Beach Types

Not all beaches are created equal when it comes to digging. Here's how to read your beach before you pick up a spade.

The classic digging paradise

Sand: Fine to medium grain

The unconventional digger's challenge

Sand: Pebbles, cobbles, and coarse gravel — with pockets of coarse sand in hollows

A vast canvas that appears and vanishes with the tide

Sand: Firm, compacted wet sand or silty mud — excellent for holding deep holes

Sandy pockets between the rocks

Sand: Coarse, gritty sand in pockets — often mixed with shell fragments

Crunchy, colourful and surprisingly diggable

Sand: Crushed and whole shells, often mixed with coarse sand beneath the surface layer

White sand, warm water, and brilliant digging

Sand: Very fine coral and limestone sand — almost powder-like when dry, packs extremely well when damp

Where river meets sea — rich, firm digging ground

Sand: Fine silty sand mixed with river sediment — firm and cohesive

Protected and calm — perfect for unhurried digging

Sand: Medium to coarse sand, often mixed with small pebbles near the cliff base