Overview

Vazon Bay is a large sandy beach on the west coast of Guernsey, in the parish of Castel, popular with visitors and locals for its wide open bay and coastal views. It is particularly well known as a hub for surfing and other extreme water sports, and dogs are subject to specific seasonal restrictions on parts of the beach.

Dog Policies & Seasonal Rules

The States of Guernsey list Vazon Bay (northern end) among the beaches where dogs are banned between 1 May and 30 September each year. The ban at the northern end starts from the drainage pipe near Richmond Kiosk, meaning dogs are not allowed on that section of the beach during this period.

Outside these dates, dogs are permitted, but owners are advised to prevent dogs from disturbing wildlife, especially birds during the February to July breeding season, and to pick up after their pets in line with local regulations. No additional on-lead or time-of-day rules specific to Vazon Bay are published online; visitors should refer to local signage or contact the local authority for clarification.

Beach Features & Environment

Vazon Bay is described as a large expanse of sand, making it one of Guernsey’s broad sandy beaches when the tide is out. The bay is especially popular with surfers, kite flyers, bodyboarders and other extreme sports enthusiasts because of its surf-friendly conditions.

The beach forms a wide open bay on Guernsey’s west coast, giving it an exposed coastal setting with sea views. It is recognised as one of the island’s key surfing spots, supported by an on-site surf school operating in the bay.

Facilities & Amenities

Guernsey Surf School is based at Vazon Bay, offering surfing lessons, courses and programmes for all ages and abilities. The bay also hosts several food outlets, including Richmond Kiosk towards the western end for snacks and ice cream, and the family-friendly Vistas and Crabby Jacks at the eastern end, which offer a wider range of meals and rooftop dining with views over the beach.

Bus routes 42, 62, 91 and 92 serve Vazon Bay according to the Visit Guernsey listing, providing public transport access. No toilets, showers, dog waste bins, drinking water points, or picnic areas are specifically mentioned in the provided sources; no additional facilities are mentioned in publicly available information.

Parking & Access

The provided sources do not describe any specific car parks, parking charges, distances from parking to the beach, or parking opening hours for Vazon Bay. Parking details are not listed in publicly available sources; visitors should check locally or with the relevant authority for up-to-date information.

Safety Information

Visit Guernsey highlights Vazon Bay as “great for surfing” and encourages visitors to use the VisitGuernsey app to check the best times to swim and ease of access, implying that conditions vary with tides and weather. However, there are no detailed online notes in the provided sources about specific hazards, rip currents, cliff risks, or dedicated lifeguard services.

No official safety information is provided online in the cited pages; visitors should follow on-site signage, consult local advice (including the VisitGuernsey app), and take general coastal and water-safety precautions.

Accessibility Information

The Visit Guernsey listing for Vazon Bay notes that their app can provide more information on ease of access to the beach, but does not give detailed accessibility specifications on the web page itself. There is no specific mention of step-free paths, ramps, wheelchair access, surface type, gradient, accessible toilets or designated disabled parking in the provided sources.

Accessibility details are not publicly available in the cited pages; visitors requiring specific accommodations should contact Visit Guernsey, the managing organisation or local authority, or consult the VisitGuernsey app for up-to-date information.

Nearby Dog-Friendly Spots

Visit Guernsey highlights Vistas and Crabby Jacks at the eastern end of Vazon Bay as family-friendly places to eat overlooking the beach, and Richmond Kiosk at the western end for snacks and ice cream. The Channel Islands Direct description also notes that the bay has great eating establishments including Vistas and Crabby Jacks.

The provided sources do not explicitly confirm dog-friendliness for these venues or mention other nearby dog-friendly cafés, trails, parks or attractions. No nearby dog-friendly locations are referenced in the provided sources; visitors should contact individual businesses directly to confirm their dog policy.

FAQs

Dog-Friendly Places to Eat Near Vazon Bay

After a long run on the sand or watching the surfers take on the Atlantic swells, you’ll likely be looking for a spot to refuel. Vazon Bay is surrounded by some of the most popular dog-friendly eateries in Guernsey, making it the perfect destination for a full day out with your pack.

Beachfront Cafes & Kiosks (Perfect for a Quick Bite)

Ideal for grabbing a coffee or a famous Guernsey bean jar while your dog enjoys the sea breeze:

• Vistas Beach Café: Positioned right in the center of the bay, Vistas is a favorite for dog owners. While dogs aren't allowed inside, their extensive outdoor terrace is famously welcoming and offers some of the best views of the beach.
• Richmond Beach Kiosk: Located at the northern end of the bay, this is a must-visit for any pet owner. Known for its friendly service, they often provide free dog biscuits and have plenty of picnic bench seating overlooking the sand.

Pubs & Restaurants (For Hearty Meals & Sunset Drinks)

If you are looking for a more substantial meal after a coastal hike, these nearby spots are excellent choices:

• Crabby Jack's: A very popular family-friendly restaurant located just across the coast road. Dogs are welcome in the large Outside Seating Area, which is a great place to relax with a burger or local seafood after a walk.
• The Rockmount: Just a short walk or 2-minute drive north to Cobo, "The Rocky" is one of the most dog-friendly pubs on the island. Dogs are welcome in the Public Bar and on the terrace.

Nearby "Hidden Gems" (A Short Walk or Drive)

If you want to head slightly inland for a bit of shelter, these locations are perfectly situated:

• Fleur du Jardin: Located just a few minutes' drive inland at Castel, this charming "Flower of the Garden" pub is exceptionally dog-friendly. They have a lovely beer garden and a cozy bar area where your dog can join you.
• Saumarez Park Café: Situated in the nearby Saumarez Park, this is an ideal spot for a post-walk treat. It’s particularly good if you've walked the nature path that connects Vazon to the park.

🐾 Local Expert Tip: The "Richmond" End

At the northern end of Vazon (near Richmond Kiosk), it is recommended to keep dogs on a lead even when the seasonal ban is lifted. This area is a vital feeding ground for wading birds, and staying on-lead helps protect Guernsey’s local wildlife while still letting your dog enjoy the sights and smells of the shore!

View the menus and details for these nearby spots: