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Babbacombe

Torbay, South West
Excellent Water Quality
Data last verified: 12 Nov 2026

Babbacombe Beach in Torbay boasts a picturesque shoreline with stunning views of the English Riviera. The beach's excellent water quality, as rated by the Environment Agency, makes it a perfect spot for a refreshing summer swim. With an estimated summer water temperature of around 18°C, Babbacombe Beach is ideal for families and beach lovers alike.

9.7°C
Air Temp
19.4 mph
Wind Speed
High Tide (4.35m)
in 6h 13m (07:23) • Spring Tide
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Live Water Quality

95
Excellent
Safe for swimming
• Updated 10 mins ago
Today's Conditions • Updated 10 mins ago

Lifeguards

Unknown
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Air Temp

9.7°C
Comfortable

Weather

Partly cloudy
9.7°C

Tide

High Tide (4.35m)
in 6h 13m (07:23) • Spring Tide

Water Quality

Excellent
Safe for swimming

Pollution Alerts

None
No alerts today

Quick Overview

Sandy beach
Family friendly
Dog friendly
(winter)
Parking nearby
Toilets
Café

Beach Information View all details

Beach Type
Sand
Water Quality
Excellent
Avg. Air Temp
9.7°C
Swimming
Highly recommended

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Reference Information

🌊 Live Tide Curve, Tidal Range & 7-Day Schedule

Harmonic astronomical predictions, tidal coefficients & flow rate

Spring Tide • Coeff 93
Current Water Level
Low Tide (Slack) • (0.98m)
4% through current tide cycle (LAT)
Upcoming High & Low
▲ High: 07:23 (4.35m • in 6h 13m)
▼ Low: 13:12 (1.04m • in 12h 2m)
Tidal Range & Coefficient
Range: 3.39m (Coeff 93/120)
Large tidal range — faster tidal currents and higher high water.
Current Tidal Flow
Slack Water (Calmest)
Rule of Twelfths: fastest flow occurs in mid-tide hours 3 & 4.
📈 24-Hour Harmonic Tide Curve (LAT)
Station: Hastings Pier (7.46 km)
4.9m 2.7m 0.5m 23:3003:3007:3011:3015:3019:30 High 07:23 (4.3m)Low 13:12 (1.0m)High 19:40 (4.0m) NOW
📅 7-Day High & Low Tide Table
Day High & Low Tides (Local Time) Tidal Range Coeff / Phase
Wed 11 Nov ▲ High 19:07 (4.18m) --
Today ▼ Low 00:53 (0.96m)▲ High 07:23 (4.35m)▼ Low 13:12 (1.04m)▲ High 19:40 (4.04m) 3.39m Spring (93)
Fri 13 Nov ▼ Low 01:25 (1.11m)▲ High 07:53 (4.24m)▼ Low 13:44 (1.17m)▲ High 20:12 (3.87m) 3.13m Spring (86)
Sat 14 Nov ▼ Low 01:55 (1.29m)▲ High 08:24 (4.09m)▼ Low 14:15 (1.34m)▲ High 20:45 (3.68m) 2.80m Coeff 78
Sun 15 Nov ▼ Low 02:23 (1.48m)▲ High 08:57 (3.91m)▼ Low 14:45 (1.53m)▲ High 21:22 (3.49m) 2.43m Coeff 69
Mon 16 Nov ▼ Low 02:53 (1.68m)▲ High 09:36 (3.71m)▼ Low 15:20 (1.74m)▲ High 22:12 (3.30m) 2.03m Coeff 59
Tue 17 Nov ▼ Low 03:28 (1.90m)▲ High 10:33 (3.53m)▼ Low 16:14 (1.95m)▲ High 23:26 (3.19m) 1.63m Neap (49)
Reference Station: Hastings Pier • Model: Primary Harmonic Gauge (TICON) • Datum: LAT Tide predictions via TidesAtlas
Next 4 Tides
Spring Tide
High 07:23 4.35m
Low 13:12 1.04m
High 19:40 4.04m
Low 01:25 1.11m
Current: Low Tide (Slack) (0.98m) • Slack Water (Calmest)
Sediment Type
Sand

The shoreline consists primarily of sand. Sediment type dictates underfoot comfort, wave energy absorption, and the water's clarity when currents stir up the seabed.

Annual Rating
Excellent

Water quality is classified as excellent, meeting the highest cleanliness standards. Bacterial counts (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) are consistently low, posing negligible health risks.

Rainfall Impact
Low Risk

This bathing water is generally resilient and has a low risk of quality degradation after heavy summer storm events.

Monitoring Authority
Environment Agency

Tested weekly by the Environment Agency England for bacteria levels (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) between May and September.

Water Body Type
Coastal Beach

Monitored as a coastal beach. Coastal beaches are subject to tidal flows and marine dilution, whereas inland lakes/rivers suffer from low water circulation, meaning bacteria can linger longer.

Sewerage Provider
South West Water Limited

South West Water Limited is the regional utility responsible for waste water treatment, sewage infrastructure, and storm overflow management in this catchment area.

Designated Year
1988

Officially designated as a protected bathing water site in 1988. This designation mandates regular public health monitoring.

County / District
Torbay

Governed under local district sanitation and environmental safety regulations in the Torbay area.

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