A tiny cove, but a mighty sea.

At high tide the surge at Shark Hole is spectacular and this cauldron of froth and spume is a great sight.

Video: Four fearless French Canadians wade into the oncoming waves. On the right, a young girl sensibly stays well within her depth.

One of the few places on the coast of St Phillip to get into the waters without being pounded by surf or washed away by the current, Shark Hole is popular as a great place to cool off.

You’ll find locals here early in the morning, having a sea bath before the day gets into full swing.

Sharky the fisherman?

The pool may owe its name to a fisherman called Sharky. Whether the story about the captive megafauna is true remains unclear, though there is definitely a wall visible at low tide.

Care must be taken with small children and those unsteady on their feet. Beware of the rip at high tide.

Shark Hole is not far from Sam Lord’s Castle, where the eponymous pirate and wrecker was reputed to have fed prisoners to the crocodiles he kept in pools.

To get here from the south and west coast, follow the roads to St Philip past the airport, picking up the signs to Sam Lord’s Castle.

Just before the castle – now a building site – turn right at the Tropical Winds Apartment Hotel, then second right and first left. There is a path down to Shark Hole between two properties.

Shark Hole is best visited at low tide – and probably avoided completely at high tide. Tide times here.

Video: Four fearless French Canadians wade into the oncoming waves. On the right, a young girl sensibly stays well within her depth.