We are going to discuss some of our favourite open water swims in South Devon over the next few weeks, so you can share in the beauty too. South Devon is home to some incredible coastal spots. Whether you’re looking for a quiet cove to float around in or an epic mission, there is something for everyone.
To start the series, we’re heading to one of our favourite swims: Burgh Island. Explore caves, arches, and tidal routes with expert tips and safety advice from River to Reef Water Safety.
At River to Reef Water Safety, we offer guided swim experiences led by local swim guides and supported by SLSGB lifeguards. So if any of these swims interest you, but you don’t have the local knowledge of the water, explore our guided swim experiences.
Open Water Swims: Burgh Island
A quick foreword: Strong swell, surge, and submerged hazards can develop quickly, even in otherwise calm conditions. This should only be attempted in suitable conditions with good swimming ability and local knowledge.
We aren’t releasing these posts in a particular order, but I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t my favourite swim. Though it can prove to be one of the more exposed locations, churning in some impressive swell and surging water up the cliffs, it also offers the most interesting crags, caves, and arches to explore along your swim!
The satisfaction of being able to fully circumnavigate the island is hard to beat. It tends to pay off to switch the route you take around the island depending on the tidal currents. Although it doesn’t give you as much support as the final Swoosh in the Avon River swim, it can give you that extra helping hand to make life slightly easier.
Swim Start
The north-west side of the island offers most of the rocky crevices to explore. As you circumnavigate, if done in an anti-clockwise fashion, you can cut into the island through the first set of rock pools, giving you a deep gully to swim through. If you are lucky, this is where we might see the first fish, starfish or spider crab as they like to lurk in the seaweed forest below. Immediately to your left, as the gully opens out to a larger bowl of water, there is a large cave that can be swum into. Please mind the sharp rocks on some parts of the sea floor here.
Lazy River
Once you’ve explored the first cave, it’s time to head back through more gullies, cutting through the offshoots of the island. The next feature you’ll notice is what we call the ‘lazy river’. Depending on the currents and swell of the day, you can enter the lazy river and get washed into the island, around a bend and back out again. Another one to be careful of, even if you are a regular Burgh Islander. The conditions are always changing and on rougher days this lazy river can become more like a swift water rapid! Take your time watching it as different sets of waves roll in and make sure you are comfortable swimming out.
Archways and Alleyways
Following the lazy river, the island has a few more treats up its sleeve! With a narrow archway dug into the island, on the right tide height you can swim through (single file) out to the other side. At this point we are just about ready to bear a left and make our way to the south side of the Island, doing so through the large ‘alleyway’ cut through the island’s southern tail.
A Hidden Cave
Here is possibly one of my favourite parts: a cave buried inside the edge of the island that, unlike the first one, isn’t quite so big. This means that at high tide, the entry can be completely hidden under water. For more confident swimmers, all it takes is a little dip underwater and you find yourself inside the cave. You’ll notice there is, in most swell conditions, a distinctive ROAR as water gets squeezed through the tiny cracks in the cave wall. On our swims, one person at a time swims under and our safety team will always be there to guide you.
Heads Down
From here, it’s time to get our heads down and swim along the rest of the south side of the island. If we are lucky, you may spot a seal from nearby Hope Cove rearing its head. As we swim along, it’s always worth taking a moment to admire the towering cliffs of the island, a perspective only achieved from the water.
Final Stretch
Our final stretch, as we turn to the east side, takes us in between Murray’s Rock and back towards dry land.
An epic adventure all round, taking time to explore the island’s beauty and features. But remember to check in with your other swimmers to make sure they aren’t getting cold when stopping at the many features. The island can also throw up some tricky conditions not visible from shore, so never go alone (back up on a boat or board is ideal) and always seek local knowledge and advice.
If you’d like to experience this swim safely, join one of our guided swim experiences. Our team manages tides, monitors conditions, and provides safety cover so you can focus on enjoying the swim.
Keep an eye out for our next blog post, where we will reveal another of our favourite spots!
Burgh Island Swim FAQ
Can you swim around Burgh Island?
Yes, it is possible to swim all the way around Burgh Island. Many swimmers choose to circumnavigate the island, exploring caves, gullies, and arches along the route. However, conditions such as swell, tides, and currents can vary significantly, so it should only be attempted by confident swimmers with good local knowledge.
Is Burgh Island safe for open water swimming?
Burgh Island can be a safe and rewarding open water swim in the right conditions, but it is also an exposed location. Strong swell, surge, and submerged hazards can develop quickly and cause a very dangerous swim. It is important to assess conditions carefully, never swim alone, and ideally have safety support such as a kayak, paddleboard, or experienced guide. Tell the lifeguards on the beach when you leave and plan on returning. Remember to tell them you’ve returned or there might be a lifeboat looking for you! If you are unsure about what is safe and lack the local knowledge, check out our guided swim experiences.
What should I watch out for when swimming around Burgh Island?
Swimmers should be aware of strong currents pulling around and off the island; surging water in caves and gullies; and sharp rocks beneath the surface. Features like the ‘lazy river’ can change quickly and become more powerful in rough conditions. Always take time to observe the water before entering and avoid committing to features you are unsure about.
Do I need local knowledge to swim at Burgh Island?
Yes, local knowledge is highly recommended. Understanding tidal flows, safe entry and exit points, and how different swell conditions affect the island can make a significant difference to safety. If you are unfamiliar with the area, consider joining a guided swim experience.
Can beginners swim at Burgh Island?
Burgh Island is generally better suited to confident and experienced open water swimmers due to its exposure and changing conditions. Beginners may find it more suitable to explore calmer locations, we’ll cover some better options for beginners in our future posts.