ecrehous boat trip

Ecrehous Wildlife Seafari (1.5hr)

• Waterproof jackets & trousers
• Lifejackets
• St Catherine, Jersey JE3 6DD, Jersey Please meet your skipper & crew 15 minutes prior to your Seafari. Meeting location: Top of the slipway, opposite St Catherine Cafe.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
• You'll start at St Catherine Jersey JE3 6DD, Jersey Please meet your skipper & crew 15 minutes prior to your Seafari. Meeting location: Top of the slipway, opposite St Catherine Cafe. See address & details
• 1 Jersey Stop: 2 hours Jersey Seafaris operate RIB boat trips, tours & private charters around Jersey’s magnificent coastline & offshore islands. The ultimate Jersey Experience on water! Your skipper & crew will tell you fascinating stories about the island and wildlife. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• Cosmopolitan623905 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brilliant trip The trip was brilliant! The Seafari crew were knowledgeable and friendly. The island we visited was calm and scenic with great views. We saw seals on the way out, and dolphins on the way back. There were so many, and they came so close to the boat! Even though I have a few days left, I’m pretty sure this will be the highlight of my holiday in Jersey! Read more Written March 20, 2024
• jamak858 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Quick rib tour to Ecrehous Wildlife Seafari Fabulous tour by very lovely skipper and crew. Went over to Ecrehous and saw lots of wildlife. I would thoroughly recommend trip to anyone wanting to get on the water. Thank you Read more Written September 26, 2023
• F1626GPlisal 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles RIB Ride must be done - many to choose from. Probably the fourth trip. This one to The Minquiers. Was an interesting place but the trip to the Sandbank was something else. Take swimwear - clear waters and wonderful swimming. Never been let down on our trips only if they have been cancelled but that is due to weather and unavoidable. The team will refund quickly if they have needed to cancel the trip. Read more Written September 23, 2023
• Mike G 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A memorable day out! Our Rib trip out to Les Ecrehous was one of the highlights of a thoroughly enjoyable holiday in Jersey. The skipper Dan and crew Tom were excellent in all respects. They were full of local knowledge both on the fascinating history and the wildlife of the area. They were very accommodating and Dan even gave me a quick lesson and some time on his paddle board which in the crystal clear water was superb fun! On our return we were blessed with views of a pod of bottle-nosed dolphins which was very respectfully orchestrated and managed by Dan who took great care in carefully manoeuvring his boat to get good views without scaring or disturbing the dolphins. The high speed whizz around Gorey Bay at the end of the trip was the icing on the cake of a special day out! Read more Written September 18, 2023
• OAPWorld 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great fun....Totally recommended! Truly excellent boat trip. Greeted by super friendly staff who offered us the use of jackets to keep us warm and of course life jackets, just in case! The safety briefing both before getting on the boat and additional info after being seated was very clear. The boat was super comfy and when those engines opened up the sense of power and the wind in your hair was just exhilarating. Our driver (Will) and guide (Jaimie) made the trip very enjoyable with several stops along the way to show us interesting things around the coastline and give us brief info on things. And we were lucky enough to see a dolphin. The high speed journey back ended in a little bit of fun with some sharp turns and a bit of spray. We've been on boat rips in the past but this was by far the most well organised and fun one to date. Read more Written July 11, 2023
• G781UDsaraha 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles So good we booked it twice ! Absolutely brilliant! Knowledgeable, friendly team, loved every minute of our first trip ( Ecrehous) so much so that we booked straight away for a second trip ( round the north coast of Jersey), seeing the beautiful bays, historical forts and the caves, loved it. We saw various seabirds (had a great insight to their lives thanks to Patrick ( I hope that’s the right name, I was so excited about the trip I may have got that wrong) we learned a lot and loved the respect shown towards the wildlife and the area’s we visited. Seeing Dolphins just made our day, and they followed us for a while, amazing! These trips are great fun, informative, exciting and good value for money, what more could you want? Thanks guys for making our holiday so memorable ( hope to be back next year for another adventure) Advice to anyone wondering whether or not to book ‘Do It’ you won’t be disappointed! Sarah and Graham Read more Written June 20, 2023
• jennbournemouth 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Loved every minute Exactly what we had hoped for, there no exaggerations used, it truly has stunning crystal clear waters! The 2 staff running the tour were sensational, the music lifted everyone’s mood as we journeyed towards the islands. The weather was glorious but a bit chilly on route so remember and extra layer for this. We had just over 45 minutes on the sandbank to relax and have a swim which was lovely. On the route back they slowed the rib down and they saw dolphin which they stopped to let us take pictures of. Having never seen them in the wild this was incredible for me and the highlight of my holiday. For any water/beach lover I would highly recommend Read more Written June 16, 2023
• diablo2774 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Superfari Really good experience. The two guys operating the boat were great and know how to deliver an experience. They were very knowledgeable and full of information. Unfortunately we didn’t see any dolphins on our trip, but that’s wildlife for you. It was low tide, so got to walk on the sand banks in the middle of the sea. On way back, we were treated to a little speed boat ride, which was great fun. They do various other trips, so defo worth booking one of them. Read the instructions and come prepared (unlike us), as you can swim and your shoes will get wet. It gets a bit windy on way out so a jumper is advisable. Read more Written May 19, 2023
• christophersF7192DL 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles RIB ride to Sark and back The two boatmen were excellent, very friendly knowledgeable and didn't cut any corners in terms of safety. The ride to Sark was quite choppy due to a considerable amount of swell, but the ride back was far better and rounded off with some jetski type manoeuvres. Would give 5 stars if I hadn't got quite wet on the outward journey! Read more Written May 16, 2023
• susiep255 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Not to be Missed! Amazing experience! With a six year old in tow, I was a little apprehensive as it wasn't the calmest of seas. The tour guides put us at ease and checked she was ok. The back of the rib would have been a calmer ride, but we went in the middle and loved it! A real highlight of our holiday. Good value for money. We will be back! (need to find the dolphins) Read more Written April 14, 2023
• Jem995 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Absolutely Brilliant ! Book it now This is an absolute must do !! So firstly , I’m scared of being submerged in water, We arrived on a blustery Sunday morning whilst raining and I saw the rib in the water and was unsure I’d even get on it. Popped to the cafe (3 arches) and was met by Tom who told us that the tour would mean we were sheltered from the wind and it would be amazing. I did not catch the name of the lovely lady who sorted our drinks but she was really calming and explained the trip a bit more. I did begin to relax. We met Josh who was super knowledgeable, friendly and even more relaxed. Waterproofs were supplied and aboard we went. Once I got over the initial fear of the boat and released there is simply nothing to fear I thoroughly enjoyed the trip . The views are spectacular, the commentary from Tom was great. Dan’s summer inspired play list in the rain added to the enjoyment of the trip. The boat does go fast at some points but it is exhilarating and this is from someone who is a complete wimp. We have said we would return to Jersey to simply do another trip with these guys as it was so much fun. My daughter (14) and husband loved every minute of it . If you are visiting or even live on the island I simply cannot recommend a trip with these guys enough Read more Written April 14, 2023
• samanthamS8284XB 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must do! Do yourself a favor and do this! One of the best things we did in Jersey. Josh and Dan were gracious, knowledgeable and the perfect guides! it was a great day out and super fun! Read more Written March 27, 2023
• peterpM6851DK 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Well worth the effort. Most interesting trip along the north coast of Jersey. A very good ongoing talk about the history of the north of the island. We had a fine day and suffered no problems with water and felt little discomfort. Read more Written September 23, 2022
• susancA9598RO 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles FUN ! went on north coast seafari on 13/09/2022 not knowing what to expect. It was FANTASTIC . we had front seats, got soaked but enjoyed every second. Coastline is amazing . Would recommend this as a fun thing to do and we are both pensioners! Read more Written September 19, 2022
• Jason D 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thought provoking Today we were looking forward to having our second seafari going to the north coast this was something we had on the list well before arriving and also because the last time was so incredible. However it turned out to be a rescue mission as the lads Martin and Will received a call saying a man was lost in the water . I will not go into detail but just wanted to say that these two young lads were incredible in the way the dealt with the very uncommon circumstance. They are great guys and the company should be proud. Inspite of today we will be back many more times in the years to come hopefully. Read more Written August 25, 2022

