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Shell Bay North

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

Shell Bay North in Dorset boasts a picturesque coastal beach with soft sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach consistently receives an Excellent rating from the Environment Agency's annual water quality tests. During the summer months, the water temperature at Shell Bay North is typically around 18°C.

8.5°C
Air Temp
15.1 mph
Wind Speed
High Tide (1.88m)
in 1h 15m (02:07) • 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

8.5°C
Comfortable

Weather

Partly cloudy
8.5°C

Tide

High Tide (1.88m)
in 1h 15m (02:07) • 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
8.5°C
Swimming
Highly recommended

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Drive by Café Shell Bay
cafe
4.8 • 120m away
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Reference Information

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

Harmonic astronomical predictions, tidal coefficients & flow rate

Spring Tide • Coeff 89
Current Water Level
Rising ↑ (1.70m)
27% through current tide cycle (LAT)
Upcoming High & Low
▲ High: 02:07 (1.88m • in 1h 15m)
▼ Low: 04:54 (0.96m • in 4h 2m)
Tidal Range & Coefficient
Range: 1.23m (Coeff 89/120)
Large tidal range — faster tidal currents and higher high water.
Current Tidal Flow
Peak Flooding Flow
Rule of Twelfths: fastest flow occurs in mid-tide hours 3 & 4.
📈 24-Hour Harmonic Tide Curve (LAT)
Station: Bournemouth (3.16 km)
2.4m 1.5m 0.6m 23:0003:0007:0011:0015:0019:00 High 02:07 (1.9m)Low 04:54 (1.0m)High 10:03 (2.2m)Low 12:50 (1.7m)High 14:20 (1.9m)Low 17:18 (0.8m) NOW
📅 7-Day High & Low Tide Table
Day High & Low Tides (Local Time) Tidal Range Coeff / Phase
Wed 11 Nov ▲ High 13:38 (1.89m)▼ Low 16:40 (0.77m)▲ High 21:55 (2.08m) 1.31m Spring (92)
Today ▼ Low 00:25 (1.66m)▲ High 02:07 (1.88m)▼ Low 04:54 (0.96m)▲ High 10:03 (2.19m)▼ Low 12:50 (1.71m)▲ High 14:20 (1.86m)▼ Low 17:18 (0.81m)▲ High 22:38 (2.00m) 1.38m Spring (96)
Fri 13 Nov ▼ Low 01:00 (1.67m)▲ High 02:49 (1.92m)▼ Low 05:33 (1.07m)▲ High 09:11 (2.06m)▼ Low 13:27 (1.68m)▲ High 15:02 (1.84m)▼ Low 17:57 (0.88m)▲ High 23:26 (1.89m) 1.18m Spring (86)
Sat 14 Nov ▼ Low 01:33 (1.69m)▲ High 03:31 (1.95m)▼ Low 06:13 (1.19m)▲ High 09:24 (1.99m)▼ Low 14:03 (1.66m)▲ High 15:42 (1.82m)▼ Low 18:37 (0.97m) 1.02m Coeff 79
Sun 15 Nov ▲ High 00:23 (1.80m)▼ Low 02:03 (1.72m)▲ High 04:12 (1.98m)▼ Low 06:54 (1.31m)▲ High 09:52 (1.91m)▼ Low 19:19 (1.07m) 0.91m Coeff 74
Mon 16 Nov ▲ High 01:46 (1.74m)▼ Low 02:12 (1.73m)▲ High 04:51 (2.00m)▼ Low 07:38 (1.41m)▲ High 10:26 (1.81m)▼ Low 20:05 (1.16m) 0.84m Coeff 70
Tue 17 Nov ▲ High 05:29 (2.00m)▼ Low 08:28 (1.50m)▲ High 17:26 (1.81m)▼ Low 21:01 (1.25m) 0.75m Coeff 66
Reference Station: Bournemouth • Model: Primary Harmonic Gauge (TICON) • Datum: LAT Tide predictions via TidesAtlas
Next 4 Tides
Spring Tide
High 02:07 1.88m
Low 04:54 0.96m
High 10:03 2.19m
Low 12:50 1.71m
Current: Rising (1.7m) • Peak Flooding Flow
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
Wessex Water Services Limited

Wessex Water Services 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
Dorset

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

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