Cool Off at the Best Beaches in Jersey
Introduction
Hey, you! Yeah, you, the person who’s always daydreaming about sandy beaches and far-off horizons. I’ve got some great news for you: the beaches of Jersey are some of the best in the world.
From the rugged cliffs of Beauport to the gentle waves of Portelet Beach, there’s a beach for everyone in Jersey.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your swimsuit and get ready to enjoy some of the best beaches in the world!
What’s So Special About Jersey?
No, I’m not talking about New Jersey that’s just a hop, skip and a jump away from New York City. We’re talking about the Jersey Channel Islands, located just off the coast of France.
This chain of islands is made up of several different islands, including Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm. While each has its own unique charm, Jersey is definitely a standout.
So what’s so special about Jersey’s beaches? Well, they’re varied. You’ve got your choice of sandy beaches, rocky coves and bays, or sheltered beaches with calm waters. Plus, the island’s location means that you can enjoy some pretty amazing sunsets over the water.
I was born and raised in Jersey and this little rock has my heart. I’ve travelled to over 26 countries in my life and Jersey is still one of the most beautiful places in the world for me. Growing up, I spent my summer holidays swimming, surfing and snorkelling at some of the most popular beaches on the island and I want to share my favourites with you.
My Personal Favourite Beaches
Beauport Beach
If you’re looking for a quiet beach to relax on, Beauport is the perfect spot. This small beach is located on the southwest side of the island and is often less crowded than some of the other beaches in Jersey. The easiest way to get there is to drive to the car park at the top and then walk down the coastal path until you reach the bottom. Beauport is both rocky and sandy with beautiful azure waters and it’s a great spot for snorkelling at low tide. There are some nice cliff path walks in this area too!
Plemont Beach
Plemont Bay is a hidden gem. It’s a narrow inlet of water that’s sheltered by high cliffs on one side, and the island’s largest caves on the other. Despite its secluded location, it is a popular beach for tourists and locals alike, especially on warm summer days when the tide is low.
If you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax, Plemont Bay is hard to beat. And with the added bonus of towering cliffs and rock pools, it’s easy to spend a whole day here without getting bored. Plemont beach is perfect for families as there are toilet facilities and a beach cafe too. Kids love using their shrimping nets in the rock pools and building sand castles and moats with their buckets and spades. There are loads of rockpools here and some of them are even big enough to swim through!
Be careful when exploring the caves and don’t go in too far!
St. Ouen’s Bay: Surfing Haven
Are you an adrenaline junkie looking for a spot to surf? Then head to St Ouen’s Bay. This beach is the Island’s main surfing beach and it’s also the home to Jersey Surfboard Club. It’s the only beach in Jersey where you can ride waves all year round, thanks to its exposed Atlantic position.
If you’re a beginner looking for a surf lesson, there are plenty of qualified instructors ready to help out. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or an absolute beginner, St Ouen’s has something for everyone.
St. Ouen’s Bay is a 5-mile-long beach so it’s important to know where the best areas of the beach are. I’m going to let you in on my secrets and tell you which parts of this beautiful bay I love most.
- La Braye – a great family beach for swimming and surfing with a cafe/restaurant and toilet facilities
- Watersplash – a beach bar, diner and nightclub that is popular amongst the locals. Many events are held here throughout the year. There is also a surf school here.
- El Tico – beachfront restaurant, surf shop and surf school.
- Sands – a family-run beach cafe with a surf shop and surf school next door.
- Kempt Tower – a quieter part of the beach with no facilities but a good place to catch summer waves.
- Secrets – just next to Kempt Tower, Secrets also has no facilities but it is a popular place for surfers.
- Goldsmiths – a popular ice cream van parks here in the summer, there are toilet facilities and a restaurant across the road at Jersey Pearl.
St. Brelade’s Bay
Heading to St Brelade’s Bay is like stepping into a beach paradise. With golden sand and crystal clear waters, this beach has something for everyone. Voted one of the best beaches in Britain, this stunning bay has plenty to offer.
Swimming is popular here and the waters are shallow, making it the perfect place to paddle with kids or bathe in the cool waters. There’s also plenty of parking, showers and lifeguards on duty throughout the summer months. The nearby cafes serve up delicious food too!
Sometimes in the summer, the beach car park gets really busy and there is an overflow car park (field) located next to St Brelade’s Church which you can pay a small fee to park in.
You’ll find plenty of beach activities at St. Brelades too, from kayak hire and paddleboarding to volleyball nets set up along the beach.
When the tide is low, you can also make your way around the pier and walk along it, although jumping off the pier is no longer allowed. If you climb the steps next to the pier, you will find a small square lookout point over a more secluded area of the bay. This is where I used to go rock jumping as a teenager!
Beachgoers can also enjoy stunning views across Jersey’s coastline at any time of day. Whether it’s a picnic on the beach or an early morning sunrise walk you’re after – St Brelade’s Bay has it all!
Grève de Lecq
Grève de Lecq is another of Jersey’s popular beaches and is well known for its beautiful natural surroundings and breathtaking sunsets. The lively beach is great for swimming and bodyboarding, as well as plenty of other activities such as beach volleyball. Lifeguards patrol during the summer months, making it safe and secure for anyone hoping to dip their toes in the sea.
There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby that serve delicious food and drinks. My favourite nearby cafe is Colleen’s Cafe, the English breakfast here is delicious and they also serve a range of other dishes, sandwiches, snacks and drinks! I often drive to Grève de Lecq just to pop into Colleen’s cafe!
People often visit Grève de Lecq for its calm waters and stunning views, which can be enjoyed all year round. Although it’s mainly sandy, there are some pebbly areas – perfect for a spot of rock pooling.
