BEACH GUIDE
Herm Island offers visitors a delightful variety of coastline. Spend time relaxing and playing on the beautiful beaches; you are spoilt for choice. Turquoise blue water gently laps the glistening white sand providing a safe, clean environment to build sandcastles and paddle in the sea.
Explore off the beaten track and you will find a private spot, even in the height of summer. Go crabbing, rock pooling and snorkeling or just relax with a good book. And to help you pick the right beach for you, please read the following guide.
East Coast Beaches
1 – Shell Beach
This sweep of golden sand stretches almost three-quarters of a mile from a rocky point all the way to the most northerly tip of the island at Alderney Point and then curves around to dune-flanked, often deserted sandy bays. Shell Beach is aptly named, for if you look closely, you will see millions of tiny shells washed up by the Gulf Stream.
On the beach is a well-stocked beach café supplying all the essentials for a day in the sun, from ice creams and drinks to suntan lotion and inflatable toys. Despite its popularity, Shell Beach rarely gets crowded as there is plenty of space for everyone, even at high tide. At low tide rock pools and boulder strewn islets are revealed to delight explorers of all ages.
2 – Belvoir Bay
Another very popular beach, this small bay is a real sun trap even on a windy day. Families in particular fall in love with its soft sand and safe waters which are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
To reach this beautiful beach, walk along the cliff path from Rosaire, with views of Sark and Jethou, or take a steeper shortcut over the centre of the island. The reward of turquoise seas and golden sand is well worth the effort. Belvoir beach café supplies a wide range of refreshments and beach goods.
West Coast Beaches
3 – Fisherman’s Beach
A popular beach within easy reach of even the least energetic holiday maker. Its close proximity to The White House Hotel, The Mermaid Tavern and the gift shops means that nothing is more than a few minutes stroll away. For those with less time to spend walking to the farthest beaches, Fisherman’s is ideal to visit with its soft sand, endless rock pools and views of Guernsey and the harbour.
4 – Hotel Beach
As its name suggests this beach is the closest to The White House Hotel. This part of Herm’s shoreline is often overlooked by visitors. It provides some quiet secluded spots and its harbour wall can act as a natural windbreak. An ideal beach for rock pooling it offers uninterrupted views of Guernsey and Jethou.
5 – Bears’ Beach
This is a delightful beach for sun worshipers seeking a spot of seclusion. Despite its relative closeness to the harbour area with The White House Hotel, The Mermaid Tavern and the gift shops, this is still a beach that is overlooked by many visitors to Herm. With its natural rocky windbreak to the north, it affords uninterrupted views of Guernsey.
6 – Oyster Point
For seclusion and tranquillity, nothing can beat this part of the coastline. It is quite possible to spend an entire day here with little else but the sound of seagulls for company. For visitors who love solitude, this beach is a must. The rocks at the north provide the perfect windbreak.