Looe Island St George's Island
A marine nature reserve island off Looe, known for its smuggling past and wildlife, accessible by boat or rare low tides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Walk to the island
Looe Island St George's Island
Best Time
Walk to the island
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A marine nature reserve island off Looe, known for its smuggling past and wildlife, accessible by boat or rare low tides.
"Lovely views across to the island from sunny Hannafore, Cornwall."
🚢 Book Boat Trips Early
Official boat trips are the main way to visit. Book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot!
👟 Check Tide Times
Walking to the island is only possible at extreme low spring tides. Always check local tide charts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St. George's Island Views
Hannafore Beach
Breathtaking panoramic sea views across to the island, especially stunning from Hannafore.
Marine Nature Reserve
Looe Island
Explore a protected marine area teeming with wildlife. Keep an eye out for seals!
Smuggling Heritage
Looe Island
Discover the island's intriguing past, once a haven for smugglers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Access & Timing
Island Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Book Boat Trips Early
Official boat trips are the main way to visit. Book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot!
👟 Check Tide Times
Walking to the island is only possible at extreme low spring tides. Always check local tide charts.
👀 Look for Seals
The island is a nature reserve; keep an eye out for seals basking or swimming nearby.
🚶♀️ Explore Hannafore
Enjoy lovely views of the island from Hannafore Beach, a great spot for a stroll.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Book Boat Trips Early
Official boat trips are the main way to visit. Book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot!
👟 Check Tide Times
Walking to the island is only possible at extreme low spring tides. Always check local tide charts.
👀 Look for Seals
The island is a nature reserve; keep an eye out for seals basking or swimming nearby.
🚶♀️ Explore Hannafore
Enjoy lovely views of the island from Hannafore Beach, a great spot for a stroll.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the beautiful views of St. George's Island from Hannafore and the enjoyable boat trips around it. The island's natural beauty and potential for wildlife sightings are highlights. However, some reviews mention a 'poorly presented' island and a lack of confident staff, suggesting expectations should be managed for a more rustic experience.
"Good boat trip around St George's island lasted approximately 45 minutes to an hour would definitely recommend going on the boat trip and as for Looe it's such a beautiful place and plenty of shopping if you like all that and remember to look for all the little shops tucked away there are lots of them"
Brian Orson
"Lovely views across to the island from sunny Hannafore, Cornwall"
Maureen Williams
"poorly presented island and no what so ever confident staff"
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach Looe Island is by taking an official boat trip from Looe. These trips offer a scenic journey and allow you to experience the island. Walking across is only feasible during very specific, extremely low spring tides.
Yes, but only during exceptionally low spring tides. This is a rare occurrence, so it's best to check tide tables and local advice. For most visitors, boat trips are the reliable option.
Several operators offer boat trips around St. George's Island from Looe. These typically last around 45 minutes to an hour and provide excellent views.
Looe has several car parks, but they can get busy. It's advisable to arrive early or consider public transport if possible.
Looe Island, also known as St. George's Island, is located about a mile off the coast of Looe.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are required for the boat trips that take you to or around Looe Island. It's recommended to book these in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Looe Island is a nature reserve and its accessibility is primarily dictated by boat trip schedules and tide times. There are no fixed 'opening hours' in the traditional sense.
Prices for boat trips can vary between operators. It's best to check directly with the boat trip companies departing from Looe for current pricing.
While you can view the island from the mainland, independent visits are generally limited to the rare occasions of extreme low tides allowing a walk across. Boat trips are the standard method for visiting.
The cost is typically for the boat trip. Once on the island (via boat), there may be specific access rules or guided tour options, but direct entry fees are not always separate from the boat fare.
📸 📸 Photography
Hannafore Beach offers fantastic vantage points for capturing the island. During boat trips, you'll get unique angles of the island and its coastline.
Yes, Looe Island is a nature reserve, so there are opportunities to photograph wildlife, including seals. Remember to be respectful and maintain a safe distance.
Absolutely. The rugged coastline, sea views, and the island itself provide dramatic scenery for landscape photographers.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, often provide the most dramatic lighting for photographing the island and its surroundings.
Drone usage is often restricted in nature reserves and coastal areas to protect wildlife and for safety. It's crucial to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the island itself might be more about natural exploration than playgrounds, the journey and the views are engaging. Ensure you book boat trips in advance, as they are the main access point and can be popular. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as facilities on the island might be limited. The walk across during low tide, if conditions permit, could be a fun, albeit brief, exploration for older children who are comfortable with uneven terrain. Otherwise, enjoying the views from Hannafore Beach is a great, accessible alternative for families.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Wildlife Spotters
The boat trips offer a fantastic way to observe the island's coastline and potentially spot marine creatures from the water. For the best wildlife viewing, aim for quieter times of the day, perhaps early morning or late afternoon. While the island's presentation might not be its strongest suit according to some, its value as a protected natural habitat is undeniable. The opportunity to see seals in their natural environment is a significant draw for many visitors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Looe Island: Nature and History
Historically, the island has been linked to smuggling activities, adding an intriguing layer to its character. While the island is protected, its past is a fascinating aspect for visitors to learn about. The experience on the island is often described as natural and less commercialized, which appeals to many, though some reviews suggest it can be 'poorly presented'.
Access to the island is primarily through boat trips departing from Looe. These trips not only provide transport but also offer scenic views of the coastline and the island itself. For the adventurous, it's possible to walk to the island during exceptionally low spring tides, a unique experience that connects visitors directly with the marine environment.
Getting to and Experiencing Looe Island
For those interested in a more unique adventure, the possibility of walking to the island exists, but only during specific, very low spring tides. This requires careful planning and checking of tide tables.
If you're not able to make the walk or take a boat trip, the Hannafore Beach area on the mainland provides stunning views across to St. George's Island, making it a worthwhile destination in itself for photography and coastal walks. When planning your visit, consider that the island's appeal lies in its natural setting and historical whispers. While some visitors have noted that the island presentation could be improved, the natural beauty and the chance to spot wildlife, such as seals, are consistently praised.
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