Skip to content
Jersey Island Guide
All experiences

Surf watching near La Rocco Tower

Sentinel of St Ouen's, ocean's moody canvas

Perched on the vast expanse of St Ouen's Bay, La Rocco Tower stands as a historic sentinel. This Martello tower, an enduring testament to coastal defence, offers more than just a glimpse into Jersey's military past; it provides a remarkable vantage point for the island's dramatic natural beauty.

La Rocco Tower is one of many such fortifications that dot Jersey's coastline, built in the early 19th century to guard against potential French invasion following the Napoleonic Wars. Its strategic position in the sweeping curve of St Ouen's Bay made it crucial for observing the western approaches to the island. Over the centuries, the tower has witnessed countless tides ebb and flow, from calm, sun-drenched afternoons to tempestuous winter storms. Today, it stands not as a symbol of conflict, but of resilience and natural grandeur, its stone walls weathering the elements. The tower is a tangible link to Jersey's past, reminding us of the island's long history of safeguarding its shores.

What to expect

Visitors to La Rocco Tower primarily come for the breathtaking views and the atmospheric setting. The tower itself is best appreciated from its surroundings, offering a focal point for photography. You can stroll along the expansive sandy beach, feeling the Atlantic breeze and watching the surf roll in. The changing tides dramatically alter the landscape around the tower, sometimes isolating it amidst the waves, at other times allowing closer access across the sand. It's a place for quiet contemplation, observing nature's power, and capturing Jersey's rugged beauty through a lens.

Where it is

La Rocco Tower is prominently located on the northern end of St Ouen's Bay on Jersey's west coast. It's easily accessible by car, with pull-offs along the coast road for parking. From here, a short walk across the sand or along the sea wall will bring you to viewpoints offering excellent perspectives of the tower. Surfing schools and beachfront cafes are dotted along the bay, making it a lively area, yet the tower often feels like a secluded outpost.

Area

St Ouen's Bay (west)

Duration

1 hr

Best time

Rising tide into sunset

Tide

High tide

Weather

Best in good weather

Good for

Photography, Couples, Solo

Difficulty

Easy

Booking

Just turn up

Safety note

Do NOT walk out to the tower on a falling tide - the causeway floods quickly and tide tables shift daily.

Pair it with

Drive 5 minutes to La Corbière for round two of sunset.

Highlights

  • • Iconic historic Martello tower
  • • Panoramic St Ouen's Bay vistas
  • • Exceptional sunset photography
  • • Witness dramatic tidal changes
  • • Stroll vast sandy beaches

Check tide tables before your visit; at very low tides, it's possible to walk closer to the tower, though it remains a private rental property.

#Sunset#Surf#View#Photography#Tides

More like this