Photos of Portobello Beach
Today at Portobello Beach
12.9°C
CoolCooler than it looks. Cold shock is possible on entry. Take your time getting in.
Copernicus Marine (Satellite) · the label is our plain summary of the numbers, not advice
Before you go
Reviews
About
Open water swimming sessions are organised here by Edinburgh Road club triathlon squad. There is a 400m swimming loop set out and all swimmers must be signed up to NOWCA to take part. This venue uses NOWCA’s safety software system to scan swimmers in and out of the water. This insured all swimmers for personal accident insurance. There are a number of qualified STA Open Water Coaches working from here doing beginners to experienced. Wild Swim Scotland / Swim Freedom / Swimpressive
Location
Getting there
There is a good amount of free parking in the local streets but pleas be aware not to block driveways and lane access. You can access the Prom at the bottom of all the streets leading to the beach. The Groyns have numbered posts from 1 at the West end nearest Kings Road to 6 at the West End at Joppa Rocks. Theee are regular gaps in the sea wall for ease of access to the sand.
Accessibility
The beach is wide and slopes gently to the sea. Theee are very few hazards. The Groyns provide safe orientation and distance markers. There is a band of rocks and squishy mud at a low tide and it is a long shallow walk to get to swimming depth at low tide. Something to be aware of on cold and windy days. There are only public toilets at Bath Street near the Main Street and at the West end in the Prom.
What swimmers say
Facilities
Activities
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Every swimmer at your spot asks the same question: how’s the water today? A free poster or a live screen answers it — and brings your swimmers into a community that reports back.
- Completely free No fee for venues, no fee for swimmers. Print the poster, open the screen, and it runs itself.
- Wild Pro is optional Swimmers who want days two to seven of the forecast can subscribe — £3.99/mo or £29.99/yr. Today’s conditions and all official water quality are free for everyone, with no account.
- Safety first Water temperature, wind, waves, tides and the official bathing-water rating, shown plainly so people can decide for themselves.
- Live conditions Forecasts from Open-Meteo, tides from WorldTides, sea temperature from Copernicus Marine, and water quality from the agencies that test it.
- Built on community Swimmers post what they found. A poster or a screen at your spot turns every swim into a report the next swimmer can use.
Frequently asked questions
Is this beach safe for swimming?
Check the Conditions tab for current wave height, swell and wind. Review the Quality tab for the latest Environment Agency classification. Always read recent community reports for local knowledge.
When is the best time to swim here?
Check the Tides tab for today's high and low times. Many coastal spots are best around high tide when there's enough water depth, or during slack water when currents are weakest.
What should I bring?
A tow float for visibility, warm layers for after, and footwear for rocky entries. In colder months, consider a wetsuit, gloves, and a swim cap.
What should I know before swimming here?
Check tide times before entering. Incoming tides can cut off escape routes. Watch for rip currents, especially near groynes and headlands. Cold water shock is real. Enter slowly and control your breathing. Always swim with others or tell someone your plan. A tow float makes you visible to boats and other water users. Conditions change fast. Always check the latest data, read recent community reports, and swim within your ability.
