There are currently 13 award winning beaches on the Isle of Wight all of which are managed and maintained to the highest standard.

The Isle of Wight has a great many beaches, most of which are suitable for bathing. Care should be exercised with regard to prevailing wind and sea conditions, as well as the state of the tide. In terms of cleanliness, facilities and amenities, the Island' beaches continue to be nominated for and to win awards for excellence. 

Ryde

Has three wide, sandy beaches: Ryde West Sands, Ryde East Sands and Puckpool. Safe, shallow bathing with adult and children's facilities adjacent to the beach. Good for sandcastle building and has a seawater tidepool, but watch out for that tide coming in.

Seaview

A well known spot for sailors - three beaches: Springvale, Seagrove Bay and Priory Bay. Rock pools.

St Helens Bay

This is a good beach for swimming and has rock pools and a sandy beach. Behind the Duver are sand dunes, which are the habitat for lots of wildlife.

Sandown

With its long sandy beach and developed facilities, Sandown is the ideal crowdy beach, for both sand and swimming. It can get crowded though.

Shanklin

Three adjoining beaches: Hope, Esplanade and Appley provide a good, sandy shoreline in the shelter of steep cliffs. Access to beach is by road, foot or from the upper town via the lift. Good swimming and excellent sandcastle terrain.

Bonchurch

A quiet sandy beach with rockpools at low tide.

Ventnor

This sand/shingle beach shelves steeply and has strong waves, next to a small esplanade. Bathing is safe, with opportunities for boating and angling.

Freshwater Bay

An attractive, sheltered bay with limited sand and pebbles. The beach shelves deeply into the sea, so swimmers should take great care.

Alum Bay

Famous of its multi-coloured sands and scenery, the beach is pebbly. Strong tidal currents mean caution should be exercised. Access is by chair lift or on foot from the Needles Pleasure Park.

Totland Bay

A pleasant family resort and popular beach with safe swimming, the bay is sheltered and the beach combines sand and shingle.

Colwell Bay

A busy family resort with a long beach. At low tide a good stretch of sand is revealed, ideal for paddling, swimming and building sandcastles.

Gurnard Bay

Good for family bathing, with a gently shelving sand and shingle beach. Surfing and sailing are possible and there are limited facilities.

West Cowes

The sand and shingle beach makes and interesting viewing point for watching sailing on the Solent.

East Cowes

A good vantage point for watching the yacht racing. A children's paddling pool and playground are next to the beach.

Bembridge

Another well known sailing centre which has a foreshore on three sides. Beach and rock pools tend to disappear at high tide so timing is vital.

Whitecliff Bay

Steep cliff access, but along a picturesque path. The sandy beach is safe for swimming and there is a cafe.