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Ecrehous Wildlife Seafari (1.5hr) provided by Jersey Seafaris

Ecrehous Wildlife Seafari (1.5hr)

• Waterproof jackets & trousers
• Lifejackets
• St Catherine, Jersey JE3 6DD, Jersey Please meet your skipper & crew 15 minutes prior to your Seafari. Meeting location: Top of the slipway, opposite St Catherine Cafe.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travellers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travellers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travellers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
• You'll start at St Catherine Jersey JE3 6DD, Jersey Please meet your skipper & crew 15 minutes prior to your Seafari. Meeting location: Top of the slipway, opposite St Catherine Cafe. See address & details
• 1 Jersey Stop: 2 hours Jersey Seafaris operate RIB boat trips, tours & private charters around Jersey’s magnificent coastline & offshore islands. The ultimate Jersey Experience on water! Your skipper & crew will tell you fascinating stories about the island and wildlife. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• Cosmopolitan623905 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brilliant trip The trip was brilliant! The Seafari crew were knowledgeable and friendly. The island we visited was calm and scenic with great views. We saw seals on the way out, and dolphins on the way back. There were so many, and they came so close to the boat! Even though I have a few days left, I’m pretty sure this will be the highlight of my holiday in Jersey! Read more Written 20 March 2024
• jamak858 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Quick rib tour to Ecrehous Wildlife Seafari Fabulous tour by very lovely skipper and crew. Went over to Ecrehous and saw lots of wildlife. I would thoroughly recommend trip to anyone wanting to get on the water. Thank you Read more Written 26 September 2023
• F1626GPlisal 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles RIB Ride must be done - many to choose from. Probably the fourth trip. This one to The Minquiers. Was an interesting place but the trip to the Sandbank was something else. Take swimwear - clear waters and wonderful swimming. Never been let down on our trips only if they have been cancelled but that is due to weather and unavoidable. The team will refund quickly if they have needed to cancel the trip. Read more Written 23 September 2023
• Mike G 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A memorable day out! Our Rib trip out to Les Ecrehous was one of the highlights of a thoroughly enjoyable holiday in Jersey. The skipper Dan and crew Tom were excellent in all respects. They were full of local knowledge both on the fascinating history and the wildlife of the area. They were very accommodating and Dan even gave me a quick lesson and some time on his paddle board which in the crystal clear water was superb fun! On our return we were blessed with views of a pod of bottle-nosed dolphins which was very respectfully orchestrated and managed by Dan who took great care in carefully manoeuvring his boat to get good views without scaring or disturbing the dolphins. The high speed whizz around Gorey Bay at the end of the trip was the icing on the cake of a special day out! Read more Written 18 September 2023
• OAPWorld 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great fun....Totally recommended! Truly excellent boat trip. Greeted by super friendly staff who offered us the use of jackets to keep us warm and of course life jackets, just in case! The safety briefing both before getting on the boat and additional info after being seated was very clear. The boat was super comfy and when those engines opened up the sense of power and the wind in your hair was just exhilarating. Our driver (Will) and guide (Jaimie) made the trip very enjoyable with several stops along the way to show us interesting things around the coastline and give us brief info on things. And we were lucky enough to see a dolphin. The high speed journey back ended in a little bit of fun with some sharp turns and a bit of spray. We've been on boat rips in the past but this was by far the most well organised and fun one to date. Read more Written 11 July 2023
• G781UDsaraha 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles So good we booked it twice ! Absolutely brilliant! Knowledgeable, friendly team, loved every minute of our first trip ( Ecrehous) so much so that we booked straight away for a second trip ( round the north coast of Jersey), seeing the beautiful bays, historical forts and the caves, loved it. We saw various seabirds (had a great insight to their lives thanks to Patrick ( I hope that’s the right name, I was so excited about the trip I may have got that wrong) we learned a lot and loved the respect shown towards the wildlife and the area’s we visited. Seeing Dolphins just made our day, and they followed us for a while, amazing! These trips are great fun, informative, exciting and good value for money, what more could you want? Thanks guys for making our holiday so memorable ( hope to be back next year for another adventure) Advice to anyone wondering whether or not to book ‘Do It’ you won’t be disappointed! Sarah and Graham Read more Written 20 June 2023
