Minquiers Sandbank RIB Voyage

A tide-timed RIB trip from St. Helier or St. Catherine to a remote Minquiers sandbank, with time to picnic, swim and enjoy the reef.

This RIB voyage visits Les Minquiers, a remarkable natural site with striking scenery, including its famous reef of over 300 km2 (larger than most British cities), which has hundreds of granite fangs along with wildlife, geology and archaeology. Departures are from either St. Helier or St. Catherine.

At high water (around 12 metres), the surroundings are submerged except Maitre Ile, with its stone cottages and no permanent inhabitants. The Minquiers is a place for peace and tranquillity.

The voyage includes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes on a sandy beach that is only accessible at certain states of the tide. The water of the reef is crystal clear, and visitors may be tempted to go in for a dip. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the sand, sea and tranquillity of the Minquiers.

The trip no longer goes to Maitre Ile, to protect the many migratory birds that use the island during the nesting season. All RIB trips are timed around the tides to maximise time on the sandbar.