Snorkelling Beaches in Cornwall
26 beaches in Cornwall with clear water and marine life for snorkelling and underwater exploration.
Cornwall's clearest water is found on the south and west coasts, where sheltered coves and rocky reefs create ideal snorkelling conditions. Look for beaches with rocky edges and kelp forests, where you can spot wrasse, pollack, spider crabs, and occasionally seals. Visibility is usually best from June to September when plankton levels drop. A 5mm wetsuit is recommended even in summer - water temperature peaks around 16-17 degrees Celsius in August.
Castle Beach
falmouth
Sand and shingle beach at the foot of 16th-century Pendennis Castle in Falmouth. Extensive rock pools at low tide. Good snorkelling in calm, clear water.
Coverack Beach
helston
Sand and shingle beach in a quiet fishing village on the Lizard. Protected harbour makes it ideal for kayaking and windsurfing.
Greenaway Beach
rock
Quiet cove between Polzeath and Daymer Bay, accessible only on foot from nearby car parks. Rock pools rich in marine life.
Gyllyngvase Beach
falmouth
Blue Flag beach in Falmouth - known locally as Gylly - with fine sand and a popular beachside café. Panoramic views across Falmouth Bay.
Hemmick Beach
st austell
Small secluded cove on the south coast near Gorran Haven. No facilities on the beach - bring supplies. Clear water for swimming and snorkelling.
Kynance Cove
helston
Turquoise water and serpentine rock formations at the tip of the Lizard, one of the most photographed spots in Cornwall.
Lamorna Cove
penzance
Rocky inlet near Penzance favoured by the early 20th-century Lamorna artist colony. Clear water for snorkelling, rock pooling, and a small seasonal café.
Lansallos Beach
looe
Remote cove between Looe and Polperro reached only by countryside footpath. Crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkelling with no facilities.
Lekerock Cove Beach
looe
Remote cove on the Lizard near Kynance requiring challenging cliff path access. Turquoise waters stay near-empty with zero facilities.
Little & Great Molunan Beach
truro
Twin coves at St Anthony Head on the Roseland with views across Carrick Roads. Steep footpath access, rock pools at low tide, no facilities.
Mullion Cove Beach
mullion
Rocky cove on the Lizard with a historic working harbour and frequent seal sightings. Good for rock pooling and snorkelling.
Nanjizal Beach
penzance
Remote cove near Land's End with the 'Song of the Sea' rock arch. 45-min walk via the Coast Path - no road access.
Perranuthnoe Beach
penzance
Dog-friendly year-round beach east of Penzance with views across Mount's Bay. Sandy at low tide with rock pools, good for beginner surfers, café on site.
Piskies Cove
cadgwith
Small rocky cove on the Lizard with clear water, rich rock pools, and good snorkelling. No facilities.
Port Gaverne Beach
port isaac
Sheltered cove near Port Isaac with calm, clear water for swimming and kayaking. Rock pools at low tide, traditional pub nearby.
Porth Saxon Beach
falmouth
Secluded cove near Falmouth accessible only by coastal walk. Crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkelling. Completely crowd-free, bring supplies.
Porthchapel Beach
st levan
Small, quiet cove below the Minack Theatre near St Levan with turquoise water. Steep path access, no facilities, calm at low tide.
Porthcurno Beach
penzance
A wedge of white sand framed by dramatic granite cliffs - one of Cornwall's most photographed beaches.
Porthgwarra Beach
st levan
Tiny cove near Land's End with a tunnel carved through the cliff for fishermen. Clear Atlantic water, small café nearby.
Porthoustock Beach
helston
Shingle beach on the east Lizard with old quarry ruins and access to the Manacles reef, one of Cornwall's top dive sites. Clear water for diving.
Porthpean Beach
st austell
Sheltered sandy cove near St Austell with safe swimming, large rock pools at low tide, and lifeguard cover in peak season. Family-friendly.
Swanpool Beach
falmouth
Crescent beach near Falmouth next to Swanpool Lake nature reserve - good for birdwatching alongside swimming.
Talland Bay
looe
Dog-friendly cove between Looe and Polperro with calm clear water for swimming and kayaking. Two beach cafés and South West Coast Path cliffside walks.
Trevellas Cove
st agnes
Rugged pebble cove near St Agnes on the Heritage Coast. Clear water ideal for snorkelling and shore fishing, with a quiet atmosphere away from crowds.
Vugga Cove
newquay
Small and hard-to-reach cove with a steep cliff path near the Lizard. Clear blue-green water, good snorkelling, no facilities.
Whipsiderry Beach
newquay
Sandy cove north of Newquay hemmed in by high cliffs with a quieter atmosphere than the main town beaches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How many snorkelling beaches are there in Cornwall?
- We list 26 snorkelling beaches in Cornwall, out of 107 total beaches. Each beach page includes directions, a map, facilities information, and nearby accommodation.
- Which are the best snorkelling beaches in Cornwall?
- All 26 beaches on this page match the "snorkelling" criteria. 6 of them have lifeguard cover during summer. 24 have parking nearby. Browse the full list below - each beach page has detailed information, photos, and a map.
- Where can I stay near snorkelling beaches in Cornwall?
- Each beach page shows holiday cottages and properties within walking distance. You can also browse all places to stay in Cornwall to find the right base for your beach holiday.
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