Wild Swimming
Being an island in the English Channel, the sea is our playground and wild swimming is a cornerstone of local life. The beauty of being able to pop out for a swim during your lunch break or be at the beach within 10 minutes of finishing work is a true haven for water babies!
If you are interested in relocating to Guernsey for a better work/life balance or simply want to find out more about setting up a business in Guernsey, please get in touch.
From the golden sands of the West to the sheltered coves of the South and with our serene natural tidal pools mixed in, there is always a tranquil spot to head in for a dip.
Studies have shown that the benefits of spending time outdoors for just 30 minutes per day can reduce anxiety, stress and even quicken the health recovery process! So why not grab your goggles and uncover some of the most beautiful swims that our shores have to offer.
1. Moulin Huet, St Martin
A stunning must-visit bay sheltered by high cliffs where at high tide you feel like you’re on the Italian Riviera and at low tide you can walk around to Petit Port.
Follow the narrow path down the cliff path passing many famous Renoir spots where empty frames are positioned exactly where the wonderful renaissance artist painted from and the tearoom before heading down to the bay.
2. La Vallette Bathing Pools, St Peter Port
For over 150 years, locals of all ages have enjoyed a safe and contained swim at the Bathing Pools on Guernsey’s East Coast. In its earlier years, the pools were often visited by many people of great significance, including legendary Les Misérables writer Victor Hugo and famous Renaissance painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Established in 2019, the charity Vive La Vallette wanted to reinvigorate the facilities serving the bathing pools and the upgraded area has very recently re-opened to the public!
All surplus funds made will be reinvested back into the facilities, surrounding areas and community focused initiatives.
3. Port Soif, Vale
At high tide, you could be mistaken for thinking you were in the Caribbean when you visit Port Soif. The crescent-shaped bay with its crystal-clear water and wrapped by sand dunes makes it sheltered, safe and easy to access.
Why not time your swim with a gorgeous sunset and take a barbecue along with you to enjoy!
4. Fort Grey Slipway, St Pierre du Bois
If you’re looking for a truly immersive experience in the thick of community life, you need a swim off the slipways at Fort Grey! The best time to experience this swim is in the late afternoon to early evening with a high tide. Why not extend your beach time with a barbecue on the granite pier, feeling the warmth radiating back at you after a long sunny day in Summer!
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Once you’ve experienced sea swimming in Guernsey, you’ll want a challenge to find all of the other beautiful beaches and bays our island has to offer! Throughout July each year, the 30 Bays in 30 Days challenge is takes place. Raising money for Les Bourgs Hospice by participants swimming at least 30 strokes at 30 named bays and beaches around Guernsey.
It’s a brilliant way to get involved in the swimming community, with thousands of islanders completing the challenge it's great opportunity to make new friends.
If you’d like to sign up or find out more information, please visit – 30 Bays in 30 Days 2022 | Les Bourgs Hospice
If you are considering relocating to the island, the team at Locate Guernsey are on hand to provide confidential guidance throughout your relocation journey free of charge. If you would like to understand how Guernsey could work for you, please get in touch on 01481 220011 or email enquiries@locateguernsey.com.
