Guided tours Channel Islands

During the warmer months Alderney Tours organises this lovely tour once a day in a minibus (with a maximum capacity of twelve people) to discover the essentials of the island. With commentary along the way, this organized tour will tell you all you need to know about the history of Alderney and the island's flora and fauna. Departure from the bottom of Victoria Street, in front of the Braye Hotel. Packages with lunch in a restaurant on the island can be arranged on request. An excellent agency.

The rationale for the Alderney Railway (1847) was the need to bring stone from the Mannez quarry near Fort Grosnez to build and maintain the breakwater - the long dike that serves as a breakwater in Braye Harbor. The railroad track even extended along the breakwater. The first stone of the breakwater was laid on February 12, 1847, and then fourteen wagons, each carrying three and a half tons, made the trip as needed. The stone quarried at Mannez is hard sandstone, which has metamorphosed over geological time into quartz aggregates known as quartzite. The Alderney Railway Company was only established in February 1978, as much for tourism purposes as to maintain the tradition. Today, its traction equipment is regularly renewed by the purchase of decommissioned material. On special occasions (especially during the festive season), a small diesel locomotive pulls two large red cars recovered from the London Underground. While usually, you'll get on a nice little train more discreet ... On certain days, a miniature train - not one you can sit on, but one you can ride - is also in operation. The youngest should love it! In any case, it's a great activity to do with the family during a trip to Alderney. And above all, it's a great way to explore the island's beautiful scenery and coastline.

Since its creation, the association has been fighting for the protection of nature in Alderney. The volunteers have built many birdwatching posts around the island, built bunkers and fortifications and cleaned the island to enhance its nature. In addition to the 270 species of birds, Alderney is home to rare species such as the black rabbit and the blonde hedgehog, also known as the "Alderney spice-girl"! If you find yourself here, you will be able to take part in many guided tours.

If the weather permits, and you want to go on a trip to see the marine life of Alderney, this is a great option. The crew of the Sula of Braye will take you on a half day sailing tour of the exceptional natural heritage of the Alderney coastline. On board the boat, you will meet the famous puffins and more than 1% of the world's population of gannets along the beautiful coastal landscapes of the island. An outing by reservation only.

The splendid trip lasts about 2h30 (two departures per day, usually around 11am and 2pm depending on the weather) and this locally built fishing boat (with a capacity of 12 people) is really the ideal way to explore the bays, coves and secret caves of the island of Sark. You can also take the opportunity to admire the seabirds that roam the area such as puffins, guillemots, razorbacks, cormorants, etc. The lucky ones will also be able to see dolphins or seals.

This is a great way to visit the Jersey coastline and especially the small archipelagos around Jersey. For half a day or a full day, we set course for the Ecréhous, the Minquiers, the Chausey islands and Sark. These small pieces of land will have no more secrets for you and, at the same time, you will discover the avian fauna (puffins, cormorants, waders, gulls, etc.) and the maritime fauna of the archipelago (seals, dolphins...). With beautiful sunsets as a bonus... Guaranteed sensations and discoveries!

At Jersey Yachting, we will organize discovery trips to Les Minquiers and Ecréhous, but especially charming afternoons (or mornings) or beautiful days on a boat to discover the island of Jersey. Aboard a superb catamaran (and with the help of a skipper), you will discover the superb coasts of the Channel Islands. Relaxed atmosphere, especially since the beautiful sailboat can also be rented for romantic dinners... Jersey Yachting also offers training courses to skipper this type of boat.

This is an original activity not to be missed during a visit to Sark! Sark Carriage Tours offers you to go back in time in a carriage and visit the island, rocked by the soft sounds of the carriage. But not only that! The stories told by the coachman will add a magical touch to this unique experience. The horses have a good temperament and everything should go smoothly for a really nice family outing. At sunset or in the moonlight, the experience is even more magical.

These vintage buses will allow you to visit the island or to go to certain attractions such as the Jersey War Tunnels or the Durell Wildlife Park. Whether you come for a day or a longer stay, this is a very interesting activity, as it allows you to visit a large part of the island in a few hours and discover very different landscapes. These green convertible buses are reserved for the visit of the island and you will have the choice between an East or West circuit. Note: audio-visit in French in all the buses.

The company's coaches offer to take you to the island's main attractions - including The Little Chapel, Pleinmont and Rousse Tower - on a popular half-day tour (approx. 3.5 hours) that will allow you to get to know the whole island of Guernsey. Depending on the time of year, other options include full-day tours or cruises to the island of Herm. Please note that tours can be customized. Please inquire.

To discover the flora, fauna and exceptional landscapes of Guernsey and the other islands of the Bailiwick, there is nothing like the excursions offered by Island RIB Voyages on board its two large Zodiacs. Each trip is an unforgettable experience, discovering the beautiful coasts of the archipelago or meeting dolphins and seals for example, accompanied by comments from very professional guides on the sites explored. The service is impeccable. And everything is done in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The Lady Maris II boat offers trips or rides at sea on request, for up to a dozen passengers. The skipper, a well-known local sailor who knows the waters of the islands like the back of his hand, also offers boat hire and numerous crossings to and from France (Cherbourg in particular), to and from England or to all the other Channel Islands. Please note that reservations are essential, and the organization of outings obviously depends on weather conditions.

For over a century, this very serious agency has been offering standard tours of the island (1/2 day, 1 day...) and à la carte tours. Tours scheduled upon arrival of ferries from France are possible for a glimpse of Jersey before dropping you off in time for the return boat. Walking tours are also available. The many tours are fully described on the website. The agency also offers to handle ferry and air bookings for inter-island transfers or crossings to/from France.