Top 5 West Cornwall swim on lifeguarded beaches

There are obviously a number of lifeguarded beaches throughout Cornwall. Some we’d class as surfing beaches and some are typically fairly frequently flat. So whilst we’ll include it in the post, you need to check the conditions before visiting.

It might also be an idea to check the lifeguard cover, with some beaches covered for the ‘main’ summer season and some only covered for the ‘peak’ weeks. Best have a chat with the lifeguards before entering the water and inform them of your plans. You could also get some advice on safe routes and the conditions.

PORTHCURNO - offers a beautiful swim. I prefer low tide (a spring low if possible). Best swimming in the morning (10 am) or around 5pm, as you may struggle with parking otherwise. I will warn you that the water is generally a good degree cooler than the rest of Cornwall. Typically crystal clear water, white sand and glorious swimming.

GREAT HOGUS REEF (Marazion) - I’m going for an unusual choice here. Looking at a mid to high tide, in nice flat conditions. This one is a bit of a swimfari. Lots of sea life, seaweed and crazy rocks. More of a swim-snorkel, than a straight swim…you need to keep an eye out for rocks hiding just under the surface. All in the shadow of St Michael’s Mount.

PORTHMINSTER - located in St Ives it’s always a pain parking but you can park up in Carbis Bay and get a 2 minute train to Porthminster or walk…lovely walk in nice weather. Aim to swim mid-to-high tide. You can swim at low tide but it’s very shallow for a long way out. Avoid the harbour area.

SENNEN / GWYNVER - you’d need both with flat conditions and I’d advise swimming at either on an incoming tide. Again, chat to the lifeguards before venturing in.

PERRANUTHNOE - whilst the main beach isn’t the most interesting swim, the beach is lovely and there are some really interesting swims in the immediate area. During the summer months the beach is generally flat but it can pick up swell in the right conditions. *There isn’t much beach at high tide, particularly on a spring high.

Beach Rater - St Ives Town

Rather than producing individual blog posts, I thought I’d include all of the beaches under the one article.

Whilst I have your attention…other than Carbis Bay, all of the beaches in St Ives are difficult to access. There’s limited parking in summer and (more recently) winter months. The best option is generally getting to St Ives early morning or parking up at Carbis and walking in or getting the train from either St Erth Station or Carbis Bay.

Swimming in St Ives

St Ives offers some fantastic swims in the local area and a great holiday destination, where a car isn’t really required and open water swims are in easy walking distance.

Most of the beaches and swims in St Ives face north / north east. If you have any wind, with a reasonable strength you may be out of luck when it comes to swimming. Anything from the south however and you’re in luck. It’s useful to point out, at this stage that the coast around Penzance mainly faces south….so a northerly wind isn’t the end of the world! Penzance is also easily reachable from St Ives, on train or bus.

In the main town Porthmeor beach is better known for its surfing. If it’s flat, Porthmeor offers a really nice swim…either wild dip or a more lengthy swim. Swimming around the ‘Island’ is a fantastic experience but I’d exercise caution. You’d need to attempt this is really flat, calm conditions and I definitely wouldn’t attempt it by yourself. Taking water safety / a guide would be your best bet.

Porthgwidden Beach is a lesser known beach in St Ives and offers stunning swims. It suits shorter swim routes or a wild swim.

The harbour itself offers sheltered conditions but you’d obviously have to be careful of harbour traffic. You could only really swim in the harbour towards high tide.

Porthminster Beach also offers beautiful swims into the harbour and around the corner to Carbis Bay. Again, exercise caution if you decide to swim around to Carbis and assess the conditions before you swim.

Carbis Bay is my favourite. You don’t have to drive into St Ives itself to access the beach and there’s ample parking in the car park (on the hill) and it’s on the train route. From Carbis you can swim at the beach itself, swim around towards St Ives or the other way to Porthkidney (towards high tide).

If you’re a swim fan, St Ives is a must visit. With all swims obviously make sure you take all the necessary safety precautions.