Beach and Surf
The beautiful Mediterranean blue sea against the golden granite is usually the first thing that visitors to St Ives notice as they arrive.
In fact, because of its position on its own little peninsula, St Ives is almost surrounded by the sea and has three golden sandy beaches facing different directions within a few hundred yards of one other. Within a short car journey, the choice is even better – which means that, no matter what you want from a holiday by the sea, St Ives is sure to satisfy.
ST IVES BEACHES
Porthmeor Beach Porthmeor Beach is St Ives largest beach, running parallel to Harbour Beach on the other side of the town. It is a popular beach with families and surfers alike, and is home to a surf school in peak seasons, where equipment can be hired and lessons taken.
If your looking to learn to surf in St Ives then you’ve come to the right place – click here to view St Ives Surf Schools video
Porthmeor Beach Cafe is at the very heart of Porthmeor offering an imaginative menu of traditional and contemporary dishes, from breakfast, lunch and tapas through to evening dining, with snacks and drinks available to takeaway. Our sister site to the left of the golden sands is West Beach Bar and Café boasting an authentic street-style vibe serving quality sour-dough pizzas, healthy breakfasts, deli style lunches and a small, creative evening menu. Both of our beach-side establishments offer an alfresco dining experience catching the last evening sun whilst keeping cosy under the heated booths
Porthgwidden Beach Porthgwidden Beach is St Ives smallest beach, and sits in a sheltered location below St Ives Island, a short walk from the town centre. Porthgwidden is a popular destination for families, who are drawn to its fine, golden sands and stunning location.
Porthminster Beach Porthminster Beach is the second largest of four beaches in St Ives, Cornwall. Porthminster’s north-east-facing, crescent beach is the eastern-most of St Ives beaches. It is a large, clean, sheltered beach with excellent facilities, a short walk from the town centre.
Looking to kayak or coasteering well visiting St Ives? – click here to view St Ives Surf Schools video, where we offer this and much more.
Harbour Beach Harbour Beach is a south-facing beach which sits in an enviable position in the centre of the popular resort of St Ives, Cornwall. Sheltered from the Atlantic by its harbour walls (St Ives is still a working harbour), on a fine summers day this tidal beach is a wonderful sun-trap.
ST IVES BAY AND BEYOND
Carbis Bay Beach The beautiful, mile-long sandy beach at Carbis Bay Beach is one of Cornwall’s finest and lies in a sheltered location near St Ives. Most commonly associated with the neighbouring town of St Ives, Carbis Bay is historically linked to the town of Lelant, which lies to the south of Carbis Bay.
Hayle Beaches Hayle Beaches at low tide, Hayle’s multiple beaches – Hayle Towans, Black Cliff, Mexico Towans – combine to form one vast expanse of sand which stretches several miles from the town itself to the mouth of the Hayle estuary and beyond. Because of its size, the beach rarely becomes overcrowded.
Porthkidney Sands Porthkidney Sands is a north-facing beach at the mouth of the Hayle Estuary. It lies only 2 miles from the picturesque harbour town of St Ives, Cornwall. Porthkidney is a vast expanse of sands, facing Hayle Towans to the east of the estuary. At low tide the beach can stretch almost a mile out to sea.
Gwithian Towans A wide, sandy beach at low tide with rock pools and caves for children to explore, Gwithian Towans is a popular family destination at the mouth of the Hayle estuary near St Ives, Cornwall. Access to the beach is via sand dunes from the car park.
Godrevy Beach Godrevy Beach is the most picturesque of several beaches situated within a 3-mile stretch of ‘golden sands’ where the Hayle estuary meets St Ives Bay, Godrevy is a popular surfing beach thanks to its’ exposed position in St Ives Bay, experiencing Atlantic tidal swells.
BOAT TRIPS
St Ives Boat Rides St Ives
We are a family run business operating from St Ives Harbour running self drive motor boats, St Ives to Carbis Bay and return water taxi, fast rib rides, kayak hire, Godrevy Lighthouse and Hells Mouth tours as well as trips to Seal Island, and Hayle to St Ives ferry plus much more.
St Ives Boats St Ives
St Ives Boats offer daily boat trips leaving from St Ives harbour, when seal watching along the magnificent Cornish coast at Seal Island or across the bay at the famous Godrevy lighthouse we explore one of the UK’s most stunning areas.
Booking Online is available via our website!
We are the only accredited wildlife safe operator (WISe Scheme) in St Ives Bay..
St Ives 1899 Lifeboat Trips St Ives
JAMES STEVENS No.10 is the former St.Ives lifeboat that was owned and operated by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, she is the original 121 year old rowing and sailing lifeboat built in 1899 that was stationed at St.Ives. This historic lifeboat has just undergone a two and a half year restoration and is now back to her former glory. She now offers gentle and serene boat trips around St.Ives Bay as well as educational trips. Learn about the history of this lifeboat, shipwrecks and the heroic rescues that were performed by her crew relying on their sails, rowing skill and muscles until 1933.
St Ives Boat Trips St Ives
Sea Safari Adventure Tour – 2 hour 15 minutes. We leave St Ives harbour on the motor launch Tiger Lilly to explore the beautiful Cornish Coast and open seas, on our safari we will see beautiful golden sandy beaches, stunning coves, dramatic rock formations and breath taking cliffs. Seeing a mixed array of wildlife in their natural habitat.
SURF SCHOOLS
St Ives Surf School St Ives
St Ives Surf School is highly regarded as one of the best places to learn to surf in Cornwall. At St Ives Surf School not only do we run fantastic surf lessons we also provide SUP, Coasteering and sea kayaking activities from our beautiful beach locations in the heart of St Ives. Our aim is to provide an unforgettable ocean experience in a fun, friendly and safe environment.
Global Boarders Surf Co Gwithian
Global Boarders Surf Co delivers professional surf tuition to tourists and locals alike. We are based at the Sunset Surf beachside café and licensed bar. You can enjoy your individual or group surfing lesson in one of the most picturesque settings in Cornwall!Check out our list of surfing classes across Cornwall now and book your course today through our website.
Telephone: 07980 432313 / 07817 202656 | Website: www.globalboarders.com
BEACH AND SURF CAMS (CAMS ARE NOT ALWAYS AVAILABLE)
Sunset Surf Cafe Webcam Gwithian
Sunset Surf beachside café and licensed bar is open all year round (limited days and hours from November to March), serving high quality food and refreshments – always freshly prepared from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients wherever possible. With breath-taking views of the beautiful St Ives Bay, we provide the perfect setting for you to relax and enjoy your visit to Gwithian Towans.
Telephone: 01736 752575 / 01736 755007 | Website: https://www.sunset-surf.com/gwithian-webcam/
Cornish Riviera Holidays Web Cam Our office overlooks the picturesque St Ives Harbour and we thought to share this view via our very own live HD webcam!
The Sloop Inn Web Cam The Sloop Inn provides four live cams. Porthmeor Beach, Gwithian Beach, St Ives Harbour Beach and Sennen Beach. The Sloop Inn is one of Cornwall’s oldest inns, dating back to about 1312 A.D.