Nestled along the south coast, Princess Bay is a compact jewel of calm water, rocky edges and sunset drama. Ranked 40 on our Beaches & Bays list, this sheltered bay delivers an intimate coastal experience: think tranquil swims, easy shoreline exploration and an amphitheater of color as the sun slides toward the horizon. Its scale and protection from winds make it especially welcoming for families and anyone who prefers gentle surf over pounding breakers.
Arrive in the late afternoon and you’ll find the light softening over the water, turning the bay’s surface into a glassy canvas. The sandy crescent is framed by low rocky outcrops where tide pools form at low tide, revealing an industrious microcosm of marine life — limpets clinging to rock, small anemones waving in miniature currents, and crabs skittering between crevices. These shallow pools are perfect for curious children and photographers seeking close-up coastal details; bring water shoes and a small net or clear container to observe without disturbing the inhabitants.
Swimming here feels luxuriously safe. The sheltered shape of the bay reduces swell and creates gently lapping waves, allowing for relaxed floating, easy wading and swimming that’s accessible to less confident swimmers. The shoreline’s gradual slope makes entry straightforward, while patches of rock add interest and places to perch for sunbathing or to dry off after a dip.
As evening approaches, Princess Bay stages one of its strongest appeals: the sunset. With an unobstructed view to the west, the sky frequently erupts into layered hues of gold, peach and mauve. Locals and visitors gather along the sand and atop the low cliffs to watch, conversations softening as the light deepens. Bring a light jacket and a picnic, or time your visit to coincide with low tide so you can walk the exposed shore and linger among the tide pools as the sun slips away.
Practical tips: stick to marked paths to protect vegetation on the approach, and use reef-safe sunscreen to minimize impact on marine life. Tide charts are useful if you want the best tide-pooling window or prefer a wider stretch of sand for a sunset picnic. Binoculars or a telephoto lens will reward you with distant seabirds and coastal details without disturbing wildlife.
Why go: For those seeking a low-key, sensory-rich coastal interlude, Princess Bay offers a compelling mix of safe swimming, hands-on tide-pooling and reliably spectacular sunsets. It’s a small bay that rewards slow exploration — perfect for families, photographers and anyone looking to end the day with the sea on their terms.