Guernsey Bordeaux Harbour tide times & beach guide
A small fishing harbour and highly tidal beach on Guernsey’s north-east coast, with sand, boulders and extensive rocky foreshore exposed at lower water.
- Coast
- North-east · faces east
- Shore
- Sand, stones and boulders around a small harbour
- Popular for
- Snorkelling · Swimming · Rock pooling · Harbour views
- Food nearby
- Woodies at Bordeaux
- Facilities
- Public toilets beside the kiosk and car park; parking around the harbour (loose gravel and chippings)
- Dogs
- Dogs are permitted throughout the year. Keep them under control, clear up after them and prevent them from disturbing wildlife.
Tide times at St Peter Port
These predictions use St Peter Port, Guernsey’s standard reference port. Local timing and conditions at Bordeaux Harbour can vary slightly with weather and coastal geography. Times are shown in local Guernsey time.
Swimming and snorkelling should stay within the sheltered harbour. Do not swim outside the harbour entrance, where strong currents run, and do not follow the shoreline or boats out towards open water.
Bordeaux Harbour
Bordeaux is a small harbour and bay in the Vale, on Guernsey’s north-east coast a few miles north of St Peter Port. Fishing boats are moored around the shore, while the low foreshore contains areas of sand, stones and large boulders. The harbour was formerly used by ships loading stone from nearby Bordeaux Quarry, and concrete remains on the northern side of the bay mark part of the old quarry infrastructure.
Woodies kiosk, public toilets and parking are available close to the harbour, and Vale Castle stands above the coast nearby and can be reached on foot. In settled conditions the more enclosed water inside the harbour offers clearer water for swimming and snorkelling; boats share the harbour, so remain visible and keep clear of craft entering, leaving or approaching the shore. Do not swim outside the harbour entrance, where strong currents run.
At lower water, broad areas of sand, stones, boulders and rock pools are exposed around the harbour. As the tide rises, these areas are covered and the water moves closer to the harbour walls and beach access. Keep track of the returning tide when exploring the rocky foreshore, and avoid walking onto isolated offshore rocks unless you know the route and can return safely. Swimming and snorkelling should remain within the harbour: strong currents outside the entrance make the open water unsuitable for casual swimming.
Tides. Tide predictions are forecasts. Actual sea level is affected by atmospheric pressure, wind and waves. Always observe the sea and your surroundings.
Swimming. Sea swimming carries risks: currents, waves, rocks, submerged structures, boats and cold water. This page is for planning and does not confirm conditions are safe. Do not assume the beach is lifeguarded.
Facilities. Facilities and café opening hours change seasonally. Check directly before making a journey specifically to use them.