Frequently Asked Questions
By catamaran from the main harbour at St Peter Port, Guernsey: about a 20-minute crossing, with regular departures. Depending on the tide, the boat lands at the hamlet quay or at the Rosaire Steps, a landing cut into the rock a little further south.
None. No cars and no paved roads: the island's 2.4 kilometres are covered on foot alone, at the pace of the coast paths. That is precisely what gives it its character.
About two hours at an easy pace on the coast path. The climbs are modest and ordinary walking shoes are enough. Allow half a day for the loop and a swim, a full day if the weather invites you to be lazy.
The island's best-known beach, about twenty minutes on foot from the landing, named for the millions of shell fragments the Gulf Stream deposits there. The water takes on colours that surprise at this latitude, and the beach is rarely crowded. A café serves sandwiches, salads and ice cream in season.
At Belvoir Bay, a soft sandy cove tucked between two rocky points on the south side. Sheltered from the prevailing winds, it suits families and easy snorkelling particularly well. Kayaks and paddleboards can be hired at Shell Beach in summer.
A pub, a hotel and a few shops at the hamlet, plus a beach café at Shell Beach in season. That is all, and it is deliberate. Bring an extra layer and water if you set off around the island.
The north unrolls dunes and beaches open to the neighbouring islets; the south raises low gorse-covered cliffs from which you can see Sark and, on a clear day, the French coast. Oystercatchers call over the meadows, and every bend in the path seems designed for a photo stop.
Very much so, as long as everyone accepts walking: there is no transport on the island. Belvoir Bay is ideal for swimming, Shell Beach for collecting shells, and the complete absence of traffic means children can run ahead.
The Guernsey pound, at parity with sterling, and English. Sterling notes are accepted everywhere. Cards work at the pub and the hotel, but a little cash is still useful on an island where everything is small.
June to September, when the water is least cold and the beach café is open. Out of season some services close and the crossing from Guernsey depends more on the weather. The landing point also varies with the tide.
