What is the Song of the Sea Cave at Nanjizal Beach?
Nanjizal beach and its serene cave, the Song of The Sea, was once a well-kept secret of local residents and coast path walkers, but the rapid growth of social media and phone cameras has made Nanjizal a favourite Corish location for Instagram posts, TicToks, and YouTube videos alike.
The remote beach at Nanjizal, near Land’s End, is home to The Song of the Sea Cave or Zawn Pyg to use its Cornish name. This is a cavernous sea cave, created by a natural arch on the southern side of the beach, and can be accessed at low tide. The cave has 2 entrances, one large on the beach side and a narrow slit on the seaward side. As the sun goes down the sunlight shines dramatically through the gap. 2 sea pools divided by a rocky reef make an incredible wild swimming experience and on a very calm day, it is possible to swim right through the cave.
Incredible Nanjizal FPV Drone Flight | Video Credit: biscuitsalive
Is Nanjizal Beach Dangerous?
We are here to not only share the love of Cornwall’s hidden Gems but also share our knowledge too, so you have a safe and memorable visit to Cornwall. This remote location is well off the beaten track, with difficult access and no phone signal. Nanjizal is not suitable for families with small children, people with mobility issues or large amounts of kit.
The sea in this southwestern tip of the country is wild and unforgiving. Hidden currents and large Atlantic swells make this un-lifeguarded beach extremely dangerous for swimming except on the calmest of days. On our last visit here, on a hot August afternoon, we were involved in a dramatic sea rescue of an ill-prepared holidaymaker caught out by the tide.
Check the tide times and the weather forecast before you venture off to Nanjizal and do not enter the water unless you are absolutely sure it’s safe to do so.
How do you get to Nanjizal?
You have 3 walking options to get to Nanjizal. There is no vehicle access to Nanjizal beach, whichever route you take you are going to need to walk a fair distance, So, travel light and be prepared to bring everything home with you afterward.
- From Land’s End walk east along the South West Coast Path for 1.6 miles (about 35 minutes)
- From Porthgwarra walk west along the South West Coast Path for 2 miles (about 50 minutes)
- From Polgigga park in this lay by and follow the bridle path to coast for 1.1 miles (about 25 minutes)
When is the best time to swim at the Song of the Sea Cave?
The beach at Nanjizal is completely underwater at high tide and the sea cave is only accessible at low water so time your trip here carefully.
The best time to swim here it at low tide, on a calm day. If you can time it for the late afternoon as the sun is setting then that’s even better.
Is Nanjizal Beach dog friendly?
There are no restrictions for dogs at Nanjizal but it’s a small beach, with steep steps and large boulders so it’s not suitable for all dogs if you are going on a hot day take plenty of water as it’s a long walk.
Is the Song of the Sea Cave suitable for small children?
We don’t recommend this beach for families with small children. It’s a long walk, there are no facilities, difficult access, no lifeguard and the sea here can be very dangerous. Check out the beaches at nearby Sennen or Porthcurno instead.
What else is there to do near Nanjizal?
Our other suggestions for places to visit near here our:
- Visit the picturesque Poldark film locations of Porthgwarra & Penberth
- Climb Logan Rock at Treen
- Skinny dipping at Pedn Vounder Beach
- Exploring Carn Euney Ancient Village & Fogu
