Black Rock Sands
Please note changes for 2014 onwards to Launch & Exclusion zones at this location, on the map below.
Before launching your craft it is vitally important for your own personal safety and the safety of others that you take the time to read carefully the
Rules & Regulations as set out by Gwynedd Council. Please adhere to these rules and regulations at all time.
Black Rock sands is the most popular beach in the county with Personal Watercraft users due mainly to the fact that you can take your car onto the beach and right down to the sea, making launching & recovery very easy. A wide open bay, Blackrock Sands gives an easy start point to any of the more secluded areas of the Llyn Peninsula.
Because of its popularity there is a high beach warden presence on the beach and a patrol vehicle on site. Due to its family friendly nature and the presence of a larg caravan parks at this location, there can be large numbers of young children on the beach or in the water at any time. PLEASE be extra vigilant when launching, recovering & riding and DO NOT ride within exclusion or designated swimming zones.
Launching at Black Rock must be done ONLY in the designated area, between the two posts visible high up on the beach and within the red buoys (as indicated to the right on the map below). You should keep between the 2 lines of red buoys and maintain a maximum speed of 4 knots until you reach the main yellow buoy line.
Please familiarise yourself with the map of the beach and exclusion areas below.
You will notice the warning on the exclusion zone map regarding the soft sand at the North Bank Area of the beach. We would strongly recommend that you do not venture into these areas. * From 2018 onwards, the “Beach Road” access point to the North Bank end of the beach is permanently closed*
There is ample parking on the beach and toilet facilities close by. Parking fees are included in the daily launch fee at this location. If you have a Seasonal Launch Permit for Gwynedd, you will NOT be required to pay any additional parking fees.
*USEFUL TIP* If you need to leave the beach in your tow car, to buy fuel or for any other reason (and you’re leaving your craft/ trailer on the beach) we would advise speaking to the Warden as you leave the beach, so they don’t mistakenly charge you a parking fee on your return to the beach
Please also note the closing times for the beach access gate.
Directions
From the A55 turn off at Bangor and follow the signs onto the A487 towards Caernarfon. Once you reach Caernarfon, continue through the town and stay on the A487 towards the town of Porthmadog.
Once you arrive in Porthmadog you should take the second turning on your left on the roundabout in the centre of town. This will take you along the main high street. Continue up the main high street, then make a right turn towards Morfa Bychan.
Continue along this road until you reach the village of Morfa Bychan. The entrance onto the beach area can be found by following the road straight through the village, where you will see the beach access & warden hut to your left just past “Glan Y Mor” campsite.
From the A5, you will need to follow the road towards the town of Porthmadog. Once you arrive in the town, you need to turn left (signposted for the beach, “Morfa Bychan”) immediately after the Post Office.
TIP
When launching at this location, you should make sure that you are aware of the tide tables (usually displayed in front of the beach supervisor’s offices on both entrances onto the beach) and make sure that, if you are leaving you car on the beach, it will not get washed into the sea while you are on your craft.
There are fuel stations at either end of Porthmadog town, and Robert Owen Marine are situated in the Marina if you have forgotten your goggles/ wetsuit etc, or have a ski problem that needs an expert eye.
Useful Numbers
Porthmadog Harbourmaster : 01766 512 927 or 07702 719 023
Coast Guard (Holyhead) : 01407 762 051
VHF : 12 / 16
Robert Owen Marine : 01766513435
Maritime Office : 01758 704 066
In an Emergency call 999
