Wembury Beach and Marine Centre
Discover vibrant marine life at Wembury Beach's renowned rockpools and explore interactive exhibits at the Marine Discovery Centre.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Unique UV rockpooling experience
Wembury Beach and Marine Centre
Best Time
Unique UV rockpooling experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover vibrant marine life at Wembury Beach's renowned rockpools and explore interactive exhibits at the Marine Discovery Centre.
"Wembury has a reputation of being one of the best places in the UK to come rockpooling, and I can see why after the experience I had."
Check Tide Times First! :ocean:
Rockpooling is only possible at low tide. Always check local tide charts before planning your visit .
Book Guided Tours :ticket:
Organized rockpool safaris and snorkeling trips offer the best insights and experiences. Book in advance!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
UV Rockpooling Adventure
Wembury Beach
Discover hidden marine creatures under UV light at night. A truly magical and educational experience for all ages.
Marine Discovery Centre
Wembury Beach
Interactive displays and knowledgeable staff bring South Australia's marine wonders to life. Meet Gerald the Porcupine Fish!
Guided Snorkeling Safaris
Wembury Beach
Explore the underwater world with expert guides. A fantastic way to see local sealife up close.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Rockpooling
Embrace Guided Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times First! :ocean:
Rockpooling is only possible at low tide. Always check local tide charts before planning your visit.
Book Guided Tours :ticket:
Organized rockpool safaris and snorkeling trips offer the best insights and experiences. Book in advance!
Bring Your Own UV Torch :flashlight:
Enhance your nighttime rockpooling by bringing your own UV torch for better visibility.
Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:
The rocks can be slippery and uneven. Wear shoes with good grip for safe exploration.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times First! :ocean:
Rockpooling is only possible at low tide. Always check local tide charts before planning your visit.
Book Guided Tours :ticket:
Organized rockpool safaris and snorkeling trips offer the best insights and experiences. Book in advance!
Bring Your Own UV Torch :flashlight:
Enhance your nighttime rockpooling by bringing your own UV torch for better visibility.
Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:
The rocks can be slippery and uneven. Wear shoes with good grip for safe exploration.
Kid-Friendly Fun :child:
Volunteers are brilliant with children, making rockpooling an educational and exciting family activity.
Gerald the Porcupine Fish :fish:
Don't miss meeting Gerald, a resident porcupine fish at the Marine Discovery Centre! 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Wembury Beach is highly praised for its exceptional rockpooling opportunities, with visitors consistently impressed by the abundance and variety of marine life discovered. Guided sessions, particularly the UV rockpooling and those for young children, receive glowing reviews for their educational value and engaging nature. While the beach itself is a natural gem, some visitors note potential challenges with car park access during peak times and the single-lane approach road.
"I visited Wembury to participate in one of their UV rockpooling sessions - which I cannot recommend enough!
It was awesome and not expensive. Obviously visiting at night time meant there were no queues for the car park. To get to the car park you have to drive down a single lane track essentially with some passing points in places, but I can imagine in the daytime during the summer holidays it would be potentially quite frustrating trying to get into the car park and find a space.
There is a toilet block but I didn't take any photos or use them so can't advise on that.
There is also a little cafe but it was shut at nighttime.
Wembury has a reputation of being one of the best places in the UK to come rockpooling, and I can see why after the experience I had.
The highlight for me, was finding a baby Cuttlefish. Absolutely made my year seeing that!
I highly recommend people try this at least once in their life. If you can get your own UV torch you will potentially enjoy the experience more (depending on how good your I.D skills are). If you have no clue what you're looking at stick near the volunteers and staff members and you can't go far wrong!"
Hannah's Adventures in Nature
"We went to the Tots and Toddlers Rockpool Safari with my grand-nephew (3 years old). The volunteers were absolutely brilliant; patient and great at communicating information about so many creatures, showing the children how to gently look out for them, put them in a tub for a closer look, and release them etc. So he "found" a biggish shore crab, got to briefly hold in his palm a starfish so he could see it closely, and was shown anemones, a pipefish, blenny, velvet swimming crab, edible crab - I know Wembury is noted as being an excellent rock-pooling place, but I never expected to see so much, and we wouldn't have without the volunteers. It's a brilliant opportunity to learn a lot, and the ticket is only needed for the children. He had a fantastic time and so did I!"
Sara (WiredWeasel)
"We went to Wembury for a guided snorkelling safari organised by Devon Wildlife Trust. The activity was well run and the equipment provided was really good. The snorkelling itself was amazing - would definitely recommend."
