Carbis Bay Beach

Carbis Bay is a coastal village, with a particularly stunning white sands, and turquoise waters beach, also home to the world famous Carbis Bay Hotel. This charming seaside destination is renowned for its pristine sandy beaches, Blue Flag Award-winning beach, making it a popular tourist destination.

The bay itself is a crescent-shaped cove, with crystal-clear turquoise waters, where you can often spot a seal visitor or two. A family friendly beach, and also home to a fantastic water sports rental company, offering a chance to try some paddleboarding, kayacking, and even offering sea safaris.

The area is also home to a diverse array of colourful flora and fauna, making it an attractive spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Overlooking the bay is the luxurious Carbis Bay Hotel, location of the G7 summit in 2021, housing the world’s most important leaders.

The hotel also offers a luxury spa centre, beachfront restaurant and cafe and bar facilities. There are also public toilets available on the beach. The hotel also owns a small cafe and shop on the beach offering the public drinks, ice cream, buckets and spades and more.

The south west coastal path running from Carbis bay to St Ives is a particularly stunning stretch, and well worth the walk.

This stretch of coast is also famous for one of the most stunning train journeys in the world, as you pass its turquoise waters and pull into the light and bright St Ives.

To access the beach, there is a car park available as part of the hotel, however please note, parking is limited and expensive. Many people choose to park in Carbis Bay and walk down, however the walk back is via a steep hill, so make sure you have some energy reserved!

With its mild climate and breathtaking coastal landscapes, Carbis Bay is a true Cornish gem, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and natural wonder.

Can you swim at Carbis Bay Beach?

Carbis Bay is ideal for swimmers of all ages as it has a natural shelter from the worst of the Atlantic swell, making its waters a peaceful and tranquil paradise.

Please note however that lifeguards are only available during the summer months of July and August.

Watersports rental of kayacks, bodyboards and paddleboards are also available to hire from the beach.

What is Carbis Bay known for?

Carbis Bay is best known for its beautiful white beach and calm waters, which make it the perfect destination for swimmers, paddleboarders and families alike.

It is also famous for its hotel, and in 2021, it hosted the 47th annual G7 summit.

“Carbis Bay is one of the most beautiful places in the world, as you can see, and it was a fitting setting for the first ever, net zero, G7 Summit. I would like to thank all the wonderful people of Cornwall for their hospitality”.  Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister

Can you walk along the beach from Carbis Bay to St Ives?

Yes, and it is highly recommended! The walk from Carbis Bay to St Ives is a beautiful walk and is one of the more accessible stretches of the South West Coast Path for families. The path is well surfaced and fenced, although there are some steps and steep areas.

Can anyone go to Carbis Bay Beach?

Carbis Bay Beach is privately owned by the Carbis Bay Hotel, however anyone is welcome to go on the beach at any time.

Does Carbis Bay get busy?

Carbis Bay is a stunning and popular location, which inevitably means during the summer months it can become very busy.

What towns are close to Carbis Bay?

Carbis Bay is very close to the town of St Ives. It is also not far from the town of Hayle.

Can dogs go on Carbis Bay Beach St Ives?

Yes at certain times of year due to seasonal restrictions.

Carbis Bay Porthmeor, Porthminster all follow a similar calendar, with restrictions coming into place between 15 May to 30 September, 10am – 6pm.

Are there seals in Carbis Bay?

Yes there are! In fact Carbis Bay is known for having one particular very friendly seal that likes to swim right up to people, but please remember seals are wild animals and can be unpredictable so keep some distance.

What time of year can you see seals in Cornwall?

You are lucky to be able to see seals all year-round in Cornwall!

You many also sport jumping tuna, dolphins, sharks or even a whale 🙂

Address: Carbis Bay Hotel, TR26 2NP

Parking: There is a car park available next to the beach as part of the Carbis Bay Hotel, however parking can be limited and is expensive. Many choose to park at the top of the hill and walk down, but please note, it is a steep walk back to the car!

Train: A particularly stunning train journey, Carbis Bay is connected to the national railway network using the St Erth to St Ives branch line, linking London Paddington to Penzance.

Road coaches also operate to and from London and St Erth on the National Express (London / Penzance) service.

Facilities: Carbis Bay offers shops, a supermarket, toilet facilities and a post office. St Ives is minutes away with many more shops available. Lifeguards in summer – July/August.