Saye (pronounced “Soy”) is one of Alderney’s best-known sandy beaches, curving between rocky headlands on the island’s north-east coast. It is popular for swimming, paddling and family beach days, with a broad expanse of sand at lower tide and the water closer to the main access points around high tide.
These predictions use Braye Harbour, the Alderney reference location used by this service. Tide times and water levels at Saye Beach may differ from the prediction because of the local shoreline, weather, waves and atmospheric pressure. Times are shown in local Alderney time.
Dogs are not allowed on Saye Beach at any time from 1 June to 15 September.
Saye is one of Alderney’s best-known sandy beaches. Its broad curve of white sand lies between rocky headlands on the island’s north-east coast, with rocks and pools around each end exposed at lower tide.
The beach can be reached by a slipway or across the dunes from Saye Beach Campsite immediately behind it. The slipway provides the most direct route, although access beyond it is over sand, and the route’s suitability for wheelchairs, mobility aids and pushchairs has not been independently assessed.
The campsite café welcomes beach visitors during its summer opening season, serving meals, snacks, drinks and ice creams. Other campsite amenities may be intended for staying guests, so check before relying on toilets or other facilities.
Saye is promoted for swimming, and local swimmers particularly recommend it around high tide, when the water is closer to the main access point. The beach remains exposed to northerly winds, however, so check conditions before entering and supervise children closely. There are no lifeguards on Alderney’s beaches.
From 1 June to 15 September, dogs are not permitted on Saye Beach at any time of day.
The width of Saye’s exposed sand changes considerably through the tide. Around high tide, the water is closer to the slipway and upper beach, leaving a narrower area of sand; local swimmers recommend Saye at this state of tide, but wind and sea conditions still need to be assessed on arrival.
As the tide falls, a much broader sandy beach appears, providing more room for walking, beach games and relaxing, and the rocks and pools at both ends of the bay become more exposed and can be explored with care.
Saye’s rocky headlands provide some shelter, but the beach can be affected by northerly winds. Check the tide, wind direction and sea conditions before swimming. 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.
Explore Alderney →No community photos of Saye Beach yet. Be the first to add one and help build a picture of the beach at every state of the tide.
Add your photoOther bays and beaches close to Saye Beach.
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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