But at low tide, Rozel’s small stretch of white sand is safe for children to play on, just look out for the Rozel geese! Worth a visit for the excellent restaurants, pubs and the Hungry Man harbour-side beach kiosk.

●East

When the tide’s out, miles of rocky low tide landscapes are exposed along the island’s eastern side. Explore with professionals, as the tide turns swiftly, and stay close to the coast for gentle sandy beaches, rock pools teeming with sea life, and picturesque swimming spots like Archirondel.

Anne Port
A quiet and rarely crowded east-facing stretch of sand that catches the morning and midday sun.

Archirondel
This popular beach with an excellent beach cafe is pebbly at first but sandy at low tide when the water stays shallow for some way out. East-facing, Archirondel loses the sun in the late afternoon.

Green Island
A locals’ favourite, this sheltered south-facing beach is a real sun trap where soft sand, rock climbing and rock pool adventure awaits. The tide goes out a long way, so take care with the swift incoming tide and pick times close to high water to enjoy swimming or paddling.

Grouville Bay / Long Beach
A long stretch of sand that leads to Gorey harbour, with Mont Orgueil Castle as a backdrop. Plenty of parking, beach cafes and kiosks as well as a childrens’ beachside playground and soft sand make Long Beach a local favourite.

La Rocque Harbour
Discover a small sandy beach hidden away with rock pools galore for a natural playground. But caution - take care not to get stranded on the rocks with the incoming tide.