The Best Sea Swimming Spots in North Wales
For some brave folk, sea swimming is on the agenda all year-round, but the shoulder seasons of May – June and September – October is arguably our favourite time to submerge. The waters are often at their warmest later on in the year, having been warmed throughout summer. Sunrises are also at a mercifully earlier time, making for a magical early-morning experience that you can even squeeze in before work. Below, we’ve listed our top 10 sea swimming spots throughout North Wales, followed by some essential safety tips to consider before you head out.
Porthdinllaen, Llyn Peninsula
Famed for it’s stunning pub on the beach, Ty Coch, Porthdinllaen was once a bustling ship-building village with no less than four pubs. Today, it’s a quaint paradise owned by the National Trust. The waters directly in front of the pub are great for a dip, while a tiny secluded bay just around the corner (beside the lifeboat station) is even better.
Where can I park? Paid parking is available at both the golf club (LL53 6DA) and in the National Trust carpark (LL53 6DA.) It’s around a 20-minute walk to the Ty Coch either along the beach or the headland from the golf club. At high tide, you’ll need to go through the golf course.
Abersoch Marina, Llyn Peninsula
Beloved of locals thanks to its easy, instant access from the village centre, Abersoch Marina is perfect for a life-affirming dip at high tide. I personally bumped into a wonderful village resident during a morning swim here, who looked nowhere near her 85 years. When I asked what her secret was, it was – of course – daily sea dips. It’s also a popular spot for the sunrise SUP tours led by Abersoch Watersports. Be mindful that you can only swim here at high tide, and it can be busy with boats.
Where can I park? Get here early enough and you’ll be able to park right at the ramp down to the water on Lon Pen Cei (LL53 7AY.)
Porth Dynion, Anglesey
Also known as The Creek, Lan Mor Llan and Swimmers Cove, Porth Dynion is a secret slice of paradise that brings an element of adventure to your dips. Accessed from Anglesey’s coastal path, you’ll need to walk a short distance before you reach a concrete walkway with a handrail. Take care when entering the water, and be aware of undercurrents and riptides beyond the shelter of the rocks.
Where can I park? There is a limited amount of parking on Penyblonc Road opposite the entrance to the coastal path (LL68 9DU,) just before you enter Amlwch. Follow the coastal path until you reach the handrail and concrete steps leading you down to the water.
Trearddur Bay, Anglesey
Trearddur Bay is teeming with lovely swim spots and sheltered, sandy beaches. For a small, horseshoe bay experience opt for Porth Diana, or if you want a broader space for a serious swim, opt for the main beach. There are rocks littered along both beaches, so ensure that you check the tide times and perhaps even do a low-tide recce to get acquainted with the lay of the land. The nearby Porth Wen at Rhoscolyn is also a stunning and secluded bay for a dip.
Where can I park? There is plenty of parking throughout Trearddur Bay, with the Lôn St. Ffraid Car Park (LL65 2YR) offering closest and easiest proximity to the beaches.
Porthor, Llyn Peninsula
Also known as Whistling Sands, Porthor is a gloriously golden bay with a carpark and a cafe. Nestled in a scenic spot on the northern coastline of the Llyn Peninsula, it is usually pretty sheltered here but conditions can vary – it’s not rare to see surfers and bodyboarders here making the most of some surprise swell!
Where can I park? The National Trust carpark at the top of the road down to the beach (LL53 8LH) offers plenty of spaces.
Aberdaron, Llyn Peninsula
Known as the “Land’s End of Wales,” Aberdaron is a wide, sandy bay with stunning views out across the Irish Sea. The water here is usually calm and inviting, perfect for a relaxed dip after wandering the charming village – the earliest I’ve managed a dip here is March. It was freezing but absolutely invigorating, plus there’s a wood-fired sauna there now, offering some welcome heat as a reward. On still mornings, it’s a truly magical place to swim with views stretching out toward Bardsey Island.
Where can I park? There’s a large National Trust carpark right in the village (LL53 8BE), just a short walk from the beach.
Cable Bay, Anglesey
Also known as Porth Trecastell, Cable Bay is a family favourite. It’s a sheltered sandy cove tucked between headlands, meaning conditions are typically calm with a soft, dandy entry and generous shallows. It’s especially good for a leisurely swim in calm conditions, though it can get busy in peak summer.
Where can I park? The beach is backed by a large, rocky carpark – this fills up quickly during summer so get here early if you want a space (LL63 5TE).
Dinas Dinlle, Llyn Peninsula
Stretching for miles, Dinas Dinlle is a sweeping, pebble-backed beach with breathtaking views of Yr Eifl mountains – the sunsets are nothing short of magical. Swimming here feels wild and open, especially when the tide is high. At low tide, the beach becomes vast and sandy – it can be exposed to the elements though so make sure to check the conditions ahead of your swim.
Where can I park? The beach is backed by rough-ground parking for most of its length, but there’s a good-sized, official pay-and-display carpark at the southern end of the beach near the promenade (LL54 5TW).
White Beach/Traeth Gwyn, Anglesey
Arguably the most secret in this line-up (don’t say we don’t spoil you,) White Beach is a remote, shingle cove surrounded by striking cliffs. It’s a bit of an adventure to get here, and you’ll need to be confident on your feet to walk down the steps, but it’s well worth it for the total seclusion and ‘completely to yourself’ feeling.
Where can I park? This one is so secret that you’ll need to use coordinates (53.315645, -4.096070) to reach the small carpark. Please note that the lanes are narrow on the approach, and there is only space for around 5 cars. You can also reach the beach by walking the Anglesey Coast Path instead.
Borth Y Gest, Llyn Peninsula/Snowdonia
Marking the spot where the mountains tumble down to the sea, Borth Y Gest is the ultimate choice for bowl-you-over scenery. The beaches here are series of small, sandy coves tucked just beyond the picturesque village. For swimming, head out at mid to high tide when the waters lap gently against the shore. It’s tranquil, sheltered and feels worlds away from busier beaches.
Where can I park? There’s parking in Borth-y-Gest village itself (LL49 9TS), and the coves are just a short walk along the coastal path.
Safety Tips for Sea Swimming in North Wales
Below, we’ve listed some of our non-negotiables for safe sea swimming. To be fully prepared, we strongly recommend taking a good look at the RNLI’s advice on Open Water Swimming, as these are the experts who saved 437 lives in 2024.
- Before you go, check the tide times, weather conditions and make someone aware of your plans (i.e. what time you’re going and where)
- Don’t go alone if possible – not only is it a great opportunity to catch up with a friend, sea swimming with someone else means you can look out for each other.
- Wear a brightly coloured swim cap or even better, swimming float.
- Take some form of communication device with you in a waterproof pouch. We all enjoy disconnecting every now and then, but should you get into trouble, your phone or a radio could literally save your life.
- If you do find yourself in trouble – dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.
- Bonus (optional) extra: Take a warm change of clothes (dryrobes are great), a hot drink and some cake to enjoy after your dip.
Book Your Seaside Stay with Oyster
We’re big fans of sea swimming here at Oyster HQ on Anglesey, which is why we have an entire category of holiday properties by the beach. We also offer a concierge service, which means we can help, assist or advise you with your open-water adventures.
