The water has a low tide and high tide which is common through out the Gulf of Thailand. During peak season December and January the water is quite high and makes very good swimming, low season, the water is lower and most the beach takes on a new look with under-bed of the sea showing for many months.See
Phangan Tide for more on the tides around Phangan.

The beach faces West so you always get a sunset and some really good ones do happen on this beach. There are a few restaurants on the beach including
Phangan Cove Restaurant that all have comfortable seating for watching the sunset and drinking a cool drink.
Great beach for sunbathing, with refreshments easily found from some of the local resorts and restaurants. The sea is great for swimming during the high season and peak season. The bottom is partly sand and pebbles. Most resorts on the beach have deck chairs outside there resort to use on the beach, although the beach is not covered in sunbeds like European beaches. Massage parlors setup in small wooden shacks can also be found on the beach.
Overall this is a great beach, perfect sunset watching spot and its never over crowded. Safe for children and ideal getaway spot.