The Harbour and the Fisherman's Walkway

From the beach, a pleasant promenade — known locally as the Fisherman's Walkway or 'cat-walk' — hugs the coastline toward Port St Mary's two harbours. The inner harbour, with its pier dating from 1812, is tidal and dries out from half-tide; the outer harbour, built in 1882, welcomes boats at all tide levels. The RNLI lifeboat is berthed here, and fishing trips, wildlife cruises and boat charters to the Calf of Man set off regularly from the quay.↗↗↗

The outer harbour breakwater is a favourite for pier fishing, with pollack, wrasse, grey mullet and mackerel among the typical catches. The Port St Mary Ledges, a long stretch of easily accessible rocks nearby, are worth trying when conditions allow.↗↗

Walking and Exploring

Chapel Beach is a natural starting point for coastal walks. The Raad ny Foillan, the Isle of Man's 103-mile circular coastal path, passes directly through the bay. Heading west along the cliff tops, you reach the Chasms — dramatic fissures in the rock that drop down toward the Sound and the Calf of Man. Going east, the trail crosses the Scarlett and Langness peninsulas. The village itself is threaded by the Port St Mary Heritage Trail, a 45-minute signposted loop with archive photographs that bring the harbour's maritime history to life.↗↗↗

Kayakers and paddleboarders can launch from the lifeboat slip at the far end of the harbour and explore Carrick Bay, Perwick Bay and the towering cliff faces of Kallow Point. To the north, an easy flat walk leads to Gansey Bay, a popular windsurfing spot.↗↗

Wildlife and Geology

The waters around the harbour and Perwick Bay are regularly visited by dolphins and porpoises. Free binoculars are available at Kallow Point for wildlife-watching, and the rocks and shoreline host oystercatchers, eider ducks, grey herons and shags. On the rocks themselves, the Port St Mary Ledges reveal 340-million-year-old limestone — the mud of an ancient sub-tropical sea — with visible fossils of corals and feather stars preserved in the stone. The area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.↗↗

Visiting Chapel Beach

The beach sits on the Promenade in the centre of Port St Mary, just a short walk from the village's cafes, pubs, small independent shops and the yacht club. Facilities include a cafe, toilets and disabled access. Parking is available in several areas: the Town Hall car park opposite the Promenade, Chapel Gate car park behind the Lighthouse building on Bay View Road, Gansey Point, Kallow Point and Clifton Road. A regular bus service runs from Douglas.↗↗

Dogs are not permitted on the beach between 9 am and 6 pm from 1 May to 30 September. Outside those hours and dates, they are welcome. Check tide times before visiting if you want to explore the rock pools or the sandy flats at their fullest.↗↗