Bossiney Haven (Cornwall)
- Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Chop
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Bossiney Haven is a small, sandy, sheltered cove with a beach-break that works best around low tide. Surf options include both left and right-hand waves, with a right-hand reef break mentioned by one guide. Conditions are described as fairly consistent year-round, but the usable window is limited because the beach can be completely covered at high tide. Wind at Bossiney Haven is strongly influenced by the surrounding cliffs, which can shelter the cove from southerly and northerly winds while still allowing clean/offshore flow when the wind is from the east or southeast. Reports also note frontal wind patterns and moderate gustiness, with one guide describing typical winds in the range of roughly 10–25 knots and overall low reliability. From a safety standpoint, this is a high-caution spot. Guides warn of strong rip currents and dangerous access: the descent involves very steep stairs/footpaths and rocks/submerged reefs at the edges of the cove. There are no lifeguards on site, and emergency services are described as being in Tintagel with potentially poor mobile signal at the base of the cliffs. Trip planning is essential: tide times determine whether you can reach and leave the beach safely, and local guidance notes the area has been closed due to unstable cliffs since 2022. If open, it’s typically suited to beginner-to-intermediate surfers looking for sheltered, low-profile waves in a dramatic cliff setting, especially when winds are blowing offshore from the east/southeast and swell is coming from the west.
- Sheltered cove and generally cleaner conditions when winds are offshore from the east/southeast
- Low-tide dependent: beach can be fully covered at high tide
- Beginner-friendly sheltered wave setting (when conditions are safe and accessible)
- No lifeguards; strong rip currents
- Sheltered beach break with consistent surf and options for left and right handers.
- Generally cleaner conditions when wind is offshore from the east/southeast due to cliff shelter.
- Secluded, low-profile cove (often not busy compared with more famous beaches).
- Access is steep and can be slippery; steps can be unsafe/closed.
- Tidal cutoff: the beach is completely covered at high tide.
- Strong rip currents.
- No lifeguards and remote conditions with potentially poor mobile signal.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ESE, SE, E, NE
- Offshore directions
- SE
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind is described as frontal, with high cliffs affecting what reaches the cove.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusts noted by one provider.
- Best Months
- December
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs provide significant shelter from southerly and northerly winds, creating clean but potentially swirly conditions.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Modest sandy area revealed at low tide, framed by slate/shale rock formations.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — One provider describes medium wave size; another indicates moderate wave power.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — One guide describes chop; another notes mixed conditions.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach at the base of high cliffs; narrow and accessible mainly around low tide.
Through the year
Winter months see frequent Atlantic depressions bringing rain and strong winds.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A sheltered, secluded beach break under dramatic high cliffs, producing left and right-hand options with a right-hand reef break mentioned by one guide. Works best at low tide; the beach can disappear at high tide.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, WNW, NW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Both providers indicate low tide is optimal.
- Shelter
- Sheltered — High cliffs provide shelter and help keep conditions cleaner than more exposed neighbors.
- Wind Effect
- Best with southeast wind (offshore at this spot). East winds are described as providing very clean conditions; high cliffs offer protection from cross-shore winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and disorganized on very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average — One provider rates wave quality as average; another notes generally consistent surf with moderate wave power.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Providers describe both mixed conditions and peeling/mixed characteristics depending on setup.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Fast, short rides.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical rides are described as about 30-50 m, with fast short runs that can become punchy and hollow in the right conditions.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Bossiney Haven (Cornwall) in the full forecast view.
Bossiney Haven (Cornwall) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–31 ktsGusts 51 kts
- Direction
- SW227°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2431 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–5.3 m9s period
- Temperature
- 10–17 °C
Over the next 7 days, Bossiney Haven (Cornwall) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–31 kts, peaking around 31 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 51 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 1.0–5.3 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Strong rip currents
- Unstable cliffs; beach closed due to unstable cliffs (since 2022)
- Steep, often damaged/eroded access steps
- Tidal cutoff: the beach completely disappears at high tide
- Rocks and submerged reefs at the edges of the cove
- Mobile signal can be poor at the base of the cliffs
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards on site.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue availability reported as no on the beach/at launch.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest emergency services are in Tintagel; mobile signal can be poor at the base of the cliffs. (Emergency number 999/112.)
Rules of the spot
No lifeguard service is provided at this remote location. Consult accurate tide times before descending; the beach has a very limited window around low water.
- Beach closed due to unstable cliffs (since 2022)
- Seasonal dog ban sometimes applies (check local signage)
- Access may be closed by local authorities if steps are deemed unsafe
- Always check tide times before descending and you must leave the beach as the tide rises.
- The access path is very steep and can be slippery when wet.
- The tidal window is only about 2-3 hours either side of low water.
- Access is not suitable for wheelchairs or push chairs.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Plymouth
- Nearest Town
- Tintagel
- Nearest Airport
- Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY) (~45 km)
- Parking
- Parking is described as limited at a lay-by on the road or in a dedicated field parking area near the top of the cliff path (seasonal).
- Public Transport
- Limited local bus services; car recommended for transporting gear.
- Access
- Access via steep steps/footpath from Bossiney village down to the cove; not suitable for wheelchairs or push chairs. Parking is described as near the village in a field/lay-by (seasonal details vary by source).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping and cottages are available in nearby Tintagel and Bossiney.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities on the beach; cafes and pubs are located in Bossiney and Tintagel village.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Bossiney Haven (Cornwall)?
The best overall months at Bossiney Haven (Cornwall) are December.
Which wind directions work at Bossiney Haven (Cornwall)?
Bossiney Haven (Cornwall) works with ESE, SE, E, NE winds. Offshore directions are SE.
What skill level is Bossiney Haven (Cornwall) suitable for?
Bossiney Haven (Cornwall) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.