Current Forecast & Tides

About this spot

Saunton Sands is one of North Devon's finest stretches of beach — three miles of Atlantic-facing sand that catches the prevailing south-westerlies well. The beach works across all tide states, though mid-to-low is generally considered best for kitesurfing, giving more room to work with as the sand opens up.

The Atlantic swell means this is a proper wave spot when conditions align — not one for nervous intermediates looking for flat water, but excellent for those comfortable in powered-up conditions.

Restrictions

Local notes

Lessons

Coastal Kitesurfing Coastal Kitesurfing are based at Saunton Sands and also operate at Crow Point and Westward Ho!. They offer beginner and progression lessons with a strong focus on safety. Call or WhatsApp 07877 818465 to book, or send them a Facebook message.

Parking

The main car park sits directly above the beach and is camera-controlled — pay by contactless card on arrival. The first 20 minutes are free; charges apply beyond that. Season tickets (£230 for 12 months, two vehicles per pass) are available from the Beach Shop on site. Check current rates on the Saunton Beach car park page.

Water quality

Storm overflow data for Saunton Sands is monitored in real time by South West Water via their telemetry network. Current water quality status — including active sewage discharges and recent spill alerts — updates automatically in the live forecast app.

Nearby spots

Westward Ho! is a 15-minute drive north and catches the same SW–NW window, with a longer season for N winds too. Croyde Bay is just around the headland for heavier wave conditions when the swell is pumping and you want more shelter. For calmer, flatwater sessions in similar wind, head to Duckpond (Exmouth) on the south Devon coast.