Things to do in Guernsey are extensive owing to its great weather, clear water, and an easy to access interior. Swimming and water sports are naturally popular with two dozen beaches that are all just a short drive, bus trip, or cycle away from the capital city and villages.
There are a number of tour operators offering fishing trips and boat outings to nearby islands, as well as scuba diving. Taking in the coastline on foot is an absolute must to see Guernsey’s striking shoreline and green fields from cliff tops.
The beaches and swimming are the main summer highlight and there are several decent ones close to St Peter Port. There are 27 in all around the island, with the prettiest shores just a few miles to the north of St Peter Port such as L’Ancresse Bay and Grande Havre. Rocquaine Bay and Vazon Bay in the west are hugely popular in summer as are Moulin Huet Bay and Petit Bôt in the south. The latter is the best protected bay for children, though many beaches are shallow. The water tends to be chilly, but the sun shines for most of the year.
The most popular water sports are windsurfing and surfing, with the west coast providing the most reliable wind and waves. Vazon Bay, facing northwest, is particular popular with surfers year-round, due to its wide sand bar and good facilities. Scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular around Guernsey and several companies offer equipment and courses like Dive Guernsey and Sarnia Skin Divers. Pembroke Bay (l’Ancresse), Cobo, and Vazon Bay are all good places to see underwater life.
Hiking is a Guernsey pastime and there are about 30 miles of cliff top paths to take in for dramatic views. Island-wide bays can be incorporated with rural lanes that reveal semi-tropical flowers and plants including kaffir figs, and St Peter Port streets that reveal history. Accredited guides are available through the Guernsey Tourist Board, while walking festivals take place in the spring and fall. Guernsey is also well setup to enjoy cycling and the Guernsey Bicycle Group has free tours May through August.
With striking bays island-side and several other nearby islands, the scope for boat trips in Guernsey is good. Bumblebee Boat Cruises is the most popular company, offering fast trips rain or shine from St Peter Port. Nearby Sark and Herm are well within reach through Sark Boat Trips or go alone with Starlight Sea Boat Charter. Visitors can also simply catch a ferry over.
Guernsey boasts three good golf courses, two of which are 18-hole. They include the highly rated La Grand De Mare in the west, behind Vazon Bay, which has all facilities and is good for beginners and intermediates. L’Ancresse Golf Club overlooking L’Ancresse bay in the north is also noteworthy, while St Pierre Park near St Peter Port is a nine-holer and perfect for a shorter putting session.