Published 24 July 2025
Sea swimming in Jersey is unlike anywhere else in the British Isles. With crystal-clear waters, sweeping golden beaches, and tidal adventures, the island is a wild swimmer’s dream. Whether you’re an open water swimming enthusiast, or looking for a refreshing dip in scenic surroundings, these are the best places to swim in Jersey.
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Havre des Pas – The Lido
Best to swim: Any state of tide
Lifeguard cover in the summer months
A local gem in St. Helier, this tidal bathing pool is skirted with beautiful art deco-style boardwalks. The Havre des Pas Lido is replenished by the sea at every tide and offers a safe and scenic spot for swimming in Jersey. Swim out to the platform in the middle and jump off or bring the kids for a paddle in the children’s pool. With its own café, bar, toilets, changing rooms and resident lifeguards, this is one of the top swimming spots in Jersey for both locals and visitors. Charming beachside cafés and family-run hotels line the coast road nearby, making it ideal for a whole day by the sea.
@bora.shead | @dodgerjones
Bouley Bay
Best to swim: Any state of tide
Nestled amongst the rugged north coast of the island, Bouley Bay is beloved by scuba fans and seasoned swimmers alike. Home to Jersey’s Bouley Bay Dive Centre and Snorkel Bouley – the second of Jersey’s official snorkel trails – this bay is a hotspot for underwater enthusiasts keen to explore the island’s rich marine life. With its deep, clear waters, this pretty wild swimming spot is perfect for seasoned swimmers seeking a more adventurous dip. During the summer months, a floating pontoon is situated in the bay, perfect for diving and sunbathing. Be sure to stop by Mad Mary’s Beach Café, famous for its Bouley Burgers, and admire the view of Fort Leicester, a medieval fort now available as a self-catered stay via Jersey Heritage.
@simonnharrison73 | @dips_and_chips
Plémont Bay
Best time to swim: Low to mid tide
Lifeguard cover in the summer months
One of the most dramatic open water swimming locations in Jersey, Plémont Bay is a sandy cove surrounded by cliffs, rock pools and sea caves, revealing a freshwater waterfall at low tide. Reaching the beach involves a steep walk down a winding path, but the effort is well worth it. What awaits is one of the most breathtaking and adventurous swimming spots in Jersey. Ideal for a post-hike dip or tidal wander, this bay offers a wild swimming experience like no other on the island. It’s a favourite with locals and perfect for visiting explorers. Due to the bay’s enclosed shape and fast-moving tides, conditions here can change quickly. Always check tide times and stay aware while exploring.
@AM_odp
Portelet Bay
Best time to swim: Any state of tide
This hidden beach is tucked away down winding steps and graced with crystal-clear waters. A sun trap protected by surrounding cliffs, Portelet Bay feels like your own private cove, enveloped in natural beauty. At low tide, walk across the sand to the historic Île au Guerdain. When the tide is in, swim over and snorkel in its shallows (Portelet Bay is home to Jersey’s first official Snorkel Trail). Grab a pizza or fresh seafood from the charming Portelet Bay Café and enjoy one of the most peaceful sea swimming locations that Jersey has to offer.
Portelet Bay Jersey
Beauport Bay
Best time to swim: Any state of tide
Nestled on Jersey’s sun-steeped south coast, Beauport Bay is a hidden gem that rewards those willing to ramble down its long, steep flight of steps. At the bottom lies pristine, crystal-clear water, perfect for a peaceful sea swim. Bathed in warm sunlight and surrounded by lush vegetation and dramatic cliffs, this idyllic cove is a favourite for those seeking solitude in the sea. Sheltered, tranquil and wonderfully remote, Beauport is truly one of the best places to swim in Jersey.
Rozel
Best time to swim: Mid to high tide
On the north-east coast of the island lies Rozel Bay, a characterful harbour village known for its bobbing boats, colourful beach huts and French coastal views. Rozel offers a scenic spot for sea swimming in Jersey, with a sandy beach that gives way to pebbles and cool, clear water, perfect for a refreshing dip. After your swim, pop over to The Hungry Man, an island institution since 1947, to enjoy overflowing marshmallow-stacked hot chocolates. Rozel Bay sits at the easternmost tip of Jersey’s north coast cliff path, and forms part of the Jersey Tidal Trail, making it the perfect spot to combine a wild swim with a scenic coastal walk.
