11 'Sometimes' Islands You Can Walk to at Low Tide

The paths to these locales disappear and reappear with the whims of the sea.

11 Places

The incredible rhythm of the ocean’s changing tides is so powerful, it can cause entire landforms to submerge and reemerge with each ebb and flow. In fact, many places we consider islands are only surrounded by water most of the time. Sometimes, they reattach to the mainland as the tide rolls out and ocean floor reappears to form a footpath or even a drivable road. When visiting these 11 “sometimes” islands, timing is everything, lest you be stranded out at sea when the waters rise again.

Holy Island of Lindisfarne, England

Pilgrims Way to Holy Island

At high tide every day the ancient Pilgrims Way footpath disappears, leaving the Holy Island of Lindisfarne out to sea.

Dr Alan P Newman

Added by Dr Alan P Newman

Newquay, England

The Island, Newquay

Actually a huge 70-foot-high rocky outcropping, Newquay appears to be an island when the tide is in, but you can walk right up to it when the water recedes.

Added by Facebook645044639

Barbâtre, France

Passage du Gois

If you need to get from the mainland to this little French island you’d better hurry, because the submersible road will literally disappear beneath your feet, stranding you in the middle of the bay.

Added by YVR cockroach

Mont Saint-Michel, France

Mont Saint-Michel

Set atop a solid rock in the middle of a bay, this singularly beautiful abbey was for many years only accessible as the tides allowed.

Added by IanWhalen

Cornwall, England

St Michael's Mount

One of 43 tidal islands within walking distance of mainland Britain, this civil parish is reachable by a causeway only at low tide.

Eastham, Massachusetts

Billingsgate Island

Through the 19th century, relentless tides and shifting sands began to erase this Cape Cod island piece by piece. Today what remains of the drowned island reemerges during the lowest of tides.

Added by robriordan8

Edinburgh, Scotland

Cramond Ghost Island

Across a causeway, in the middle of the Firth of Forth, lies the ghost island of Cramond. Accessible only at low tide, the deserted island is dotted with World War II ruins and full of oddities.

Rory Steabler

Added by Rory Steabler

Burgh Island

Visitors to this small island's fantastic Art Deco hotel are transported in a sea tractor when the tide is up. It drives across the sand with its wheels submerged while the passengers sit on an elevated platform above the waves.

Dr Alan P Newman

Added by Dr Alan P Newman

Saint Andrews, New Brunswick

Ministers Island

When the tide is out visitors can drive or walk across a seemingly innocuous road to reach this historic settlement. But during high tide this sole access to the island is submerged in 20 feet of water.

R Stemple

Added by R Stemple

Llangennith, Wales

Worm's Head Tidal Island

Connected to the mainland by a two-mile causeway that slips beneath the waves at high tides, this tidal island holds many natural wonders for the adventurous explorer.

Annetta Black

Added by Annetta Black

Orkney, Scotland

Brough of Birsay

This northern island is only accessible for a few hours before and after low tide. If you don't pay attention to the time, you may find yourself stranded with only the viking ruins for company.

wmorden

Added by wmorden

Map