A small south-facing cove close to St Aubin, with pebbles near high water and a sandy lower beach as the tide falls. The surrounding headlands shelter it from some prevailing weather, but the beach loses afternoon sun relatively early.
These predictions use St Helier, Jersey’s standard reference port. Local timing and conditions at Belcroute Bay can vary slightly with weather and coastal geography. Times are shown in local Jersey time.
Belcroute is a compact cove south of St Aubin, enclosed between wooded and rocky headlands.
The upper beach is pebbly, while the falling tide reveals a broader sandy lower shore; Visit Jersey describes it as pebbles at high water and sand at low water.
Its position gives protection from some westerly conditions, although wind and waves can still enter from the south. The surrounding high ground also means the beach may move into shade earlier than more open south-facing locations.
At low water, sand extends across much of the cove and the water retreats beyond the upper shingle.
As the tide rises, the sandy beach narrows and the sea returns towards the pebbles, slipway and retaining wall. Mid tide often offers the easiest combination of a sandy entry and a relatively short walk.
Around high tide, the sea may cover most of the sand, and entry then involves pebbles, which can shift underfoot and become uncomfortable in waves. Higher water gives easier proximity, but mid tide may provide a better surface and more room.
Belcroute is commonly used for swimming because of its compact scale and partial protection from prevailing westerly weather. It can nevertheless be affected by southerly wind and swell, reflected waves near the rocky sides, boats and moorings, loose stones underfoot, reduced exit space near high tide, and shaded, cooler conditions later in the day. The beach is not lifeguarded, and swimmers should stay within the bay unless equipped and experienced for the more exposed coast around the headlands.
The sandy lower shore offers the most comfortable paddling surface at lower and middle states of tide. At higher water, the seabed close to shore may be mainly shingle and stones, so footwear may be useful, especially for children who find loose pebbles difficult.
Belcroute can be a convenient launch in suitable conditions, and the small bay makes it easy to assess the immediate shoreline — but conditions outside the headlands may be different. Account for wind direction, the return journey, boat moorings, limited alternative landing places and the carry across the beach at low water. Its apparent shelter is not protection along the wider coast.
Lower water exposes rocky margins and small pools around both sides of the bay. These suit modest shoreline exploring, though Belcroute is not one of Jersey's largest rock-pooling locations, and the rising tide progressively removes the dry route along the base of the rocks.
Belcroute faces generally south but is enclosed by high wooded slopes and headlands. This gives an intimate setting but means direct afternoon and evening sunshine may be lost earlier than at St Brelade's Bay or Portelet.
The beach is reached by road with parking close to the shore. The final route includes firm surfaces towards the upper beach, but pebbles and sand restrict onward wheelchair access. Parking is limited and the narrow approach can become busy: expect short access from parking, an uneven natural beach, limited manoeuvring space, no steep cliff staircase and no full wheelchair route to the sea.
Facilities are limited compared with the larger beaches; do not expect beachside food, showers, equipment hire or lifeguards. They include:
Belcroute Bay is not lifeguarded.
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.
Jersey