FAQ’s

 

General Information

  • Can children come on a Seafari?
    Yes! We can take children from 4 years old and up on a regular Seafari. On private charters, the minimum age is 3 years old. Please bear in mind it is an open boat, so it can be cold and sometimes wet and bumpy. We have children’s life jackets and waterproofs too.

  • Is it easy to get on the boat?
    To get on the boat, it is about a 60cm step down to the deck. The crew will be able to assist you if necessary. Please note, at the Ecrehous and the Minquiers, during certain tides, you need to board and disembark via a short ladder. If you’re unsure, please get in touch with us.

  • How many passengers does the boat take?
    Our boats take up to 12 passengers each.

  • Can I book online?
    All our Seafaris can be booked online [HERE]. For private charters, head over to the private charters page.

  • Have you got a schedule of trips?
    Our full schedule is available online on the Book Now page [HERE].

  • Do you operate at night?
    Our licence restricts us to daylight hours, which is one hour either side of sunrise/sunset. Sunrise & Sunset times can be found [HERE]

  • Do you sell gift vouchers?
    Yes! Please click [HERE] - All vouchers are valid for 18 months from purchase. 

  • How do you redeem gift vouchers?
    Click [HERE] , then enter your voucher code. Alternatively, add the voucher code(s) in the promotion box during the booking process. For multiple vouchers, use a comma to separate the codes.

Health and Safety

  • Are Seafaris suitable for pregnant women?
    We cannot take pregnant women due to the unpredictable nature of the sea. Please review our full terms and conditions [HERE].

  • Are Seafaris suitable for people with back or joint problems?
    Our Seafaris are not recommended for anybody with past or current back, neck, or heart conditions due to the unpredictable nature of the sea. Please review our full terms and conditions [HERE].

  • Will I get seasick?
    It is rare that passengers get seasick on our Seafaris. It is an open boat, and the motion is very different from that of a ferry. Since 2012, we have only had a handful of sea sickness cases!

  • What happens if it is too rough/raining?
    If conditions are deemed too dangerous to operate or it is raining persistently, the skipper will make the decision to cancel the Seafari. We try to give customers as much notice as possible. If the forecast is very poor, this decision is often made the day prior to the trip. However, weather conditions can change rapidly, and sometimes last-minute decisions are essential. Please provide an up-to-date contact number for such situations.

Meeting and Boarding

  • Where do we meet?
    For trips departing from ST CATHERINE’S, please meet at the top of the slip opposite the Breakwater Café [HERE]

    For trips departing from ST HELIER, please meet at Albert Pier Pontoon at the top of the foot ramp just south of the RNLI Lifeboat Station [HERE].

Activities and Wildlife

  • Can you go swimming?
    Bring your swimming costumes, as swimming is possible on all trips where you can get off the boat!

  • What wildlife can you expect to see?
    We regularly see Bottlenose Dolphins, we also occasionally see Common Dolphins and Harbour Porpoises. The Ecrehous is great for spotting Atlantic Grey Seals. Birdlife includes Gannets, terns, razorbills, guillemots, herons, and many more.

  • What is the best trip for seeing dolphins?
    The Channel Islands have the largest pod of Bottlenose Dolphins in Europe. They can be seen throughout the year, and sightings are not restricted to any one area.

  • How often do you see dolphins?
    We see dolphins on around 35% of our trips.

Destinations and Exploration

  • Is there much walking involved?
    On shorter Seafaris (North and South Coast), you stay on the boat at all times. Trips to the Ecrehous and the Minquiers involve exploring the islands on foot. The terrain is uneven, so suitable footwear is recommended.

  • Are there toilets at Les Ecrehous/Les Minquiers?
    There are no public toilets at Les Ecrehous. At Les Minquiers, there is one on the main island (please ask for our bucket for sea water).

  • Can you drop us off at Les Ecrehous/Les Minquiers and pick us up later?
    We are not permitted to drop passengers off and leave them at any offshore reef unless they have access to one of the huts.

  • Can I take a picnic?
    Yes, you can bring along a picnic, ideal for trips to the Ecrehous and the Minquiers.

Dining Recommendations

  • What restaurants do you recommend in Carteret?
    In Carteret, you’ll find a range of options, from a luxury Michelin-starred restaurant to a casual beach café. We recommend La Potinière, Le Russel, Kalakikis, Le Cap and Terminus. It’s advisable to book before you go. Read our guide [HERE]

  • What restaurants do you recommend in Sark?
    Check out our Sark Guide [HERE].

  • What restaurants do you recommend in Chausey?
    Hôtel du Fort [HERE] offers an excellent set menu and à la carte options, with superb seafood and classic French dishes. Across the track, Restaurant Contre Vents et Marées [HERE] provides a more informal dining experience.

On-Board Experience

  • Can I take a bag?
    We have dry storage where customers can put small bags.

  • Will I get wet?
    We try our best to keep customers dry, and the boats are designed specifically for a dry ride. However, there is a chance of spray. Don’t worry—we provide waterproof jackets.

  • How fast does the boat go?
    The boat typically operates at a cruising speed of 28 knots, but this depends on conditions. Comfort and safety are our priority.

  • Are there toilet facilities on the boat?
    The boat does not have toilet facilities. However, there are toilets at both departure points.

  • Can we take alcohol on the boat?
    You can bring alcohol on trips, but it cannot be consumed while the boat is in motion. Local law applies.