Mexico Towans Beach, near St Ives

Mexico Towan Beach is part of Hayle’s three-mile stretch of blonde sand which starts at the Hayle Estuary and continues up to Godrevy lighthouse. Here’s everything you need to know…

HAYLE WEATHER

Beach Overview

Part of the vast sands that arc around St Ives Bay, Mexico Towans sits between Hayle Towans and Gwithian: pale, powdery sand backed by rolling dunes and big Atlantic horizons. At low tide it becomes a huge, level playground for long walks, beach games and kites; at high tide the water presses towards the dune line and the cove feels wilder and more intimate. Views sweep to Godrevy Lighthouse one way and St Ives the other — sunsets are spectacular.

Lifeguards & Safety

RNLI lifeguards patrol Mexico Towans in season. Always swim between the red‑and‑yellow flags, and keep surf craft to the black‑and‑white zones when set. This is an exposed Atlantic beach with rip currents, shifting sandbars and a punchy shorebreak at higher tides — follow lifeguard advice, avoid inflatables in offshore winds, and supervise children closely. If flags are not flying outside the main season, treat it as unpatrolled and consider moving to a currently staffed area nearby.

Mexico Towans Beach Lifeguard Patrol Dates 2026
Patrol times 10am – 6pm

• Daily 18 July – 06 September

Surf & Watersports

Mexico Towans shares the bay’s classic beach‑break character. On the right banks you’ll find fun, peaky waves; intermediates enjoy clean, mid‑tide sessions, while beginners are best on smaller swells or with a lesson at patrolled spots. Bodyboarders love quick sections on a pushing tide. SUP and kayaking are best reserved for calm mornings — launch well away from any flagged swim zones and give rocky corners a wide berth.

Tide tips: Mid to low tide usually offers easier paddle‑outs and acres of sand for base‑camps. By high tide the beach narrows and dumpers can thump against the upper bank — great for watching, less forgiving to ride. On big spring lows you can roam the sands for miles — leave ample time to return before the tide turns.

Dog Rules

Mexico Towans is generally dog‑friendly year‑round. Please keep dogs under close control among the dunes and around families and wildlife, and always pick up to protect this sensitive habitat. If you’re walking onward to other St Ives Bay beaches, check each cove’s local dog rules as they vary seasonally.

Facilities & Accessibility

There’s parking behind the dunes at Mexico Towans car park and at nearby Hayle Towans/Gwithian access points. Facilities are limited at Mexico Towans itself: the nearest public toilets and cafés are at neighbouring sections (Hayle Towans, The Bluff area, or Gwithian/Godrevy). Access to the sand is via dune paths and slopes with stretches of soft sand — beautiful but not ideal for wheelchairs or buggies.

Coast Path & Nearby Walks

Dune paths link straight to the South West Coast Path. Wander north to Gwithian and Godrevy for lighthouse views and, in season, possible seal‑watching from clifftop lookouts; or head south towards Hayle for estuary vistas and a train‑back option on the St Ives Bay Line from nearby stations.

Places to Eat Nearby

There’s nothing right on the sand at Mexico Towans, which keeps it peaceful. Nearby Hayle offers delis, bakeries and cafés for picnic supplies; Gwithian/Godrevy add beach cafés with sea‑view terraces for post‑surf refuels. The Bluff area by Hayle Towans has casual, family‑friendly options close to the beach.

Rainy‑Day Options

Swap sandy toes for culture at Tate St Ives or the Barbara Hepworth Museum, or head to Paradise Park & JungleBarn in Hayle for indoor wildlife encounters and play. Between squalls, clifftop pull‑ins near Godrevy Point deliver dramatic lighthouse views without committing to the beach.