Carbis Bay Beach: Everything You Need to Know

Discover one of the world’s most beautiful beaches in Carbis Bay.

It’s fair to say that Carbis Bay Beach is one of the best beaches in the UK, and maybe even the world!

Carbis Bay is a picture-perfect setting on the West Cornwall coast.

Enjoying shelter from cliffs at either end of the beach, and blessed with white sands and blue waters, you’d think you were in the Caribbean.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about Carbis Bay Beach…

Use these handy quick links to skip to a different section:

1. Location
2. Beach access
3. Type of beach
4. Blue Flag status
5. Toilets
6. Parking
7. Accessibility
8. Dog-friendly
9. Watersports
10. Beachfront accommodation

Where is Carbis Bay Beach?

Carbis Bay is around a mile from the popular town of St Ives. It sits in the shelter of tree-covered cliffs either side, so is well protected from the wind and the waves.

Carbis Bay Beach postcode: TR26 2NW

Is Carbis Bay Beach privately owned?

In short, yes. Carbis Bay Beach is privately owned by Carbis Bay Hotel, however anyone can go on the beach at any time.

The Carbis Bay Hotel has a beach shop selling beach essentials, as well as a seasonal café directly on the beach, Lower Deck.

The café is open daily, and a BBQ is available daily throughout the summer months. Expect to see a selection of hot and cold snacks, drinks and ice creams.

Is Carbis Bay a sandy beach?

Yes, Carbis Bay has fine white and gold sands and clear blue waters. The beach is always spotlessly clean, making it a perfect location for sunbathing and relaxing.

Is Carbis Bay a Blue Flag beach?

Yes, Carbis Bay is the proud winner of the Blue Flag and Seaside Award. 2021 saw Carbis Bay retain its Blue Flag award for the 15th year running.

Stretching 25 acres, Carbis Bay enjoys beautifully clean waters and sands, and meets the highest environmental standards.

Are there toilets at Carbis Bay Beach?

Yes. You can find the toilets opposite the café, just before the beach.

Is there parking at Carbis Bay Beach?

Yes there are several parking options for Carbis Bay Beach.

Carbis Bay Hotel has a small car park which you can pay for, however spaces are limited and it can fill up quickly. It does place you right on the beach though!

There is also a pay & display car park nearby on the approach road. It’s around a 5-10 minute walk down to the beach. It’s quite a steep slope down so take care.

Is Carbis Bay Beach accessible?

Yes, there is a concrete ramp leading onto the beach and there are disabled parking spaces in the Carbis Bay Hotel car park.

You can hire a beach wheelchair/buggy locally from Porthminster Beach Café. Call 01736 799097 to enquire.

Is Carbis Bay a dog friendly beach?

Carbis Bay Beach has a seasonal dog ban, effective from July to September between 10am to 6pm.

Dogs are free to enjoy the beach outside these dates and times, so you can still enjoy lovely evening strolls along the sands.

Carbis Bay is a beautifully kept beach, so help it stay that way by making sure to pick up any waste.

Can you paddle board at Carbis Bay?

Yes you can! And plenty more too. Carbis Bay is known for being a watersports hub, with calm waters providing perfect conditions for stand up paddle boarding, swimming and lots more.

Ocean Sports Centre is located on the beach. Head here to hire SUPs, mega SUPs, wetsuits, kayaks, and deck chairs.

Beachfront accommodation in Carbis Bay

At Carbis Bay Holidays, we are proud to offer a fabulous range of accommodation across Carbis Bay and St Ives.

We proudly manage two luxury developments close to the beach, Carrack Gladden and Carbis Beach, offering top quality accommodation.

See all of our beach view accommodation

Check out our take on the best beaches to visit in Cornwall or our favourite beaches in St Ives for more holiday inspiration.

You could even go in search of the secret beaches and coves of Cornwall!