Ways to explore our Aspiring Geopark

Explore our otherworldly offshore reefs. Explore the parts of the Aspiring Geopark that lie offshore. From an exhilarating RIB ride, to a lobster picnic and glass of champagne on a deserted beach to dolphin spotting – there is a Seafari for everyone. Jersey Seafaris, Island RIB Voyages and Nauti Buoy RIBs provide regular boat trips, tours and private charters around the beautiful coastline and offshore islands: Les Écréhous and Les Minquiers, giving you the chance to experience one of the biggest tidal ranges in the world, discover secret sandbanks and hidden wonders around every corner. See activity operators in our ‘do’ and ‘tours’ sections

Walking.

Jersey’s cliff-edged heights and wide sandy bays are best seen on foot, with a breeze to keep you cool. You’ll find an extensive network of footpaths as well as winding country lanes, and breathtaking beaches. Walking is a great way to explore the outdoors allowing us to wander through Jersey’s spectacular landscapes, enjoying this Aspiring Geopark’s natural and built heritage.

See walking tours on page 88

Cycling.

Explore the Aspiring Jersey Geopark on two wheels, with a network of 15 mph ‘Green Lanes’ through the island’s countryside and miles of bicyclefriendly routes, a cycle ride is the perfect way to explore our unique island. Enjoy taking in the sights from the slow lane or challenge yourself with an uphill climb. We may be small, but we pack many diverse, beautiful and challenging cycle routes into our nine miles by five. You’ll be spoilt for choice for bike hire in Jersey, you’ll find mountain, leisure and road bikes and e-bikes if you’re looking for a little assistance. See an example ride on page 96

Diving and Snorkelling.

The sun warms the sea all summer long. The average water temperature is 15 – 20°C during the summer months (April to October). Jersey’s shallow marine habitats offer an opportunity to explore the beauty and diversity that lies beneath the waves through the creation of snorkel trails at Portelet Bay and Bouley Bay. Portelet Bay boasts an element of isolation from the island, forming its own little oasis. A small islet located in the middle of the bay, Janvrin’s Tomb (or Île au Guerdain), is surrounded by water at high tide. Bouley Bay has long been the spiritual home of diving on the island and the trail there showcasing a range of habitats as well as a reef of kelp and seaweed stretching across the bay alongside a sandy seabed.

What makes our Aspiring Jersey Geopark so special?

Geopark Ambassadors are Jersey locals who champion our unique landscapes and seascapes through their roles within our community and their passion for island life. Each Ambassador was asked about what makes this island such a remarkable place…

Sarah Maguire

Jersey Biodiversity Centre,

The Jersey sub species of buff-tailed bumblebee, despite the name, does not have a buff tail. It is also known as the Jersey white-tailed bumblebee. This bumblebee is a native pollinator to Jersey and can have active nests over winter. They nest underground often using small mammal holes with up to 500 workers in a nest. They can be found all over the Island, from gardens to sites of scientific interest.

Ralph Nichols

Member of the Geology, Archaeology and Jèrriais sections in the Société Jersiaise.

“My favourite geology is La Crête point which is on the east coast, north side of Anne Port Bay which is an outcrop of columnar joints of lava flow called rhyolite”.

Samantha Blampied PhD

Researcher with University of Plymouth, Blue Marine Foundation.

Favourite of Jersey’s marine life: Tope. “Tope is a species of shark found in our waters. They are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species as they are being unsustainably fished in other parts of the world.” Tope can be found at Les Minquiers, one of our offshore reefs, which boasts hundreds of granite fangs, wildlife, geology and archaeology.

This May, discover some of the best walks in Jersey by joining one of our expert-guided walks, or by exploring in your own time, by using one of our self-guided routes across the Jersey National Park.

Each of our guided walks will showcase a different aspect of the Jersey National Park, from wildlife to history, to farming and geology, and much more.

Head to our website to find out more.