At a glance
Dulas Bay is a sheltered tidal bay on the north Anglesey coast, with a small island (Ynys Dulas) used by grey seals and seabirds. Outstanding birdwatching throughout the year. No facilities on site, very limited parking — one of Anglesey's quietest and most wildlife-rich spots.
About Dulas Bay
Dulas Bay sits on the north coast of Anglesey, tucked between the headlands of Trwyn y Mynydd to the north-east and the gentler shore south of Dulas village. It is primarily a tidal estuary bay — the Afon Goch drains into the bay's head, creating a mosaic of salt marsh, mudflat and sand that functions as an important wildlife habitat rather than a conventional beach destination.
The bay's centrepiece is Ynys Dulas — a small rocky island at the bay mouth, accessible only by boat, which serves as a hauling-out site for grey seals year-round. At low tide, seals are typically visible basking on the island rocks, and in autumn grey seal pups may be present. The 19th-century square tower on the island was built as a refuge for shipwrecked sailors — the bay was historically treacherous in north-easterly storms, and the Dulas estuary mouth claimed many vessels.
For birdwatchers, Dulas Bay is one of the less publicised but highly productive sites on Anglesey's north coast. The estuary mudflats attract wading birds throughout the year, with winter bringing wildfowl including wigeon, teal and red-breasted merganser. Terns, gulls and cormorants use the island and bay in summer. The surrounding coastal heath is also good for migrant species in spring and autumn.
What to do at Dulas Bay
- Grey seal watching — Scan Ynys Dulas from the shore at low tide. Binoculars essential. Do not approach or disturb seals.
- Birdwatching — Waders, wildfowl and seabirds year-round. Terns in summer; geese and ducks in winter.
- Coastal walking — The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path runs close to the bay, connecting Dulas with Benllech to the south and Moelfre to the north.
- Photography — The island tower and seal rocks make excellent subjects; the bay has good light in the morning facing east.
- Quiet walks — The bay is exceptionally peaceful. Bring a picnic and absorb the tranquillity of this little-visited corner of Anglesey.
Visiting tips
Getting there
Dulas village is on the A5025 between Benllech (4 miles south) and Amlwch (7 miles north). Park carefully in the village — parking is very limited and the road is narrow. A rough track leads towards the bay from the village. There is no public transport to Dulas.
When to visit for wildlife
Grey seals are present year-round, but pups are most commonly seen in October and November. Birdwatching is excellent throughout the year, with winter wildfowl being a particular highlight. Avoid disturbing nesting birds in the estuary salt marsh from April to July.
Find it on the map
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Grey seals are regularly present in and around Dulas Bay, particularly hauled out on the rocks around <span lang="cy">Ynys Dulas</span> (Dulas Island) at low tide. The best time to see seals is around low water, when the rocks are exposed. Binoculars are helpful as the island is some distance from the shore. Please do not approach seals or attempt to swim near them.
<span lang="cy">Ynys Dulas</span> is a small tidal island at the mouth of the Dulas Bay estuary. It is a private island but visible from the shore at all states of the tide, and is used as a hauling-out site by grey seals. The 19th-century tower on the island was built as a refuge for shipwrecked mariners — the bay was historically dangerous in northerly storms.
Dulas Bay is excellent for birdwatching throughout the year. Wading birds including oystercatcher, redshank, curlew and ringed plover feed on the tidal estuary. In winter, wildfowl including wigeon, teal and pintail use the sheltered bay. Red-breasted merganser dive in the bay channel, and in summer terns and gulls breed on the island rocks.
Dulas Bay is more of a sheltered tidal estuary and bay than a conventional beach — there are areas of sand and shingle, but the character is primarily that of a tidal wildlife habitat rather than a bathing beach. It is best visited for wildlife watching and walking rather than swimming, and the tidal currents in the estuary channel mean it is not suitable for bathing.
Dulas is on the A5025 coastal road between Benllech and Amlwch on the northeast Anglesey coast. Limited parking is available in the village. A track leads from the village towards the bay. The bay is not well signed — use the postcode LL70 9DX and look for the estuary outlet on the map.