Looe Island Nature Reserve

View of Looe Island with spring flowers from Horestone

Paul Lightfoot

Looe Island Nature Reserve

Please note that visits can only be made on official, organised trips and access by any other means is not allowed.

Looe Island is a marine nature reserve and the waters around it are teaming with life. The island provides a quiet haven for wildlife, with a variety of habitats

Looe Island is part of the Whitsand and Looe Bay Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) and has a variety of precious wildlife habitats including woodland, maritime, grassland, sand, shingle and rocky reef.

Size of reserve: 9 hectares / 22 acres
OS map number: 107
Grid reference: SX 258 519
Best time to visit: Summer

Please note that visits can only be made on official, organised trips and access by any means (including by foot) is not allowed. The island and its foreshore is managed for the benefit of wildlife and our team are working incredibly hard to keep Looe Island Nature Reserve special. Craft such as boats, jet skis, kayaks/canoes and paddleboards etc. as well as snorkelers/divers and swimmers are therefore asked to respect the no landing sign.

Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on the island and fishing is not allowed on the island during two hour visits also.  

Please understand that part of the island appeal for many visitors is its tranquillity and an escape from the intrusions which are often a part of mainland life. The use of camera drones are therefore considered intrusive and unacceptable. 

Looe Island
Looe Island, Permission to land signage

(c) Claire Lewis