The range of things to do in Jersey is impressive. It is surrounded by pretty coastline and clean beaches boasting wide sands and secluded bays. Many are protected and have good swimming, along with a host of popular water sports like surfing, windsurfing, and boating.
If you prefer to not get wet, the Jersey countryside is equally appealing, featuring lush scenery, historic sights, and strewn with walking trails. There are classic golf courses and the potential for cycling is fantastic.
Jersey has more than two dozen beaches. Most of them are in the south and west, while smaller, quieter, more secluded bays reside up on the north coast. St Helier is on the huge St Aubin’s Bay is one of the favorites, with nice sand to the west, and farther up, the beautiful St Brelade’s Bay. The beaches in Jersey are among Europe’s cleanest and best for swimming, but if the weather is off or it’s too hot for the kids, consider AquaSplash at the Waterfront Center in St Helier.
Water sports can be enjoyed at various spots around the island. Some of the best windsurfing and water-skiing is in St Brelade’s Bay, while surfing conditions are pristine at the quieter St Ouen’s Bay, part of the Les Mielles Nature Reserve. Scuba diving trips leave from St Helier and are offered through Dive Jersey who have training courses, snorkeling trips and charters.
Jersey Seafaris lead boat trips to other islands and more remote beaches, as well as for wildlife spotting. They have both dinner cruises and day charters. Sailing is hugely popular, with a modern marina in St Helier home to several operators such as Raleigh Sailing with trips to Sark and France.
The best fishing is at Bouley Bay, in the north, which has a harbor and beach. The east is shallow and good for sea bass, with deep water in the north, wide bays in the south, and near-shore fishing in the west. Jersey also has good freshwater with Anna II Fishing Trips and Tarka Sea Trips leading trips and charters.
The walking and cycling on Jersey is excellent with well marked and well kept paths strewn all over the island. A network of a dozen trails allows visitors to get around the island at their leisure. The most rugged terrain with the most dramatic views is in the north, while a 16-miler runs from coast to coast. The Jersey Railway is another popular hiking route and has guided treks available through Jersey Adventures or Sea Jersey. You can also rent bicycles in town and take to the Green Lane.
The ‘Points’ are scenic hilltop headlands that overlook dramatic viewpoints of the coastline dotted around the island. Most are in the north, with Plemont Point and Grosnez Point among the best. Along with great surfing off St Ouen’s Bay, Les Mielles Nature Reserve in the west also has a network of winding footpaths that take you through valleys and woods to stunning sea views. The bird watching is well documented and visitors can park at the nearby Discovery Bay Apartments.
Jersey has a couple of excellent 18-hole golf courses, including Royal Jersey in Grouville and La Moye in St Brelade. These require membership at a course elsewhere and proof of handicap, though there are more relaxed courses such as Les Mielles and Wheatlands that allow any ability level.