Observation Beach is a 5 km long beach that runs due east from Erehwon Point at Cowes, out along a low, sandy, vegetated spit that terminates at the narrow, sandy Observation Point. Over the past few thousand years, waves and tidal currents sweeping into the bay have transported sand along the spit to build the point. In the process, the spit has enclosed Rhyll Inlet. A foreshore reserve and caravan park back the western end, while the eastern half is occupied by Observation Hill Reserve. The beach varies in width and character depending on the amount of sand moving alongshore. Numerous low, wooden groynes have been built near Cowes to try and prevent the inevitable sand movement. Waves are usually low, though strong westerlies will send small wind waves running along the beach. At high tide the water is relatively deep against the beach, while tidal flats are exposed at low tide. Strong tidal currents run along the outside of the tidal flats. read more

Beach Length: 5.2km