Publication date: 10/17/2025
The Channel Islands: a cruising paradise
The two most famous Channel Islands—Jersey and Guernsey—are well known, but the archipelago also includes three other charming islands: Herm, Sark, and Alderney.
Exploring all five of these destinations by boat is sure to make a lasting impression on your sailing experience!
Why explore the Channel Islands by boat?
Off the French coast, north of Brittany and west of the Cotentin Peninsula, the Channel Islands cover an area of 198 square kilometres. Located in the English Channel, roughly halfway between France and England, they boast stunning landscapes and a rich, diverse cultural heritage on land.
Sailors enjoy not only an exceptional playground and exciting sailing conditions, but also outstanding stopping points. Whether at a harbour or anchorage, near villages, sandy beaches, or still-wild coasts…
On land, the islands offer access to charming ports and traditional villages, reflecting a blend of French and British cultures. Around the islands, the waters are home to dolphins and seals, perfect for activities such as snorkelling or diving.
It is important to remain cautious: as in many sailing areas, the weather in the Channel Islands can change rapidly. We recommend staying vigilant and being aware of the strong tidal currents, which often cause short, choppy seas. Also, pay attention to the numerous islets exposed at low tide!
Procedures for arriving in the Channel Islands by sea
Since Brexit, the Channel Islands are no longer part of the European Union. French citizens do not need a visa to visit the archipelago, but all non-British nationals must carry a valid passport. Before arriving by sea, certain formalities must be completed: prior to departing French territory, you will need to fill out form C1331 and submit it to the Border Police.
Upon entering British waters, you must hoist the Q flag and contact local customs. You may only officially land on British territory once authorisation has been granted.
3 must-visit stops in the Channel Islands
For sailing in the Channel Islands, our team recommends Jersey, Guernsey, and Sark. Each island has its own unique character, which becomes clear when exploring them by sea!
Jersey
With 70 kilometres of coastline, Jersey is the largest island in the Channel Islands. The island is a unique mix of cultures, where you can discover remarkable heritage sites such as dolmens, fortifications, and Mont Orgueil Castle.
Stop in the island’s main town, St Helier, before heading to the beaches. Nature lovers will also enjoy the northern coast, with its spectacular cliffside hiking trails.
Suggested stopovers:
- Beau Port
- Saint-Brelade Bay
- Portelet
- Fort Saint Aubin
- Gorey Harbour
- Sainte-Catherine Bay
- Bouley Bay
- …
Guernsey
Smaller and wilder than Jersey, Guernsey offers many tranquil anchorages in exceptional natural settings. The coastline is lined with excellent hiking trails. The Cobo and Vazon bays are particularly known for their beautiful beaches.
The main town, St Peter Port, is often said to be one of the most beautiful ports in the English Channel! Once again, historical heritage abounds: you can enhance your stopover by exploring churches, fortifications, and Castle Cornet, all within a picturesque town of cobbled streets.
Suggested stopovers:
- L’Ancresse Common
- Beaucette Marina
- Victoria Marina (St Peter Port)
- Havelet Bay
- Fermain Bay
- Moulin Huet Bay
- …
Sark
A third highly distinctive stopover, far from what is usually experienced on the mainland, Sark remains a top destination in the Channel Islands. This small, almost car-free island is truly a place out of time! Ideal for hiking and enjoying spectacular views of the English Channel, Sark also offers beaches and opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
Suggested stopovers:
- La Grève de la Ville
- La Grande Grève
- Baleine Bay
- Dixcart Bay
- Derrible Bay
- …
Recommended sailing itinerary in the Channel Islands
A week-long cruise, whether sailing or motor, departing from France, allows you to explore the Channel Islands by boat. Interested, but wondering what stops to make to enjoy the most beautiful anchorages?
The short distances between the islands make it easy to explore the archipelago in just a few days. Here is an example of an 8-day itinerary departing from Paimpol:
- Day 1: Sail from Paimpol to Jersey | approx. 46 nautical miles*
- Day 2: Discover Jersey, on land and at anchor
- Day 3: Sail from Jersey to Guernsey | approx. 28 nautical miles*
- Day 4: Explore Guernsey, on land and at anchor
- Day 5: Sail from Guernsey to Sark | approx. 9 nautical miles*
- Day 6: Full day in Sark, exploring the island on land and by sea
- Day 7: Sail from Sark to Jersey | approx. 16 nautical miles*
- Day 8: Sail from Jersey to Paimpol | approx. 43 nautical miles*
*Actual sailing distances depend on the chosen anchorage or mooring location.
By sailing a few additional days, you can discover Alderney—the third-largest island of the archipelago and one of the northernmost:
From Guernsey, you will sail just over 25 nautical miles to reach the village of Braye. Alderney is highly valued by sailors for its tranquility and uncrowded beaches. In Longis Bay Nature Reserve, you can observe many seabirds!
Suggested stopovers:
- Longis Bay
- Cornelis Bay
- Braye Bay
- Fort Clonque
- …
Port Adhoc Paimpol, a marina for exploring the Channel Islands
This article has hopefully inspired you to discover the Channel Islands by sailing with your own boat. Know that such a cruise is easily feasible from one of our marinas in particular.
Located 46 nautical miles from Jersey, the Channel Island closest to the Breton coast, Port Adhoc Paimpol is an ideal starting point. Open 7 days a week throughout the year, our marina offers 240 ashore storage spaces. Boats are placed on racks and launched on request, taking tidal schedules into account.
Would you like more details about Port Adhoc Paimpol or about cruising possibilities from our marina? Our advisors are available to answer all your questions!
