A group of historic intertidal seawater pools on the St Peter Port waterfront, free to use, year-round.
Tides are the same island-wide. These are today’s heights and times for La Vallette Bathing Pools.
Today’s highest tide is 8.4 m. Pools begin to cover above the heights below, estimates that vary with weather and sea state.
Higher tides cover the surrounds and railings, which then become unseen obstructions. A pool is not “safe” simply because the predicted tide is below its height.
La Vallette has four bathing areas: the Ladies’, Gents’, Children’s and Horseshoe pools. The historic names remain, but all are mixed and open to everyone. Swimming facilities here developed through the nineteenth century: the Horseshoe structure dates from 1844, with the enclosed pools added later in the century.
Facilities include changing rooms, toilets, cold freshwater showers, paid hot showers, a café and a defibrillator, with free on-street parking nearby. Access to the Children’s, Horseshoe and Gents’ pools is by steps; a ramp serves the Ladies’ Pool but is steep in places, and surfaces can be uneven and slippery when wet.
On bigger tides the sea covers the pool surrounds, railings and other structures, which then become unseen obstructions. The covering heights below are estimates and vary with weather and sea state. A pool is not “safe” simply because the predicted tide is below its height.
Tides. Tide predictions are forecasts. Actual sea level is affected by atmospheric pressure, wind and waves. Always observe the sea and your surroundings.
Swimming. Sea swimming carries risks: currents, waves, rocks, submerged structures, boats and cold water. This page is for planning and does not confirm conditions are safe.
Facilities. Facilities and café opening hours change seasonally. Check directly before making a journey specifically to use them.