• jennbournemouth 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Loved every minute Exactly what we had hoped for, there no exaggerations used, it truly has stunning crystal clear waters! The 2 staff running the tour were sensational, the music lifted everyone’s mood as we journeyed towards the islands. The weather was glorious but a bit chilly on route so remember and extra layer for this. We had just over 45 minutes on the sandbank to relax and have a swim which was lovely. On the route back they slowed the rib down and they saw dolphin which they stopped to let us take pictures of. Having never seen them in the wild this was incredible for me and the highlight of my holiday. For any water/beach lover I would highly recommend Read more Written 16 June 2023
• diablo2774 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Superfari Really good experience. The two guys operating the boat were great and know how to deliver an experience. They were very knowledgeable and full of information. Unfortunately we didn’t see any dolphins on our trip, but that’s wildlife for you. It was low tide, so got to walk on the sand banks in the middle of the sea. On way back, we were treated to a little speed boat ride, which was great fun. They do various other trips, so defo worth booking one of them. Read the instructions and come prepared (unlike us), as you can swim and your shoes will get wet. It gets a bit windy on way out so a jumper is advisable. Read more Written 19 May 2023
• christophersF7192DL 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles RIB ride to Sark and back The two boatmen were excellent, very friendly knowledgeable and didn't cut any corners in terms of safety. The ride to Sark was quite choppy due to a considerable amount of swell, but the ride back was far better and rounded off with some jetski type manoeuvres. Would give 5 stars if I hadn't got quite wet on the outward journey! Read more Written 16 May 2023
• susiep255 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Not to be Missed! Amazing experience! With a six year old in tow, I was a little apprehensive as it wasn't the calmest of seas. The tour guides put us at ease and checked she was ok. The back of the rib would have been a calmer ride, but we went in the middle and loved it! A real highlight of our holiday. Good value for money. We will be back! (need to find the dolphins) Read more Written 14 April 2023
• Jem995 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Absolutely Brilliant ! Book it now This is an absolute must do !! So firstly , I’m scared of being submerged in water, We arrived on a blustery Sunday morning whilst raining and I saw the rib in the water and was unsure I’d even get on it. Popped to the cafe (3 arches) and was met by Tom who told us that the tour would mean we were sheltered from the wind and it would be amazing. I did not catch the name of the lovely lady who sorted our drinks but she was really calming and explained the trip a bit more. I did begin to relax. We met Josh who was super knowledgeable, friendly and even more relaxed. Waterproofs were supplied and aboard we went. Once I got over the initial fear of the boat and released there is simply nothing to fear I thoroughly enjoyed the trip . The views are spectacular, the commentary from Tom was great. Dan’s summer inspired play list in the rain added to the enjoyment of the trip. The boat does go fast at some points but it is exhilarating and this is from someone who is a complete wimp. We have said we would return to Jersey to simply do another trip with these guys as it was so much fun. My daughter (14) and husband loved every minute of it . If you are visiting or even live on the island I simply cannot recommend a trip with these guys enough Read more Written 14 April 2023
• samanthamS8284XB 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must do! Do yourself a favor and do this! One of the best things we did in Jersey. Josh and Dan were gracious, knowledgeable and the perfect guides! it was a great day out and super fun! Read more Written 27 March 2023
• peterpM6851DK 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Well worth the effort. Most interesting trip along the north coast of Jersey. A very good ongoing talk about the history of the north of the island. We had a fine day and suffered no problems with water and felt little discomfort. Read more Written 23 September 2022
• susancA9598RO 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles FUN ! went on north coast seafari on 13/09/2022 not knowing what to expect. It was FANTASTIC . we had front seats, got soaked but enjoyed every second. Coastline is amazing . Would recommend this as a fun thing to do and we are both pensioners! Read more Written 19 September 2022
• Jason D 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thought provoking Today we were looking forward to having our second seafari going to the north coast this was something we had on the list well before arriving and also because the last time was so incredible. However it turned out to be a rescue mission as the lads Martin and Will received a call saying a man was lost in the water . I will not go into detail but just wanted to say that these two young lads were incredible in the way the dealt with the very uncommon circumstance. They are great guys and the company should be proud. Inspite of today we will be back many more times in the years to come hopefully. Read more Written 25 August 2022

