We stopped off at Port Soif beach on our first family trip to Guernsey in May 2018 and fell in love with it, we felt like we were in the Bahamas! As with many place names in Guernsey I spent many months pronouncing Port Soif incorrectly, it’s Port Swoff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TumP_aBRpm4
Our first visit to Port Soif, May Bank holiday 2018
Location
Port Soif is situated on the west coast of Guernsey, just North of Cobo.
The Beach
Port Soif is a picturesque horse-shoe shaped beach with soft sand and crystal clear waters. The bank of rocks at the back of the beach provides really good shelter and also makes for fun rock climbing for the kids.
The 17 steps to go down to enter Port Soif beach
Fun climbing for kids
The beach is easy to access off the coast road (Portinfer Coast Road), with the beach café (Surfside) signposted from the road. There is plenty of parking next to Surfside and also at the end of the road giving great views over the beach and rocks.
Lane off the coast road with parking at the end
Rocky view from the parking area
Right turn leads to Surfside Cafe and the parking area
Effect of the Tide
The main thing to note is the effect the tide has on Port Soif beach. After visiting the beach, by chance, at high tide on our first visit, we made a second trip another day at low tide and there was no water in the bay just rocks!
Around high tide the beach is fantastic for kids, perfect for paddling with soft sand underfoot. For those wanting a swim the water quality is rated as excellent, as highlighted on the information board at the entrance to the beach.
Just after high tide at Port Soif beach
The bay is unrecognisable at low tide, the tide goes out so far that you would need to attempt a significant walk across the rocks to reach the water. Kids can still build sandcastles, collect shells, climb the rocks that provide the shelter at the back of the beach but just don’t promise a swim in the sea!
Low tide at Port Soif
Exposed rocks at low tide
The sea at low tide, all the way back to the parking area
Surfside at Port Soif
Surfside is up there amongst our favourite beach cafés, the food is always really good and reasonably priced and the staff are very friendly. There are a number of tables outside with umbrellas for those wanting shade.
The café serves hot and cold food and a selection of cakes and ice creams. The café also has a little shop selling beach goodies…buckets, spades, beach toys etc. The cafe is set back from the bay so you won’t get a sea view when you’re seated but it means it is very sheltered which is great on windy days.
There are toilets behind the café and a large sanded area which the girls love to play in whilst waiting for their food.
Port Soif sand pit!
There is a gravel footpath behind the cafe (beyond the sandpit), we haven’t walked along it yet but it looks like a lovely coastal walk with great views.
Port Soif footpath
We thoroughly recommend a trip to Port Soif whether you’re looking for a beach to spend the day on or quick stop off at Surfside Cafe and a look at the stunning views.
Address
Port Soif Coast Road, Grandes Rocques, Castel, Guernsey
Dogs on Port Soif Beach
Dogs are banned on Port Soif beach between 1st May and 30th September.
BBQs on Port Soif beach
Beach bbqs can be lit between 5:00pm and midnight on Port Soif beach. Permission is required for beach bbqs to be attended by more than ten people. Beach barbeque Application Forms can be downloaded from https://www.gov.gg/beachbbq
Beach barbeques should be lit well below the high tide mark and away from coastal dune or grassland vegetation.
Surfside At Port Soif
Surfside cafe is open (depending on weather) from April until October. More details on their Facebook page.
Saumarez Park is the largest public park in Guernsey and our favourite for combining bike riding, feeding ducks, climbing trees and playing in the huge playground.
