The Ultimate Seilebost Beach Guide (2026)
This post has compensated links which means that I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Read the disclaimer to learn more.
Looking for information about Seilebost beach?
Then you are in the right place, as that is exactly what this guide covers.
Reading about Seilebost beach it can be difficult to understand whether it is a small beach or the whole bay. The answer to that is that it depends on the tide.
Another difficulty is working out how to get down to the beach.
Having been to Isle of Harris many times I have put together this guide to help you plan your visit.
It tells you what tide levels to visit at, how to get down to the beach and where to park.
It also includes the best viewpoints so you can get all the iconic beach photos with turquoise water and bright white sand.
Seilebost Beach Map
On the map Seilebost beach is marked as a small beach off the A859. But at low tide it extends all the way between the A859 (running along the Northern side of Isle of Harris) and Luskentyre Road.
Is Seilebost Beach Worth Visiting?
Yes! On a sunny day, a couple of hours before or after low tide, the views out over Seilebost are spectacular.
The colours of the water range from dark blue to turquoise with bright white sand.
Seilebost is often confused with its more famous neighbour, Luskentyre beach. And it is understandable because when the tide is out it is difficult to know where one beach ends and the other starts.
Many of the photos of Luskentyre beach you see on Google are actually of Seilebost beach. So make sure you visit both beaches in the same visit since they are only a 10 minute drive apart.
The photos in this post will show you why it is might be the best beach on the west coast of Harris and one of the top Outer Hebrides beaches.
Tide Level
One thing to note for your visit is that Seilebost is the beach on Harris where the weather and tide times make the biggest difference:
- Visit at low tide for white open sand flats stretching into the distance.
- Visit 1-2 hours before or after low tide for the amazing turquoise water colours which show so vividly on a sunny day.
How to Access Seilebost Beach
Seilebost beach is accessibly from:
- Luskentyre Road.
- The A859. The only place where it is easy to access Seilebost beach is at the Seilebost School West Harris Trust Campground and it is a few minutes’ walk to the beach.
Where to Park
Along Luskentyre Road: It is possible to park in Seilebost Village or along the road out to Luskentyre. There are a couple of places along the single lane road where there is room to park but make sure you don’t park in one of the passing places.
At low tide it is worth driving out towards West Harris Trust Camping Spot 4 and 5 and park along the road. It is a bit of a scramble to get down to the beach but if you stop earlier it is a long walk out to the waters edge.
Along the A859: It never gets busy on the Isle of Harris but this is one of the roads that has the most traffic. Only park along the road if you are not obstructing the traffic.
One other place where it is possible to park is by taking off towards the Seilebost School West Harris Trust Campground where you can park along the road.
The what 3 word for Seilebost School is galaxies.stewing.licks
Can You Swim at Seilebost beach?
Yes, Seilebost is good for swimming.
Another great beach for swimming is Huisinis beach on Harris.
Beach Activities
Walking on Seilebost beach at low tide should not be missed and is a unique experience. The beach is also dog friendly.
Being a shallow bay it is also good for paddle boarding and kayaking. Roam Outer Hebrides arranges kayaking trips but are taking a break in 2023.
Looking for more beaches? The best beaches on Isle of Lewis are very different to the ones on Harris and definitely worth a visit.
Best Viewpoints
1. Layby on A859
Driving towards Scarista beach (from Tarbert) there is a fantastic view from the side of the road about 4 miles after the Luskentyre turn off. It is at the top of a hill shortly after the turn off for the Seilebost School campground.
Tide Level: The view is best inbetween low tide and high tide in order to get the amazing colour of water the beach is famous for.
Parking: Available for a couple of cars on the hard shoulder of the road. It can get busy on a nice day but most people only stay for a few minutes to take a couple of photo before moving on.
The what 3 word for the parking is sunflower.palms.tweeted
2. Walking on the Beach
At low tide the white sand stretches for miles.
The walk here is a unique experience but be careful, the water comes in quickly so make sure you don’t get stranded. There is also quicksand in the area so don’t walk too far out.
Seilebost is the only beach on Harris where it is such a large difference between low tide and high tide. However, Uig bay on Isle of Lewis also has these open sand flats stretching into the distance at low tide. This beach is also worth a visit on your trip.
Tide Level: It is only possible to walk on the beach at low tide.
Parking: Use one of the two parking areas described above.
3. Beinn Dhubh Circular Walk
On a sunny day when the tide is out nothing can beat the views from the top of Beinn Dhubh.
The 400-metre climb to the top of the hill starts at a metal kissing gate. There is no clear path but it is easy to follow the ridge of the hill and return along either the beach or the road, depending on the tide.
A full description of the walk can be found in this Cicerone walking guide.
Tide Level: a couple of hours before or after low tide the turquoise colours of the water are amazing. You will likely be out for most of the day so the weather is more important than the tide level.
Save the hike for a sunny day and you will see both Seilebost and Luskentyre at their finest.
Parking: a few hundered metres after taking off the A859 towards Luskentyre, after a sharp turn, there is room to park a couple of cars on the left side of the road.
Buy the Cicerone Guide to Walking on Harris and Lewis
Other Things to Do by Seilebost Beach
Both Scarista beach and Luskentyre beach are a short drive away and should not be missed.
To plan your trip to Harris read my Guide to the Best Things to Do in Harris
Restaurants and Cafes Nearby
There are no places to eat close to Seilebost beach. Isle of Harris in general does not have many cafes and restaurants so bring a lunch pack or drive over to Temple Cafe in Northton where you will find one of the best cafes on Harris.
During high season fast food vans sometimes park at Horgabost camp site.
You might read about the visitor centre at Talla Na Mara and the restaurant in this complex called An Traigh. Unfortunately, due to the increase in electricity cost, this is closed until at least the end of 2024.
Seilebost Beach Accommodation
For longer stays it is recommended to rent a self-catering cottage. As you can see from the optios below, they vary significantly in price and size depending on the level of luxury you want.
- Beach Side Cottage – Seielebost – sleeps 10. With views out over Seilebost this is one of the cottages closest to the beach. Click here to check prices and availability
- Old Pier Cottage Tarbert – Tarbert – sleeps up to 4 people with a minimum stay of 5 nights. Click here to check prices and availability
For shorter stays try the below bed and breakfast:
- Ceol na Mara Guest House – Tarbert – is one of the best options on Harris with a fabulous breakfast included in the price. It is located 5 minutes from Tarbert and the ferry terminal. Click here to check prices and availability
There are also several campsites in the area run by the West Harris Trust as well as nearby Horgabost campsite.
How to get to Seilebost
The first question is how to get to the Isle of Harris.
The only direct route to Harris from mainland Scotland is via Isle of Skye on the Uig to Tarbert ferry. The other ferry route to Harris is from Berneray to Leverburgh.
By Car
Seilebost is located on the A859 and is easily accessible by car form anywhere on Harris or Lewis. I strongly recommend a hire car on your trip to the Outer Hebrides.
Book your car hire with Rental Cars
By Public Transport
Buses run to Seilebost and out to Luskentyre. A good way to see the beaches is to walk between the two bus stops. If you time it right with the tide you can walk the whole way along the beach.
The bus route to use is the W10 which is called Tarbert to Leverburgh and Rodel via the Spine Route. Check the latest bus schedule before travelling.
LOOKING FOR MORE ON THE OUTER HEBRIDES?
