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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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.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 21 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Address
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.
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