Slapton Sands is one of a number of barrier beach systems located in the South Hams district of South Devon in the south-west of England. Slapton and other barrier beaches at Hallsands and Beesands lie in the east facing %u2018zeta curved%u2019 bay called Start Bay. The shoreline of Start Bay has adjusted its plan shape to align with the wave fronts of dominant swell. The barrier beaches within the bay are separated by headlands, those to the north and south of Slapton Sands being Strete Gate and Limpet Rocks respectively.

The beach, approximately 5.4km long between these headlands impounds Slapton Lee, which is a freshwater lagoon. The A379 road, constructed on the natural crest of the barrier beach, links Torcross with Dartmouth to the North and Kingsbridge to the west. An offshore bank known as The Skerries is located 4km to the South east of Slapton sands. The depth of water over parts of this bank can be as little as 1.4m at lowest tidal levels and so provides considerable protection from waves from south-east.