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Ecrehous Wildlife Seafari (1.5hr) provided by Jersey Seafaris

Grey Globetrotters

Spotting Seals & Dolphins on a RIB Trip to Les Écréhous Reef

Grey Globetrotters contains affiliate links and is an Amazon Services LLC Associates Program member. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy  for more information.

Once the domain of smugglers, Les Ecrehous is wild, windswept, and hauntingly beautiful. Home to Britain’s largest breeding population of bottlenose dolphins, Les Ecrehous Reef is Jersey’s best-kept secret and it should be on your bucket list! 

Taking a RIB trip to Les Ecrehous islands is the highlights of my visits to Jersey . Visiting this tiny archipelago of islets just off the Jersey coast (and very close to France) is a magical experience.

In this post, I’ll share how to get to Les Ecrehous, what to do and see when you are there, and tell the story of “The King of the Ecrehous”. You’ll also find hints and tips to make your trip even more enjoyable 🙂

A RIB Trip To Les Ecrehous Islands

Les Ecrehous Reef is a small paradise of golden sand, crystal clear water, and rock, where fish and birds live in peace with the rhythm of some of the biggest tides in the world, largely undisturbed by man.

Where is Les Ecrehous Reef?

Les Ecrehous is situated just six nautical miles off the northeast coast of Jersey (in the British Channel Islands) and less than 10 miles from France’s Normandy coast.  

In 2005 these islets became a  RAMSAR site, protecting the habitat of bottlenose and common dolphins, Atlantic grey seals, and basking sharks.

The three largest islets are called Maîtr’Île ( Master Island ), La Marmotchiéthe and Lé Bliantch’Île ( White Island) . The first two have a few stone huts and houses used as weekend or holiday hideaways – the others are uninhabited.

The biggest islet, with two habitable huts. Visit to see the ruined fisherman’s cottages , plus the foundations of a 13th Century priory , with a small menhir (an ancient standing stone) inside it.

La Marmotchiéthe

This is where most RIB trips land. The islet has a tiny cluster of huts around a tiny courtyard dating back to 1800 .

How to Get to Les Ecrehous from Jersey

The Les Ecrehous reef is only accessible by boat. While you can charter a boat for the day (or longer), be aware that Jersey has an enormous tidal range. 

Twice daily, 40 feet of water gushes in and out again, covering and uncovering all but the three largest islets of the Les Ecrehous Reef. Over the years, hundreds have drowned at the mercy of the vicious rocks around Jersey, and there have been many shipwrecks!!

So, unless you’re a competent sailor, you’ll need a local skipper to navigate the treacherous tides, currents, and sandbanks!

On my most recent trip, I saw a French yacht left high and dry on the beach. The skipper had moored up at high tide, unaware that the sea would go out as far as it did!

The best way to visit Les Ecrehous is on a RIB trip, and there are several good operators.

We picked the 3-hour  Dolphin, Seal, and Reef Exploration RIB trip  to Les Ecrehous from Jersey Seafaris . They have a fun, knowledgeable crew who respect the wildlife and the reef’s environment.

If you’re an experienced kayaker, you can paddle (weather permitting!) to Les Ecrehous in about 2 ½ hours with  Jersey Kayak Adventures .

What to Expect on Your RIB Trip to Les Ecrehous

Before boarding the RIB, trips begin with a safety briefing from the crew. You’ll also get kitted out with a warm, waterproof jacket and life jacket. Even on a hot day, it’s pretty chilly offshore!

Once the passengers have boarded, the skipper fires up the RIB’s engines and casts off from the slipway. After puttering past St Catherine’s breakwater, the power is cranked up to around 30knts (38mph), for an exhilarating 15-minute blast across the waves northeast to Les Ecrehous.

 If you want to take photographs on the RIB trip, forget your “best” camera! Use a GoPro waterproof camera , as it’s a very “bouncy” ride with a lot of sea spray.

You may see a pod of dolphins swimming and jumping from the sea alongside the RIB on the way. Shout out to the crew if you do, as the skipper will slow down to let you take photographs!

As the islands appear, you’ll approach the Les Ecrehous sandbank, which is only revealed twice a day, at low tide, for about 20 minutes. 

“We jumped off the RIB and walked along the sandbank, freshly revealed by the tide as we arrived. It was surreal to walk on the seabed, in the middle of the ocean! Minutes later, the sea reclaimed the sandbank, and it disappeared beneath the waves.”