@camillerivard8 | @hattie1967
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St. Ouen’s Bay
Best time to swim: Mid to high tide
Lifeguard cover in the summer months
With its sweeping five-mile stretch of golden sands and dramatic dunes, St Ouen’s Bay is a hub for surfers and swimmers alike. The bay attracts adrenaline seekers offering activities including surfing, kitesurfing, paragliding and windsurfing, with several surf schools along the bay offering lessons and equipment hire for all levels. St. Ouen’s is also home to Healing Waves, a charity that harnesses the transformative power of the ocean, aiding people with physical and neurological challenges to access the sea through surf, paddleboard and adaptive therapy, and BeachAbility, which provides specially designed wheelchairs for exploring the beach with ease. After a refreshing swim or a day of adventure, gather to enjoy a sunset BBQ on the beach. Home to one of Europe’s oldest surfing clubs, St Ouen’s is known for its powerful currents, so caution is essential. However, plenty of calmer pockets along the bay provide more relaxed sea swimming experiences.
@davejsy | @law_vmilner | @thisanxiousadventurer
St. Brelade’s Bay
Best time to swim: Mid to high tide
Lifeguard cover in the summer months
With its wide stretch of soft golden sand, gentle waves and a lively promenade lined with cafés, restaurants and watersport providers, St. Brelade’s Bay is one of the island’s most iconic beaches. Its calm, sheltered waters make it ideal for sea swimming in Jersey, especially for families and beginners. Whether you’re taking a dip, trying paddleboarding or simply soaking up the buzz of the bay, this vibrant spot offers something for everyone. A long-standing favourite with visitors and locals alike, it’s no wonder St. Brelade’s Bay is one of the most popular swimming spots in Jersey, and the perfect place to begin your sea swimming journey.
@jersey.reds | @annajersey | @travelswithmyumbrella
Ouaisné Bay
Best time to swim: Mid to high tide
Ouaisné Bay is a south-west facing beach, wilder in character compared to its neighbouring St. Brelade’s Bay. At low tide, the two beaches are linked by a stretch of sand, inviting exploration between these coastal siblings. Just around the headland from the bustling St. Brelade’s Bay, Ouaisné offers a more untamed sea swimming experience. This secluded beach, gently cradled by abundant marshland, forms a calm cove perfect for a peaceful swim away from the crowds. After your swim, make your way to The Old Smugglers Inn, a pub beloved by locals, perfect for refueling after a refreshing dip in the sea.
Ouaisne Bay, Jersey
Belcroute Bay
Best time to swim: Mid to high tide
Belcroute Bay is a quiet, sheltered bay perfect for sea swimming and snorkelling. Tucked away, just outside of St. Aubin’s Village, this hidden gem’s calm waters catch the morning sun – though care should be taken near the rocky areas with stronger currents. A top spot for wild swimming fans looking for something off the beaten track.
Archirondel Bay
Best time to swim: Mid to high tide (but the tide doesn’t drop too far, even when the tide is low)
Tucked along Jersey’s east coast, Archirondel Bay is a pebbly bay where calm, shallow waters stretch far out at low tide, making it a safe and inviting spot for a gentle swim – especially at sunrise. The flat, sandy seabed means the water stays shallow for quite some distance, perfect for paddling, floating or simply cooling off. Overlooking the beach stands the distinctive red-and-white Martello tower, a striking landmark steeped in history, and available to stay in through Jersey Heritage for a truly unique seaside escape. With The Driftwood Café, toilets and showers close to the shore, Archirondel Bay offers a peaceful, well-equipped setting for outdoor swimming.
@janestreet35 | @bexacourt
Plan Your Swim Adventure
For a truly immersive sea swimming experience, follow the Jersey Tidal Trail – a curated coastal route that guides you from bay to bay around the island’s shoreline. Whether you’re seeking peaceful coves, family-friendly beaches or wild swimming spots beneath dramatic cliffs, the trail offers a beautiful way to experience the very best of open water swimming in Jersey.
FAQs about sea swimming in Jersey
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