4 Amazing Things to Do Exploring Portelet Bay This Summer
The secluded, sandy cove of Portelet Bay is one of Jersey’s best-kept coastal secrets. While home to one of the island’s most famous landmarks, with Portelet Tower often featured on postcards, Portelet is one of the least-visited beaches on the island. Perfectly tucked between Ouaisne Bay and Noirmont Point, Portelet is an idyllic beachfront that is sheltered from the winds, boasts calm waters and is abundant in sea life. With a cafe overlooking the beachfront, it is easy to spend an entire day at Portelet Bay, swimming in the sea, relaxing on the beach and soaking up the atmosphere of this tranquil corner of Jersey. Located off the beaten track and only accessible by a long and steep staircase, Portelet is one of the island’s bays that retains its tranquillity, even during Jersey’s busy summer months and peak tourist season.
Jersey Hidden Beaches
With 48 miles of coastline, Jersey is home to some of the most impressive hidden beaches. From secluded sandy bays to tranquil pebbled coves, Jersey’s hidden beaches showcase the best of the island’s coastline, boasting breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of Jersey’s most famous and popular beaches. The south west coast is particularly abundant with hidden beaches, and their proximity to the busy tourist spots of St Helier, St Aubin and St Brelade makes them easy to access. Portelet Bay is one of Jersey’s south coast hidden beaches, tucked between Ouaisne Bay and Noirmont Point. Home to the Jersey landmark of Portelet Tower, the beachfront is only accessible by a sandy, pebbled staircase of around 120 steps. Getting there is half the adventure, but it makes Portelet Bay typically a quieter spot than many of the island’s beaches.
How to Get to Portelet Bay
The hidden gem of Portelet Bay is accessible by car, public transportation, bicycle and on foot.
The most common way to visit Portelet Bay is by car and if you arrive in Jersey with your own vehicle or hire one on arrival, you can park in the large car park at the top of the bay. Even though there are plenty of spaces, it can be difficult to secure a space during peak periods but you can also park at neighbouring bays and walk. Parking is also available at Portelet Common, Noirmont Common and Ouaisne.
If you are not exploring Jersey with a car, you can also get to Portelet Bay by public transport. From Liberation Station in St Helier, you can take Route 12A and the bus will drop you at the top of the bay.
It is easy to visit multiple of Jersey’s breathtaking southern bays on foot. Visit Noirmont Point, Portelet Bay and Ouaisne Bay with short walking times from each. You can start at one or even begin at St Aubin for a longer walk from a central point. This can also be done by bike as well as on foot.
No matter how you arrive at Portelet Bay, once you arrive at the bay, you need to navigate approximately 120 steps to get to the bay itself. The steep staircase means that Portelet Bay is not accessible for wheelchairs and individuals with limited mobility.
Things to Do at Portelet Bay
Portelet Tower
Nestled on the tidal islet of Ile de Guerdain, Portelet Tower overlooks the breathtaking Portelet Bay. Built in 1808, the tower is a traditional Martello tower that is popular in Jersey, designed for coastal defence. This southern landmark is also known as Janvrin’s Tomb for its history of being the final resting place of the sea captain Philippe Janvrin, who passed from the plague after quarantining on the island before the tower was built. Accessible at low tide, visitors to Portelet Tower can get a close up view when the causeway is revealed.
Snorkelling at Portelet Bay
Portelet Bay offers one of the most rewarding underwater experiences in Jersey, which is why it is amongst the best spots on the island for snorkelling. This secluded cove is typically quiet and calm, making it a haven for local sea life that may be scared away in more popular coastal spots along the Jersey coastline. The steep cliffs protect the cove from strong currents, not only making the waters calmer but also making visibility clearer. Pollack and sea bass are common in the area, while crab, starfish and flatfish can also be regularly seen at Portelet Bay. If you snorkel near the rocky outcrop of Ile de Guerdain, the islet upon which Portelet Tower sits, you may also spot colourful anemone, sponges and even lobster. Snorkel Portelet highlights four self-guided snorkel routes in the bay to discover the best that the underwater world has to offer in this corner of Jersey. Easy to access from the beach with plenty to see in the shallows, snorkelling at Portelet Bay opens up a world of hidden marine life.
Rockpooling at Portelet Bay
Visitors to Portelet Bay who prefer to stay on dry land can admire the sea life of the local area as the tide retreats, revealing rock pools. With the marine life in this area abundant, the tide often leaves behind crabs, fish and other sea creatures in rocky crevices at low tide. The causeway to Portelet Tower is accessible during low tide, and this is the best place to see Jersey sea life without venturing into the waters.
Portelet Common
Up on the cliffs above Portelet Bay, Portelet Common is a wild and rugged nature spot with stunning coastal views. Wander through meadows of vibrant wildflowers and stretches of coastal heathland in this location that is designated as a Site of Special Interest and protected for both its wildlife and historical significance. Enjoy a coastal walk with incredible scenery, making sure to stop at the Portelet Common Viewpoint with the most spectacular view over the bay that takes in the beach, Portelet Tower and stretches out over Atlantic waters.
Dining at Portelet Bay
If you are visiting Portelet Bay, there are two dining options available, with one at the top of the bay near the car park and another right on the beachfront.
Portelet Bay Cafe
For dining right on the beachfront at Portelet Bay, the Portelet Bay Cafe offers food with a view. Specialising in pizza, the cafe also serves a delicious seasonal menu and incredible seafood, particularly hand dived scallops and fresh Jersey oysters. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can enjoy all-day dining at the cafe with a wide variety of menu options. You can also choose to take away and enjoy your meal on the beach or sit indoors to take in the phenomenal views of the bay.
The Portelet Inn
Located at the top of the hill, The Portelet Inn is a great dining location to start or end your day. After parking up your car, stop in for a delicious breakfast or grab a bite to eat on your way back to your accommodation. Indulge in traditional pub grub from Mamma’s Kitchen either indoors or on the balcony with magnificent sweeping views of Portelet Bay. The inn also caters to all with a children’s menu, outdoor play galleon ship and Pirate Pete’s soft play.
No Take Zone
Since 2022, Portelet Bay has been a No Take Zone. Registered as the island’s first No Take Zone, sea fishing and the removal of aquatic resources is prohibited in this area. All forms of fishing are prohibited and fishing boats are not permitted. While crabbing and rockpooling are permitted, all sea life must be returned to the water.
