It stretches about 1+1⁄4 miles (2 km) from Hanover Point in the east to Sudmoor Point to the west, the bay is part of the Compton Chine to Steephill Cove Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Much of the surrounding land, including the hamlet of Brookgreen is owned by the National Trust.

The bay is known for its paleontological significance, with dinosaur remains, including teeth and bone fragments, frequently discovered along the shore.

A submerged fossilized forest can also be seen beneath the waves at Hanover Point during low tide.

[2] The Isle of Wight Coastal Path runs along the cliff edge for the entire extent of the bay.