Top 5 Places in Cornwall to Take your Ocean Lover’s Guide
It’s no secret that Cornwall is full of incredible beaches, hidden spots and sometimes even a bit of sunshine. But what you may not know is just how much incredible marine life Cornwall is home to. From the smallest species of Cushion Star and Nudibranch, up to big mammals such as the Common Dolphin and Grey Seal. Cornwall really does have it all, and it’s the perfect place to show you just how incredible UK marine life is. So let’s get into my top 5 spots to take your Ocean Lover’s Guide in Cornwall…
1. Porthpean Beach
So I may be slightly bias, as this beach is my local but it’s one of my favourite spots for wildlife in Cornwall. Whether it’s rockpooling, snorkelling or even beachcombing Porthpean really does have it all. It’s a beautiful rocky shore with plenty of crevices and rocks to search for hidden wildlife. Along the upper shore you'll come across vast pools that are home to lots of gobies and blennies. I often spend time sat next to these pools watching the fish. As you get down to the lower shore you’ll find an abundance of crabs, including the Shore Crab and Velvet Swimming Crab. It’s also home to SO many Cushion Stars, for all the starfish lovers.
2. Castle Beach, Falmouth
Falmouth is a stunning location for wildlife, most of the beaches are abundant with marine life and you’re bound to have an incredible time at any of them. But, my personal favourite is Castle! On rainier days I like to head along this rocky shore, rockpooling. Where I have often lost hours discovering different species. It has to be one of the best places to see marine life rockpooling. From crabs to starfish to nudibranch to pipefish, to clingfish and so much more. All of these species can be found at Castle. If you decide to get in the water, you’ll discover even more marine life. Think Spider crabs, and big Ballan Wrasse. You’ll adore diving amongst this vast and beautiful underwater world.
3. Battery Rocks, Penzance
A place I only snorkelled at recently, and I was so impressed that it had to make it on the list! Battery Rocks was just an underwater paradise. It genuinely took my breath away. On quite a low tide, you can spend your time gently diving in the shallows, getting lost in the seagrass and seaweed. Coming so close to Wrasse that you can study every single colourful detail of their scales. I can’t put into words how many stunning fish they are to swim with here. As well as striking and beautiful Spiny Starfish, that are always an exciting find.
4. Porthcurno
Search Cornwall on Instagram, and I’m sure Porthcurno will be one of the first places to come up. It’s become an Instagram sensation… but it really is worth the hype. As soon as you see Porthcurno, you think you’ve stepped out of Cornwall and arrived somewhere much more tropical. It could be the turquoise blue water or the bright white sand, either way it’s really stunning. Getting in the water for a dip is incredible… but one of my favourite things to do is paddle board around to the hidden coves around Porthcurno. Once you pull up on these beaches, and have a little explore in the sand you’ll see it’s full of tiny and beautiful shells. I love finding tiny shells, which makes Porthcurno an incredible beachcombing spot.
5. St Agnes
The rock pools in St Agnes really are nothing short of incredible! It’s a really special place for me, because it’s the first time I ever saw a Spiny Starfish so close up! As well as the teeniest tiniest Cushion Star, that was smaller than 1cm. Expect to find an abundance of Snakelocks Anemones, incredible kelp to search for Blue-Rayed Limpets in and Starfish galore on the lower shore. It’s such a beautiful rock pooling spot.
So which beach are you exploring first? I hope this list encourages you to get out there and explore our shores, because there are truly so many beautiful species for you to see. Whether it’s rock pooling, snorkelling or diving, the marine life is magical! … and if you don’t have one already, make sure to grab your copy of the Ocean Lover’s Guide, it’s the perfect ocean companion! Grab yours here.
