Guernsey is famous for its great array of secluded coves and beaches with crystal clear waters that are perfect for swimming, relaxing and every kind of water sport. On the north coast the large sandy beaches popular with visitors and locals alike include Vazon Bay and Portinfer for surfers, bodyboarders and kite-surfers. Similarly, Pembroke and L’Ancresse Bays have a thriving water sports community with excellent windsurfing, surfing, sailing and sea kayaking. High tide swimming is popular near the small natural fishing harbour of Bordeaux, which has two sandy beaches, as well as the hidden gem of Port Grat near the Rousse Tower. ‘The Island’ at Port Soif Bay, with pink granite rocks and sheltered by large sand dunes also has good current-free swimming. The best way to finish the day along the north coast is to tuck into fish and chips on the seawall at sunset at Cobo Bay where the pink quartz in the granite rocks enhances the beautiful sunset colours.
On the east coast, within walking distance of St Peter Port, Havelet Bay is a great spot for views of Cornet Rock and Cornet Castle and a swim in any one of the four Victorian bathing pools of La Vallette Bathing Pools. Further south, a beautiful cliff path leads to Fermain Bay, a rare pebbly beach. The walk down Fermain Hill offers breath-taking cliff views. Nearby a little path and steps lead down to Bec du Nez, a lovely quaint fishing harbour. Further south the very secluded rocky cove of Marble Bay makes for a beautiful swim in gentle waters surrounded by tall cliffs and stunning views across to Sark and Herm.
Guernsey’s west coast has L’Eree, a popular beach with gently sloping golden sands and a generally sheltered spot for swimming. The snorkelling here is good too with teeming rockpools to explore. Close by, the L’Eree Headland Nature Reserve has spectacular views over the surrounding coast.
Guernsey’s south coast offers something very different as the bays are often located at the bottom of cliffs and are not as readily accessible. They are a haven for nature-lovers, sea kayakers and for coasteering. Starting towards the east, there are many gorgeous bays around St Martin. Petit Port is breath-taking with its steep steps down to its spectacular beach and Moulin Huet is a sandy bay and a perfect swimming spot with fantastic rock-pooling at low tide. Saint’s Bay’s beautifully clear blue cove is a perfect place to swim from the white sand beach. There is also wild Le Jaonnet Bay with sweeping cliffs and steep steps leading down to the blue waters of this incredible bay as well as Petit Bot, another sheltered sandy bay, surrounded by impressive high cliffs and waterfall, and great swimming and rock pooling.
