Sark’s historic old harbour forms a sheltered tidal swimming pool between a small pebbly shore and a cobbled quay. From around half tide, the harbour begins filling and the slipway provides access to the water; higher water generally offers more depth, although it remains a working harbour and conditions must be checked before entering.
These predictions use Maseline Pier, the Sark reference location used by this service. Tide times and water levels at Creux Harbour may differ from the prediction because of the local shoreline, weather, waves and atmospheric pressure. Times are shown in local Sark time.
Creux Harbour, also known as Le Creux, is Sark’s historic old harbour, set within a narrow inlet beneath steep cliffs on the east coast. The original entrance was cut through the rock in 1588, giving Sark a more convenient landing than the earlier one at L’Eperquerie, while the main harbour entrance and protective wall were added in 1866. Passenger ferries now normally use neighbouring Maseline Harbour, but Creux remains a working harbour used mainly by local fishing boats and visiting vessels, with occasional commercial or emergency use. The historic tunnel through the cliff still connects the harbour with the route towards Harbour Hill.
A small pebbly shore lies on one side of the harbour and a cobbled quay on the other. Sark Tourism describes Creux as a natural swimming pool, with the harbour wall providing sheltered swimming on most days. Creux is a harbour swimming spot rather than a conventional beach: the pebbly shore offers limited space, while much of the waterfront is quay, wall, steps and slipway.
Creux is a drying harbour, so the tide governs almost everything. From around half tide the harbour begins filling and the slipway starts to provide water access; the depth available at any particular time depends on that day’s tide. Around high water it becomes the large natural swimming pool described by Sark Tourism, sheltered by the wall on most days.
Creux is a working harbour rather than a purpose-built pool. Before entering, check the depth and make sure no vessel is entering, leaving or manoeuvring. Stay clear of boats, propellers, ropes and moorings, and keep the steps and slipway unobstructed; official harbour guidance requires these access points to remain clear at all times. Do not jump or dive unless the depth and underwater area are reliably known, as depth changes through the tide and harbour structures or moored equipment may lie below the surface. No lifeguard service is currently listed, so swimmers must assess the depth, conditions and boat activity themselves, and children need close supervision around the quay, slipway, steps and water.
At lower water, Creux drains substantially and moored boats may settle onto the harbour bed. The exposed floor can be muddy, slippery and obstructed by ropes or equipment, so it should not be treated as a conventional beach.
Creux is also a popular fishing and boat-watching location, particularly outside ferry and busy harbour-operation periods; anglers should keep clear of swimmers and boats and leave the steps and slipway unobstructed. The harbour entrance looks towards Les Burons, where Sark Tourism suggests watching for dolphins, although sightings are never guaranteed. Public toilets and paid showers are available through the tunnel, and the Harbour Café is open most days in summer. The harbour lies at the foot of Harbour Hill, so the return towards the Avenue and central settlement is uphill; the route and harbour surfaces have not been independently assessed for wheelchair access, and there is no verified step-free water entry.
The tide determines whether Creux is a drying harbour or a natural swimming pool.
At lower water, the harbour drains substantially and moored boats may settle onto the bed. The exposed harbour floor can be muddy, slippery and obstructed by ropes or equipment, and should not be treated as a recreational beach.
From around half tide, the harbour begins filling and the slipway starts to provide water access. “Half tide” is approximate: the actual depth depends on the height and shape of that day’s tide, so check the water yourself before entering.
Around high water, Creux becomes the large natural swimming pool described by Sark Tourism, with the harbour wall providing sheltered conditions on most days. It remains a working harbour, so check for moving boats, ropes and harbour operations and keep the steps and slipway clear. Actual water levels and conditions may differ from predictions because of atmospheric pressure, wind and waves, and flow and wave conditions at the harbour entrance may also vary.
Explore Sark’s tide times, harbour information and island guide, including its other beaches and local advice.
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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.
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