Looe Island

Island Small island nature reserve off Cornwall coast

A small island off Cornwall’s Looe, reachable by local boat trips; popular with day-trippers for seabird colonies, coastal walks and short boat excursions.

Main image

Looe Island, also called St George’s Island, is a small island off the southeast coast of Cornwall, England, near the town of Looe. The island is a long-standing nature reserve with ruins and coastal habitats that support seabirds and maritime flora.

The island is roughly 1 kilometre offshore and is reached by seasonal passenger boats from Looe harbour. Paths cross the island and visitors follow waymarked routes; landing is subject to tides and local landing arrangements.

Historically the island has been used intermittently for fishing, grazing and religious purposes; archaeological remains include traces of historic occupation. Today it is managed for wildlife and low-impact visitor access.

Looe Island sits off the Cornish coast in south-west England, immediately offshore from the town of Looe and visible from the town’s harbour and coastal paths.

  • Access and name: Known locally as St George's Island and managed as a nature reserve, accessible by small passenger boats from Looe harbour.
Looe Island
Off the coast of Looe, Cornwall (England)
50.3333, -4.4500
Open 24 hours (access via boat operators; landing permissions required)
Visiting the island is by boat or authorised landings-boat operators charge fares (varies)

How to Get to Looe Island #

Boat operators run short trips from Looe harbour; crossings are seasonal and weather-dependent-book with a local operator for landing permissions and schedule.

Tips for Visiting Looe Island #

  • Boat crossings are weather-dependent-check with local operators in Looe and book in advance in summer.
  • The island is small and sensitive; follow local guidelines and avoid disturbing nesting birds (seasonal restrictions may apply).
  • Wear sturdy shoes for rocky landings and an outer layer-the channel can be chilly even on warm days.

Best Time to Visit Looe Island #

Looe Island (St George's Island) is a small island off Looe, Cornwall; visits are by boat and the island is noted for seabirds and historic ruins.

Late Spring-Summer
May-Aug · 12-20°C
Calmer seas and best time for boat trips and coastal birdlife.
Autumn
Sep-Oct · 10-16°C
Fewer tourists and pleasant light for coastal walks; boat services may reduce.

Weather & Climate near Looe Island #

Climate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
25°
Warmest Month
-4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

Weather

0.1
UV Index
Low
8.4h daylight

February

Weather

0.2
UV Index
Low
9.9h daylight

March

Weather

0.4
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

Weather

0.9
UV Index
Moderate
13.6h daylight

May

Weather

1.3
UV Index
High
15.3h daylight

June

Weather

1.5
UV Index
Very High
16.2h daylight

July

Weather

1.4
UV Index
High
15.7h daylight

August

Weather

1.2
UV Index
High
14.3h daylight

September

Weather

0.8
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

Weather

0.3
UV Index
Low
10.6h daylight

November

Weather

0.1
UV Index
Low
8.8h daylight

December

Weather

0.1
UV Index
Low
7.9h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Looe Island