Home to one of the largest tidal ranges in the world, explore Jersey’s archipelago and discover a submerged coastal landscape of reefs and islands, revealed at low tide. Walk, wander and swim around this unique habitat before it’s reclaimed by the sea. Just a short ride in a RIB will speed you out to Les Ecréhous and Les Minquiers, some of the largest unexplored areas in Europe where miles of reefs, sandbanks and rocky islands are revealed at low tide.
Away from the sound of everyday life, it’s a quiet space of withdrawal with the invigorating salt winds of the sea punctuated by wild seabird calls. It’s a space to wander and a place to experience rare habitats revealed for just a few hours every day.
Les Ecréhous.
Just six miles off the east coast of Jersey, it only takes 15 minutes on a thrilling RIB ride to arrive at Les Ecréhous, a network of reefs and islands. France is so close you’d be forgiven for thinking you might be on French soil. The islands are, however, part of Jersey.
Les Minquiers.
The sandbanks of Les Minquiers span a larger area than Jersey and curl around crystal clear lagoons – on a sunny day you could be on a tropical island straight out of the pages of Treasure Island. The islands and reefs of Les Minquiers lie just nine miles south of Jersey.
A paradise for wildlife.
Jersey’s archipelago is home to a whole host of wildlife. The eagle-eyed will spot terns, oyster catchers, cormorants and curlews – as well as bottlenose dolphins and grey seals.
Owner of Jersey Seafaris, Richard Stevens says:
‘There’s always a good chance of seeing dolphins on the way out to the Ecréhous. It’s probably close to one in three trips, a pod of dolphins will join us and swim alongside the RIB. Sometimes it feels as if they’re close enough to touch. There are seals out at the Ecréhous too, and the population seems to be growing year on year. The signs are encouraging and show the area is a thriving habitat with plenty of fish. It’s a stunning natural environment to discover and learn about, but most importantly to treat with respect’.
It’s also an area with rich history – the fishermen’s huts and islands that make up Les Ecréhous were named by the Vikings with a name that means ‘rocky islands’ in the Norse language.
It’s a unique area, as Richard explains:
‘Every time I’m here I see something different, and I love seeing visitors’ reactions to it. Without the tide, this area just wouldn’t exist. It’s a unique part of Jersey’s heritage.’
Discover island-hopping with a difference – and get a chance to glimpse dolphins. A trip out to Jersey’s archipelago of islands and reefs adds a unique dimension to a Jersey stay.
How to experience it.
Jersey’s archipelago is easy to get to and a wonder to explore. Getting there is half the fun. Local adventure companies take visitors out to the area in fast RIBs with a full schedule of tours to choose from. How about meeting an experienced kayak guide out there and taking your archipelago adventure to the next level? Discover some of the companies who can help you experience this iconic Jersey activity.
Island RIB Voyages
Take an adventure aboard our 12 seater RIB to destinations that thrill and relax whilst experiencing the beauty that Jersey, France and other islands have to offer. Indulge in delicious French cuisine in Carteret, wonder in the magnificence of our local dolphin and seal wildlife, swim in crystal clear waters and so much more.
Nauti Buoy RIBs
Nauti Buoy offer private RIB tours around Jersey, the Ecréhous, Minquiers and France. Maybe a trip to Carteret for lunch or an evening meal? How about a day trip to Guernsey, Sark, Chausey or Herm? We can schedule a trip built around your own specific requirements.
Jersey Kayak Adventures
Reconnect with nature on a sea kayak tour. Explore an island shaped by the sea where some of the most astonishing tides in the world circle the coast. Kayak with local guides whose knowledge make this more than just a paddle around the bay. Our expert staff and user-friendly sit-on-top kayaks will quickly get you out exploring and having fun.
Jersey Seafaris
RIB boat trips around Jersey's beautiful coastline, offshore reefs and surrounding waters. Seafaris include Les Écréhous, Les Minquiers, north coast and caves, France for lunch or dinner, dolphin spotting and so much more. Suitable for all, whether it's scenery, wildlife or an adrenaline fix, there is a Seafari for you.
Don’t just take our word for it.
Explore photos taken by visitors and locals.