Before stopping at the main island, the skipper will pilot the RIB around the reef, giving you fantastic photo opportunities. You’ll probably also see grey seals basking in the sun on the rocks. 

Drop-off points vary depending on the height of the tide – the sea goes out a long way, and the reef triples in size at low tide.

The skipper will tell you where and when to meet for your return trip; then, you can explore the island independently. 

Things To Do On Les Ecrehous

While the largest islet (Maîtr’ Île) is only 300 metres long by 150 metres wide, there is plenty to see and do on short boat trips to Les Ecrehous! 

See Bottlenose Dolphins and Grey Seals

You may have been lucky and seen some dolphins and seals as you approach the Ecrehous, from the RIB; however, you’ll have more chances to see seals from the rocky shoreline.

On your RIB ride back to Jersey, you’ll have another chance to see more dolphins – they often swim alongside the RIBs!

Watch sea birds amid stunning scenery

 Les Ecrehous is a protected site for seabirds, with

Explore unique sand, land and sea habitats  

Les Ecrehous is the perfect place to take kids who love exploring nature! There are umpteen rockpools to investigate, oysters growing wild on the rocks, and plenty of different types of shells to examine.

Enjoy golden sandy beaches

What could be better than a whole beach to yourself? It’s often the case on boat trips to Les Ecrehous, as visitor numbers are very limited.

Swim or paddle in shallow, crystal-clear waters

On a hot summer’s day, there’s nothing better than a swim in the clean, clear waters of the Ecrehous. As a bonus, if you’re travelling with kids, the water is shallow for a long way!

Potter around the weather-beaten stone huts and houses

There’s something quite magical about climbing high up on the rocks to where the few Ecrehous houses are perched, and pottering around the tiny courtyard.

You can imagine what it’s like on bleak, wintry days – or think about the time when these islands were a den of smugglers!

Try out paddle boarding or kayaking

While you’ll need to pre-book any watersports activities, the shallow, calm waters of the Ecrehous are the perfect place to enjoy time on the water 🌊🤿🛶

Where To Eat and Drink in Les Ecrehous

There are no food outlets on Les Ecrehous, nor anywhere to refill a water bottle. Most visitors take a picnic to enjoy. No picnic? Before you go, you can buy tasty sandwiches, snacks and drinks from the little café at the trip departure point in St Catherine’s.

Realistically, with a maximum of 2 hours ashore, you’ll barely have time on your RIB trip for a BBQ to get hot, cook your food, and cool down enough to carry back home!

Whatever you do, you must carry every scrap of rubbish away! 

A Brief History of Les Ecrehous Jersey

In the 17th century, smugglers used the islands to smuggle lead and gunpowder to nearby St Malo in France. The customs house built to quash this activity is still standing today.

Today the islands form part of the Island of Jersey, but sovereignty was hotly disputed for centuries, so France took the United Kingdom to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1950 to decide to which country the Ecrehous belonged. On 17 November 1953, the ICJ awarded the islands to Jersey. 

The King of The Ecrehous

In 1961, Alphonse le Gastelois started a 14-year self-exile on the islet of La Marmotchiéthe after false accusations that he was guilty of the horrific child sex crimes of the “Beast of Jersey”. A decade later, in 1971, Edward Paisnel was imprisoned for the crimes; however, Le Gastelois remained on the islands, proclaiming himself “The King of The Ecrehous”.

This is my home now! Jersey crucified me.  Le Gastelois to Time magazine in 1971

There are no food outlets on the islands, and nowhere to refill a water bottle, so most visitors take a picnic to enjoy . No picnic? Buy refreshments at the little café at St Catherine’s before you go.

While you can use a BBQ on the islands, there are strict conditions. You MUST avoid areas where birds are nesting, and ensure that any hot spots are doused with seawater when you leave.

Realistically, with a maximum of 2 hours ashore, you’ll barely have time on your RIB trip for a BBQ to get hot, cook your food, and cool down enough to carry back home!

Whatever you do, you must carry every single scrap of rubbish away with you! 

Need To Know Information

👀 There are toilets at St Catherine’s, but none on the boat or Les Ecrehous. Check out the Les Ecrehous code of conduct for what to do if nature calls. 

Accessibility

This trip isn’t suitable if you have accessibility needs, a back problem, or for expectant women. Here’s why:

• There’s quite a step down to the RIB from the slipway at St Catherine’s. The crew will help you, but you’ll be stepping down onto the side of an inflatable boat!
• Depending on the tide, you may need to jump into shallow water, climb up a short ladder, or step aboard from an uneven stone jetty (where there are no railings).
• The islands are remote and beautiful, but there’s nowhere to sit (except on your own backside/picnic blanket), and there are no paths. You’ll be walking across shingle, sand and rocks.
• The RIB trip is fast and exciting – it’s also very bouncy!

How to Get To The Departure Point for Boat Trips to Les Ecrehous

The starting point for the RIB trip is the slipway at St. Catherine’s Breakwater on Jersey’s northeast coast.  Here’s how to get there:

Take the N2 or N2A from Liberation Station in St Helier

By Car or Taxi

Location : St Catherine’s Breakwater/Slip, La Route De St. Catherine, Saint Martin, JE3 6DD. Parking is free and plentiful.  

