Mersea Island tide times: Know to go with the flow!

If you’re heading to Essex for some sun and fun by the sea while on holiday, Mersea Island is well worth checking out. The island has an impressive inshore fishing fleet and is renowned for its oysters which are used in fine dining establishments across Europe. But Mersea Island offers more than just great seafood. It is perfect for water sport enthusiasts and those seeking a quieter alternative to the mainland coastal region. However, in order to safely reach the island, you’ll need to be aware of the Mersea Island tide times. Below you’ll find all the information you need to make the most of a trip to this pretty island.

Accessing the island

Mersea Island is off the coast of Essex, linked to the mainland via the Strood causeway. The causeway is an ancient Saxon structure passing over marshland and the Strood Channel which lies between the mainland and the island. The causeway is the only way to reach the island by car and during full moon and new moon high tides the causeway may be covered in water, turning Mersea into a proper island during these times.

Check the tide times before travelling

You should always check the tide times before travelling to or from the island as you can be stranded on the island or be unable to cross over to the island if the Strood causeway is covered. Tide times can be checked online where you will find information for both high and low tides for any particular day. You can also purchase pocket tide tables which are printed versions of the tide times. You can carry these on your person for quick and easy reference in order to avoid getting caught out.

Get active with a range of great activities and attractions

There are two main areas on the island, West Mersea and East Mersea. The beach at West Mersea is a great place for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The excellent water quality makes this a fantastic spot for swimming. During low tide, you can explore the rock pools and hunt for shellfish. Sailing is another very popular pastime. Children will also enjoy the playgrounds that can be found near the beach. There are shops and cafes to visit as well if you’re feeling peckish. Take a boat trip to nearby Ray Island, a Site of Special Scientific Interest that is managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust.

There are other entertainments that don’t involve heading into the water. You can travel around Mersea Island on foot via the selection of paths. If you’re keen to discover quieter parts of the island, these footpaths can take you to the beaches on the eastern side of Mersea Island. Here you can explore Cudmore Grove where you can enjoy a picnic or spot some of the local wildlife. Other attractions include the likes of Mersea Island Museum which organises guided history walks during summer.

Mersea Week

Mersea Week is a great event for holidaymakers. This celebration includes a 'Round the Island Race' with sailing boats competing for trophies, as well as a number of other sailing races, water sports and fireworks during the West Mersea Town Regatta at the end of the week. Whether you want to participate in the races or are just keen to watch, this is an exciting event all round.

Stay for the day or extend the fun

Mersea Island is a fantastic day trip for families and individuals alike. It also has several caravan and camping sites to choose from so you can extend your visit to a weekend or longer in order to truly get to know this pearl of an island waiting to be discovered.