Short answer: At low tide you can walk the cobbled causeway from Marazion to St Michael's Mount, and when the sea covers it you take a boat. Boats run from 15 March to 30 October. Marazion beach has RNLI lifeguards daily from 18 July to 6 September in 2026. Dogs are banned on the beach 10am to 6pm in July and August.
Marazion has a long, flat beach facing St Michael's Mount, and the two are connected by a granite causeway that only shows when the tide is out. That one fact shapes the whole day. This guide covers how the crossing works, the beach rules, and where to eat, and it links to our other Marazion guides for parking and dogs so we do not repeat them here.
The Mount's own website says that when the tide is low you can walk across the cobbled causeway, and when it is covered you need to take a boat from Marazion. A third-party guide describes the walkable window as a couple of hours around low tide, which happens twice a day, and the time changes daily. The Mount publishes a walking guide with crossing times for each date, so check that before you plan the day rather than guessing from a tide table.
Practical tips: the causeway is made of granite blocks and can be slippery with seaweed, so wear shoes with grip. If you cross while the water is still draining away, wellies are handy. Arrive a little before the window opens rather than rushing across at the end, and keep an eye on the time for the return, as the water comes back. The island can close in strong winds or rough seas, and the Mount says it announces closures where possible and that if it does not announce a closure, it is open.
When the causeway is covered, boats run from Marazion. The Mount's site says boat crossings run from 15 March to 30 October, and National Trust members pay boat fares when booking, though not island admission. The Mount says a boat ticket option appears during booking if one is needed. Boats are small, so expect a wait at busy times, and they stop shortly before low tide when the water gets too shallow. We have not repeated fares, as the Mount's page does not list them: check when you book. The Mount also says wheelchairs and pushchairs cannot be taken up to the castle.
The Mount says there are plenty of spaces in its long stay car park in Marazion, and you can pay by app or at the machines. Set up the app before you arrive. We have a separate, detailed guide: Marazion parking: where to park for St Michael's Mount and when it fills. If you are not driving, read Marazion without a car.
The RNLI's 2026 listing shows lifeguards on Marazion beach daily from 18 July to 6 September, 10am to 6pm. Outside those dates the beach is not patrolled, so take extra care and keep children close. Swim between the red and yellow flags when they are out, never swim alone, and remember that no flags means no lifeguards.
Cornwall Council lists a ban on dogs from Longrock level crossing to Marazion, between 10am and 6pm from 1 July to 31 August. Outside those dates and hours dogs are allowed. The Mount's own site says dogs are welcome in the village from 1 October to 30 April, excluding Easter, and at other times only assistance dogs are allowed. Dogs are not allowed in the castle. For more detail see dog-friendly Marazion, but treat the Mount's official dates as the guide, and check signs on the day.
Jordan's Cafe is by the station car park on the beach and is rated 4.6 from 491 Google reviews. Reviewers praise the brie, bacon and cranberry panini and a burger box, and call it friendly and family run. It suits families and dog walkers. Google lists it closed on Tuesdays, so check before you go.
The Copper Spoon is a takeaway coffee shop rated 4.7 from 222 Google reviews. Reviewers praise the coffee, the cinnamon buns and the cakes, and say it is a good stop before a beach walk. It has no seating, and Google lists limited opening days, so check before you go.
The Cutty Sark Restaurant and Bar is on the Square and is rated 4.7 from 495 Google reviews. Reviewers praise the burger, the mackerel pate and a Sunday roast. It suits couples and families wanting a proper meal, and booking is wise on summer evenings.
For the view alone, The Godolphin, Marazion is rated 4.3 from 2,228 Google reviews. That is under our usual 4.5 cut-off, but it looks directly across to the Mount, and reviewers praise the fish and chips and the bar view. Some mention slow service, so keep that in mind.
Our best beaches near Marazion covers Perranuthnoe and the quieter coves, and the Marazion guide has the full list of places. For food, see cream tea in Marazion, pasties and fish and chips. If the weather is poor, see Marazion in the rain, and for a tight budget, a full day in Marazion for £50 or less.
At low tide, across the cobbled causeway. A third-party guide says the walkable window is a couple of hours around low tide. The Mount publishes crossing times for each date.
By boat from Marazion. The Mount's site says boats run from 15 March to 30 October. National Trust members pay boat fares when booking but not island admission.
Dogs are banned between 10am and 6pm from 1 July to 31 August, according to Cornwall Council. Outside those dates and hours they are allowed.
The Mount's site says dogs are welcome in the village from 1 October to 30 April, excluding Easter. At other times only assistance dogs are allowed. They are not allowed in the castle.
In 2026 the RNLI lists daily lifeguards from 18 July to 6 September, 10am to 6pm. Outside those dates the beach is not patrolled.
Times, prices and dates are the businesses' and organisers' to change, so check before you travel. Spotted something we've got wrong? Tell us and we'll fix it.
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