What to Take on Your Trip to the Ecrehous Reef

• A camera to capture your trip highlights
• Water in a reusable bottle
• Sunblock/protection 
• Swimwear and snorkelling kit
• Binoculars for bird watching

Where To Stay For Your Trip To Les Ecrehous

The few Ecrehous houses are privately owned, so you won’t be able to stay on the islands. The best idea is to stay in Jersey for a few days to make the most of your trip.

Longueville Manor Hotel

JJersey’s only five-star hotel and a member of the exclusive Relais & Châteaux worldwide collection of luxury hotels and restaurants. The hospitality and service at Longueville Manor are exceptional and you’ll feel like you’ve escaped from the world for a while after a relaxing stay here.

How to Get to Jersey

By Air: Flights operate from major UK airports.

By Sea: Car ferries operate from Portsmouth and Poole, also from St Malo in France.

HOW TO GET TO JERSEY FROM LONDON

Discover exactly how to get to Jersey from London – by air and by boat.

FAQs: A RIB Trip To Les Ecrehous

Is a rib trip to les ecrehous dog friendly.

No. Dogs are not allowed on the Ecrehous to protect the indigenous wildlife.

How Much Does A RIB Trip to Les Ecrehous Cost?

2-hour trips cost from £40.00 per adult, and 3-hour trips from £50 per adult. Concession fares are available.

How Long Will I Get to Spend Ashore on Les Ecrehous?

On a 2-hour trip, time ashore is about 30 to 45 minutes. You’ll get up to 2 hours ashore on a 3-hour trip. We found that was plenty of time for swimming and exploring 🙂

What to wear on a RIB boat ride?

Your tour company will provide you with a lifevest and a warm waterproof jacket. In addition to this, you’ll want waterproof (or quick drying) shorts/pants and water shoes or sandals with straps. Flip flops are not recommended!

Is there anywhere to stay in Les Ecrehous?

No. The very limited Les Ecrehous accommodation is all privately owned. Unless you plan to sail to the islands and sleep overnight onboard, you will need to return to Jersey after your visit. You will not be able to stay in the Ecrehous houses.

Are there other offshore islands around Jersey to visit?

Yes. Les Minquiers is another popular destination for RIB trips Jersey.

Can I use a drone on Les Ecrehous?

Yes, but strict conditions apply. Drone usage is banned during the nesting season (April to August).

Can I have a BBQ on Les Ecrehous?

Yes. You can use a portable BBQ on Les Ecrehous, but you must take all equipment away with you, and must douse any hot areas on the ground with seawater before leaving the island.

Will I get soaked on boat trips to the Ecrehous?

You’re not likely to get soaked, although you’re more likely to catch some spray if you sit towards to back of the boat!

Further reading for the best places to visit in Jersey

10 Best Jersey Hotels With Indoor Pools: Best Areas + Local Tips 🇯🇪

15 Things to Do in Jersey in Winter: The Ultimate Jersey Christmas Guide

Is Jersey Part Of The UK? (A Local Answers)

Or read more about Jersey | Guernsey | Alderney | Herm

Other helpful tips for visiting the Channel Islands

🏠 Need a place to stay? Browse Booking or VRBO 💃 How about fun experiences? Get Your Guide and Viator have it all 🚗 Considering renting a car in the UK? Use Rentalcars 🔒 Don’t forget about travel insurance from Travel Insurance Master

Final Thoughts on a RIB Trip To Les Ecrehous

So this is our complete guide to enjoying a RIB Trip to Les Ecrehous – an unforgettable experience that offers breathtaking views of the stunning natural beauty off Jersey’s coastline.

With its crystal clear waters, secluded beaches and unique wildlife, Les Ecrehous is a true gem of the Channel Islands. Whether you are looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure or a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this hidden paradise is definitely worth exploring by RIB.

So why not take the plunge and embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey to discover one of Jersey’s best-kept secrets? You won’t regret it!

Pin it to save the RIB trip to Les Ecrehous for later!

Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe and bucketlist destinations with meticulously crafted guides and affordable luxury itineraries, Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems.

Check Availability

Please note that ferry bookings are currently unavailable due to a change in Condor Ferries' reservations system. We expect ferry bookings to be available on the afternoon of Tuesday 1st March. Please contact us to check dates / times and we will endeavour to book your selected dates once the system is up and running.

Jersey Seafaris

About jersey seafaris.

Jersey Seafaris offer a completely unique way to explore Jersey and its surrounding waters. From an exhilarating R.I.B ride, to a glass of champagne on a deserted beach or zipping across to France for dinner, Jersey Seafaris offer something for everyone and make a great addition to your trip to Jersey. Jersey Seafaris provide regular boat trips, tours and charters around Jersey’s beautiful coastline and offshore islands, giving you the chance to experience one of the biggest tidal ranges in the world and discover hidden wonders around every corner.

Jersey Seafaris offer a number of boat tours to different destinations throughout the week, including Les Ecrehous, Les Minquiers, Iles Chausey, Sark and France. You’ll be able to learn about the local marine life on an Ecrehous Wildlife Tour, discover the little-known Iles Chausey, explore Sark’s stunning coastline with a Sark Seafari or stay a little closer to home to admire Jersey’s beautiful scenery and secluded bays on one of their South Coast or Sunset Tours.