Helen Gottschalk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wembury Beach is accessible by car, with a dedicated car park. Be aware that the single-lane track leading to the car park has passing points, and it can get busy during peak times. Public transport options may be limited, so checking local bus routes is advisable.
Yes, there is a car park available. However, it can fill up quickly during summer holidays and peak times. Arriving early or during off-peak hours is recommended.
The road leading to the Wembury Beach car park is a single-lane track with passing places. Drive cautiously and be prepared to yield to oncoming traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Wembury Beach itself is free. However, there may be charges for parking and for specific organized activities like UV rockpooling safaris or snorkeling tours.
The cost for organized rockpooling sessions can vary, but they are generally considered affordable. For example, one reviewer mentioned a UV rockpooling session was 'not expensive'. It's best to check the official Wembury Marine Centre website for current pricing.
For some events, like the Tots and Toddlers Rockpool Safari, only children require a ticket, with accompanying adults entering for free. Always check the specific event details for ticketing policies.
It is highly recommended to book tickets for guided activities in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot. Check the Wembury Marine Centre's website for online booking options.
The Marine Discovery Centre's opening hours can vary depending on the season and scheduled events. It's advisable to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Wembury is renowned for its rich biodiversity. You can expect to see a variety of creatures including shore crabs, starfish, anemones, pipefish, blennies, velvet swimming crabs, edible crabs, and even baby cuttlefish and small sharks. The Marine Discovery Centre can help you identify them.
Absolutely! The volunteers at the Marine Centre are excellent with children, patiently guiding them to discover and learn about marine life. The Tots and Toddlers Rockpool Safari is specifically designed for younger visitors.
There are toilet facilities available at Wembury Beach. A small cafe is also present, though it may be closed during nighttime events.
Yes, guided snorkeling safaris are organized by groups like the Devon Wildlife Trust, offering an amazing way to explore the underwater environment. The equipment provided is usually of good quality.
The Marine Discovery Centre is an educational facility focused on South Australia's marine life. It features interactive displays, digital reefs, and opportunities to learn about conservation. Students from many schools visit annually.
📸 📸 Photography
Wembury Beach offers stunning coastal scenery, vibrant rockpools teeming with life, and unique nighttime UV photography opportunities. The Marine Discovery Centre also has interesting displays and art installations.
Yes, you can take photos during UV rockpooling sessions, but be mindful of the low light conditions and the need for a good UV light source. Capturing the bioluminescent glow can be challenging but rewarding.
Local artist Azzy donated painted jigsawed fish featuring local species like the Ornate Cowfish and Port Jackson Shark to the Marine Discovery Centre, which can be great for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For hands-on fun, the guided rockpooling sessions are a must. Volunteers are exceptionally patient and skilled at helping young children discover and learn about marine life, making it a safe and educational experience.🌊 Nature Enthusiasts & Wildlife Lovers
🌙 Nighttime Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Wembury's Rockpools
The Marine Discovery Centre plays a crucial role in enhancing the visitor experience. Their knowledgeable staff and volunteers are passionate about marine conservation and education. They offer guided rockpooling sessions, including unique UV rockpooling safaris that transform the beach into a glowing wonderland after dark.
Beyond the immediate rockpools, Wembury also offers opportunities for guided snorkeling safaris, allowing a more immersive exploration of the underwater world. These activities, often organized by wildlife trusts, provide access to areas not easily reachable from the shore and offer a different perspective on the local marine biodiversity. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or a curious beginner, Wembury Beach provides an accessible and deeply rewarding encounter with the wonders of the ocean.
Marine Discovery Centre: A Hub of Learning and Art
Visitors can also encounter fascinating marine creatures, such as Gerald the Porcupine Fish, who has become a bit of a local celebrity.+1Beyond its educational exhibits, the MDC also embraces the arts. Local artist Azzy has contributed painted jigsawed fish, depicting local species like the Ornate Cowfish and Port Jackson Shark, adding a colorful artistic dimension to the centre.
Furthermore, the centre showcases student-led initiatives, like an interactive display developed by a young student about the Hooded Plover, highlighting a passion for both visual arts and wildlife conservation. These artistic integrations make the learning experience more dynamic and memorable for visitors of all ages.The MDC is not just a static exhibition space; it's a dynamic environment that hosts events and welcomes community engagement. From art exhibitions like 'Strange Tides'
to live music performances for families, the centre often buzzes with activity. This blend of scientific education, artistic expression, and community events makes the Marine Discovery Centre a multifaceted destination worth exploring.
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