Portelet Beach
Portelet Beach is one of the best beaches in Jersey, a treasure trove of gems waiting to be uncovered. It’s a stunning cove tucked away on the southwest coast of the island. In the middle of the bay there is a small islet called Janvrin’s Tomb which gets surrounded by water at high tide. At low tide, there is a soft sandbar leading to the islet so you can explore it carefully while being mindful of the quick rising tide.
What’s more, Portelet Beach is flanked by dramatic cliffs, meaning it has a high vantage point for visitors to get their Instagram-worthy shots. The rocks also make for a great hideaway and the perfect snorkelling spot for any underwater adventures that you may want to take on! Its sand is perfect for making sandcastles, and if you look closely you might find some seashells.
Archirondel
Archirondel is one of Jersey’s most secluded beaches and a great spot for anyone looking for a peaceful and tranquil day out. This sandy beach can be found on the northeast coast, and its clear waters are perfect for swimming and paddling. Visitors can also explore the surrounding rock pools and cliffs, discovering some exciting secrets of this hidden gem.
The famous Archirondel tower can also be seen from the beach, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. There is a quaint little beachside cafe here along with toilet facilities so it’s the perfect place to spend the day enjoying the natural beauty of Jersey’s coastline.
La Rocque
La Rocque beach is very unique, with a sandy area near the top of the beach and a huge ‘moonscape’ area revealed by the outgoing tide. La Rocque is a fantastic spot for rock pooling and finding many different sea creatures. From La Rocque beach you can see Seymour Tower in the distance, an 18th-century coastal defence tower located 2km offshore. It is possible to walk to the Tower when the tide goes out, but only do this if you have researched the tide times and the route to get there because the incoming tide is extremely fast.
I highly recommend going on a Jersey Walk Adventure Tour, they offer guided tours to Seymour tour, as well as moonlight walks and Bioluminescence walks! I did the bioluminescent one when I was younger with my Nan and it was an unforgettable experience!
Other Jersey Beaches
St. Aubins Bay
St. Aubins Bay is another beach in Jersey, located on the northeast coast. St. Aubins is a great spot for sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding due to its shallow waters and consistent winds. I wouldn’t recommend St. Aubins as a swimming spot, there are much prettier places to swim and the waters here can be a little bit polluted because of the boats and the water treatment plant nearby.
The beach itself is made up of sand and some pebbles, with plenty of rockpools to explore at low tide. There are also many eateries and cafes along the promenade that serve delicious food and beverages, making it the perfect place to spend the day.
My favourite cafes in St. Aubins Bay are The Gunsite Cafe, The Lookout Beach Cafe and Restaurant, Nude Food and La Frégate Café.
Bouley Bay
Bouley Bay is a tranquil cove located on the northern coast of Jersey. Its clear waters, sand and pebble beach, and rugged cliffs make it an ideal spot for swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing. The bustling harbor is perfect for watching fishermen or taking a boat trip to explore the coast.
If you are feeling adventurous, take a hike across the north coast from Bouley to Bonne Nuit surrounded by the lush greenery of Egypt Woods and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline.
Bouley Bay is not only a picturesque seaside destination but also a popular spot for diving enthusiasts. The bay’s crystal-clear waters, rich marine life, and underwater wrecks make it an excellent location for scuba diving and snorkelling. Visitors can book diving excursions through Bouley Bay Dive Centre.
Rozel Bay
Rozel Bay is a picturesque fishing village situated on the northeast coast of Jersey. With its quaint houses and charming harbour, Rozel Bay exudes a sense of peace and tranquillity that is hard to find elsewhere. The crystal-clear waters of the bay are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking, while the surrounding countryside is ideal for walking and cycling. One of my favourite beach cafes on the island is located here at Rozel Bay – The Hungry Man. Here they serve a range of breakfast rolls, sandwiches, snacks, drinks and HUGE ice creams!
St. Catherine’s Bay
St Catherine’s Bay is a charming cove located on the east coast of Jersey, renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. With its rocky outcrops and stunning views, the bay is perfect for walkers and nature lovers. Visitors can explore the coastal paths, admire the rugged cliffs, and discover the wildlife and wildflowers that thrive in this unspoilt setting. Take a stroll along the breakwater and admire the coastline from a different angle.
The bay is also popular with water sports enthusiasts, who can try their hand at kayaking or paddleboarding. Many of the Seafaris tours leave from St Catherine’s slipway too, be sure to book one of their RIB boat trips and explore some of the majestic offshore islands!
The Breakwater Cafe in St. Catherine’s serves a delicious English Breakfast and wonderful Genuine Jersey Ice Cream too!
With its secluded location and unspoilt beauty, St Catherine’s Bay is a hidden gem of Jersey that is not to be missed.
Green Island
Green Island is a beach with a small islet situated just off the southern coast of Jersey. With its crystal-clear waters and stunning views, it’s a popular spot for swimming and snorkelling. Visitors can relax on the sandy beach, or take a stroll out to the Island at low tide. Just remember that the tides in Jersey are some of the fastest in the world so be careful not to get cut off by the tide! Walking out to the island is guaranteed to add an extra sense of adventure to your visit. Green Island is a unique and beautiful destination in Jersey that’s definitely worth a visit.
Conclusion
Jersey is endowed with a number of lovely beaches which offer a great opportunity to cool off during the summer months. What’s more, there are some great beach cafes in Jersey where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or bite to eat while enjoying the stunning view.
So if you’re looking for a great beach holiday this summer, Jersey is the place to be!
I hope you enjoyed this blog! If you have any questions or suggestions please contact me via email: tianitravels@gmail.com or via social media.