Marine Life Encounters

On any of the Jersey Seafaris excursions you may be lucky enough to witness some of the wide variety of marine life that resides along Jersey’s rocky coastline and surrounding waters. Sightings of dolphins and seals are common on Jersey Seafaris and you’ll have the chance to observe and learn about the fantastic birdlife around Jersey’s shores, which includes puffins, fulmars, colonies of shags, oystercatchers, waders, gulls and wildfowls. Jersey Seafaris take the conservation of this area very seriously and follow the Jersey Marine and Coastline Wildlife Watching Code.

What Is Included?

The price of your tour includes your very own commercially endorsed RYA qualified skipper and provision of life jackets and waterproofs if necessary. Food and drinks can also be arranged courtesy of The Boat House group, who are happy to provide deluxe picnic hampers starting at £15 per person. Each hamper includes a selection of the best local seasonal produce, and can cater for individual needs. Jersey Seafaris also offer private and commercial charters, enabling you to relax and enjoy a trip to the destination of your choice without the hassle of organising your own boat.

Why not book their offshore islands package and take a trip to either Les Ecrehous or the Minquiers. For details check here

Contact Details

Telephone: 07829 772222 Email: [email protected] Website: www.jerseyseafaris.com

Discover Jersey's offshore reefs, caves and bays, and possibly spot some dolphins!

Recommended Accommodation

Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa

Hotel Ambassadeur

La Croix Guest House

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Island RIB Voyages

Visit Ecrehous

24th January 2022

This tiny archipelago, part of Jersey’s Coastal National Park, is one of the Channel Islands best kept secrets. You feel like you are the middle of the ocean but you are only 9.6 kilometres north-east of Jersey. The main islets in the group which remain above water at high tide are Maîtr’Île , which is the largest at 300 metres long, La Marmotchiéthe and Lé Bliantch’Île. At low tide the archipelago’s landmass triples in size and the landscape becomes more like a moonscape with the rocky islets linked by sandbanks.

There is plenty to do with rock pools to explore and the shallow waters are perfect for paddle-boarding, swimming and fishing for seabass from the shore. Sea kayaking around the islets is also an incredible experience. Advanced paddlers can get to the islands under their own steam from Jersey, whilst the less experienced can rent kayaks taken out to the islands on RIB’s.

The islets have an interesting history starting in the 1200’s when a small chapel existed with priory accommodation for a monk and servant who lit a navigation light every night. In the 17 th century smugglers used the island to transfer lead and gunpowder to St Malo and thereafter came a succession of self-styled king’s, fugitives and fishermen.

Today none of the islets have permanent residents, there are a few fishermen’s huts dotted around some of which are used as holiday homes and there is a customs house on La Marmotchiéthe. The 15 minute RIB-ride that leaves from St Catherine’s Breakwater in the north-east of Jersey is an exhilarating trip with plenty of wildlife to spot on the way including Atlantic grey seals, basking sharks and bottlenose dolphins. There is a recommended code of conduct for visitors to allow the bird breeding season to go on without disruption. It is possible to stay overnight in basic accommodation in the Customs House bookable with Jersey Customs.

Find out about boat trips Jersey Seafaris  and Island RIB Voyage s

Visiting Jersey

Check out our island page for Jersey for more information on getting to Jersey , and getting around Jersey and our favourite food and drink in Jersey .

You may also be interested in:

• Walks from Rozel Harbour to St Catherine’s Breakwater or Bonne Nuit Bay
• Discover Jersey’s Occupation story
• Walk to tidal L’Islet (Elizabeth Castle) from St Helier
• Discover the horrible histories of Mount Orgueil
• Go glamping at the Durrel Wildlife Park
• Try some of the best seafood in the Channel Islands
• Swim or walk on the best beaches in Jersey
• Enjoy a seafood BBQ in a WW2 bunker
• Visit one of the ten oldest buildings in the world

Islands nearby

The other Channel Islands are also excellent walking destinations and, together with Jersey, walks around their coast paths form the 110 mile Channel Island Way.

Guernsey – find out about walking in Guernsey, Guernsey’s outdoor activities, cafes and more here

Sark – find out about walking in Sark, Sark’s outdoor activities, cafes and more here

Herm – find out about walking in Herm, Herm’s outdoor activities, cafes and more here

Alderney – find out about walking in Alderney, Alderney’s outdoor activities, cafes and more here

Other islands in the British Isles

We have explored nearly 600 islands in the British Isles and are trying to write them up as fast as we can. Check more here or contact us as we are happy to share our info.

Further information

Our two books are stacked with more ideas on what to do in the Channel Islands and more more info here

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We continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.

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Seabed Walks in Jersey

Jersey is an island shaped by the sea, where things are revealed – to any who choose to look.

Join us on a seabed walk in Jersey. Enter a world where the ocean disappears to the horizon, and we are all visitors.

Explore rock pools, cross sand bars and gullies with experienced local guides.

Revel in a place covered twice a day by some of the highest tides in the world. Here, marine life must survive the extremes of the daily rhythms of the ocean, and the distinction between land and sea is blurred.

