Visit Alderney advises that swimming is not allowed here because of a severe undercurrent. Stay out of the water.
For a beach swim, consider Braye, Saye or Longis instead, and assess the conditions when you arrive.
Platte Saline is a wide shingle beach on Alderney’s north-west coast, popular with nature lovers, walkers and anglers. Backed by houses and the island’s tennis and padel courts, and overlooked by Fort Doyle, it is an attractive place to enjoy the coast, but not to swim. Visit Alderney warns of a severe undercurrent and advises that swimming is not allowed.
These predictions use Braye Harbour, the Alderney reference location used by this service. Tide times and water levels at Platte Saline may differ from the prediction because of the local shoreline, weather, waves and atmospheric pressure. Times are shown in local Alderney time.
Platte Saline is a wide shingle beach on Alderney’s north-west coast. It is backed by houses and Alderney’s tennis and padel courts, with Fort Doyle overlooking the eastern end of the shore. The broad beach and open view give it a spacious coastal character, despite its relatively accessible setting.
Visit Alderney promotes Platte Saline for nature lovers and anglers but advises that swimming is not allowed because of a severe undercurrent. This warning applies regardless of how calm the water appears or how far the tide has fallen.
Platte Saline is reached from Platte Saline Road, with nearby parking and a dirt track running behind the shingle shore that forms part of an official coastal walking route noted for migrant birds and sea views. The approach is easier than the steep cliff descents at some Alderney bays, but the beach itself is loose, uneven shingle, so wear suitable footwear. Anglers should stay well back from the water in rough conditions, allow for the rising tide, and avoid standing where waves can wash across the shingle.
Fort Doyle stands on the headland between Platte Saline and Crabby Bay. Completed in 1854, it was built to defend both bays and later formed part of Alderney’s German Occupation defences.
The tide changes the width and appearance of Platte Saline but does not make the water suitable for swimming.
Around high tide, the sea covers more of the lower shingle. As the tide falls, a broader shore is exposed, creating more space for walking and fishing from the beach.
Visit Alderney’s severe-undercurrent warning applies at every state of tide, so do not swim or paddle, even when the sea appears calm. Actual water levels may differ from predictions because of atmospheric pressure, wind and waves.
Explore Alderney’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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