Discover Jersey’s very own wilderness with local guides. Derek, Trudie and Sheila have led people amongst the rocks, channels and rockpools for over 18 years. All are Jersey Tour Guide Association/Visit Jersey accredited guides with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Click here for our Walk Dates

Meet the locals. Hermit crab

Seymour & Icho Tower Walks

Our intertidal walks on the seabed in Jersey to Seymour or Icho Tower are also called “moonwalks”. Though the landscape might look barren, it’s teeming with marine life and has a rich maritime history.

Our walks occur in an internationally recognised Ramsar Wetlands site – a marine version of the Jersey National Park.

“Moonwalks” to Seymour Tower occur at low tide during the day, some at night . Prices from £24 (under 16 years £13) Dates .

Bioluminescence on the Beach Walk

Bioluminescence on the beach

As the ocean recedes on a moonless night, join us in search of tiny creatures which glow and twinkle in the dark like fireflies or glow worms.

We have enabled our guests to discover these rarely-seen marine creatures for over ten years.

£24 (under 16 years £13). Dates

Wild Vegetables of the Ocean. Seaweed Foraging

Bring the sea to your kitchen. Jersey has more than 200 species of seaweed, some tastier than others, all healthy and great to bake or use as condiments in your cooking. £24 (under 16 years £13). Dates

Beach walks

Our expert guides will reveal stories of this seascape from when you could have walked to France, the landings by French invaders at La Rocque to the attempts by Jersey people in 1944 to escape German occupation by small boats, and more. Observe amazing marine life and see oyster farmers going about their work of harvesting delicious Jersey Oysters.

Private walks. £96 for up to three people. Add £24 per adult or £13 per child for four or more participants. Contact us to arrange a date.

This walk is ideal for participants who prefer a shorter walk to explore the upper shore. The Beach Walk is a great way to discover Europe’s largest rocky intertidal area when the tide is not low enough to explore further offshore.

Taste the quality of the best Jersey shellfish

Oyster Trail

Walk among the oyster and mussel beds in the Royal Bay of Grouville, followed by the opportunity to sample delicious fresh Jersey Oysters. £23 (under 16 years £11). Dates .

Stay in Seymour Tower

We can arrange a day and overnight stay in the historic Seymour Tower. The ocean surrounds the tower at high tide, so don’t forget anything!

Seashore foraging for edible seaweeds

Sea Foraging & Oyster Trail

In the past, Jersey folk called it low-water fishing. Today, it’s called foraging. Whatever the name, join us on a marine wild food foray as we stroll down to the most extensive oyster beds in the British Isles.

We’ll reveal what you can forage from the sea and share stories of the 19 th century Oyster fishing gold rush.

Finish this 2½-hour walk with the opportunity to sample six fresh Jersey oysters with a glass of beer or wine in Seymour Pub. £43.50 per person. Dates

Explore the largest inter-tidal rocky zone in Europe

Dates of our Seabed Walks in Jersey

Online booking is essential because all our seabed walks are in small groups. A small group gives you a better experience of exploring this fantastic intertidal world as the ocean recedes to the horizon. Dates .

French and German commentary is possible if reserved in advance.

Individual, group and private bookings. Contact us .

Tourist Guides in Jersey

Discover places, stories and experiences you might easily miss by hiring a professional English and German-speaking tourist guide.

Join Trudie Trox, travel guide book author and professional tourist guide with over 30 years of experience on your Jersey discovery.

Half-day and multi-day itineraries and guided trips to the other Channel Islands can be arranged. Email Trudie .

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• Things to do
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Explore Jersey.

Delve into the island’s colourful past.

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Get back to nature in the island break.

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Discover all that Jersey has to offer.

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By location

• St. Brelade’s Bay
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• Budget friendly

All the little facts about Jersey to know before you travel.

Explore the beauty and diversity of Jersey’s neighbouring islands.

Be on our shores in under an hour.

Find your way.

Good to know

• Passports & Visas
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Plan your visit

• Travel by sea
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Les Écrehous Kayak Tour

Paddle into nature. Travel by boat to Les Écréhous National Park, then hop onto a user-friendly sit-on-top kayak to explore the archipelago with one of Jersey Kayak Adventures' expert local guides.

As you reconnect with nature, we'll reveal this extraordinary place's history and marine life.

• Booking needed
• Active & adrenaline
• History & culture
• Water sports

Duration: 3-5 hrs,

Price: starting at £180

• +44 (0) 7797853033
• [email protected]
• https://jerseykayakadventures.co.uk/

More Information

Enjoy the incredible experience of kayaking the crystal-clear waters around tiny islets and lagoons. Les Écréhous is a unique marine environment protected under the Ramsar World Wetlands Convention. It is part of the Jersey National Park.

Our tours last 4 hours with kayaks and all kit supplied — a maximum of 6 guests per trip.

Private charters are possible. Advanced Kayak crossings to Les Écréhous are only possible for experienced paddlers. Contact us for more information.

To get the most out of this trip, you should have some previous kayaking experience so you quickly get out exploring. Novices are advised to join one of our 2¼ hour Coastal Kayak tours with Jersey Kayak Adventures to see how you get on before booking this trip.

• Route 2: Liberation Station - St. Catherine
• Route 2A: Liberation Station - St. Catherine

Booking office: The meeting point is confirmed when you have booked online. Ackaless La Grande Route de la Cote St. Martin JE2 6FW

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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.