Discover our Hidden Guide to Visiting the Ecrehous
One of the most breathtaking archipelagos in Europe, Les Ecrehous is a hidden gem destination, nestled off the coast of Jersey. A highly underrated spot that is one of the best-kept secrets in the British Isles, Les Ecrehous is a relatively untouched corner of the Channel Islands that is a haven for wildlife and a stunning spot for water activities. A labyrinth of exquisite reefs and islands that create a picturesque network that can be explored at low tide. An area rich in history and abundant in species, Les Ecrehous has everything to offer. A section of the English Channel that can easily be mistaken for an idyllic Mediterranean spot, these islets are a must visit for anyone visiting Jersey.
Where Is The Ecrehous?
Nestled in the English Channel, the islands are an archipelago administered by the Bailiwick of Jersey. Named by the Vikings, translated to ‘rocky islands’, Les Ecrehous is located just six miles off the coast of Jersey and eight miles from the French coast, making it easily accessible to both British and French tourists. There are multiple ways to visit the island, but the fastest route will get to Les Ecrehous from mainland Jersey in just 15 minutes.
How To Get To The Ecrehous
If you are visiting Les Ecrehous from Jersey, getting there is extremely easy with convenient travel times. With the fastest transportation getting you to Les Ecrehous in just 15 minutes, you can enjoy a morning, afternoon or even a handful of hours discovering this jaw-dropping archipelago.
RIB
The most common and convenient way to arrive at Les Ecrehous from the mainland is by RIB. This thrilling ride gets you to the archipelago in just 15 minutes with departures from St Catherine’s Breakwater. Operated by multiple Jersey tour operators, including Jersey Seafaris and Islands RIB Voyages, there are a variety of options for departures and timing. Most RIB tours offer between 1.5 to 4 hours, allowing you to spend a couple of hours or a half day at the islands.
Kayak Experience
If you want to explore the waters surrounding Les Ecrehous by kayak, many travel companies offer a boat trip to the archipelago before disembarking and transferring to a kayak. Opportunities are also available to advanced kayakers, which are available for experienced paddlers only.
Boat Charter
The perfect way for larger parties to visit the islands, chartering a private boat offers you an exclusive experience of Les Ecrehous that can be tailored to your own departure time and the length of time you want to spend at this stunning spot.
The History Of The Ecrehous
Discovered by the Vikings, who gave the archipelago the name Les Ecrehous, this Norse title translates to ‘rocky islands’. A contested territory that was argued over between Britain and France for centuries, Les Ecrehous have formed part of the Bailiwick of Jersey since the 1950s.
In the 17th century, the islands were used by smugglers to transfer gunpowder and lead to St Malo in France. It then became an established spot for centuries that was a base for smugglers and a refuge for fugitives.
The Hermit of Les Ecrehous also holds a strong place in the history of the islands. For 14 years Alphonse Le Gastelois lived on the archipelago, a place that has no permanent residents. Fleeing the mainland of Jersey to prove his innocence when he was targeted as a suspect of multiple crimes, Alphonse called the island home until 1975, even after the real criminal was caught in 1971. During his time, he collected lobsters to eat and kept himself occupied creating a case defending Les Ecrehous from being governed by Jersey. The argument of Alphonse was that the States of Jersey should have no authority and that the Queen only has the right to govern the islands. Attempting to personally elect himself as the Queen’s resident representative of the islands, he collected letters and documents as evidence to support his personal dispute with the States of Jersey. His claims of governing the islands caused friction with other residents and Alphonse only returned to Jersey upon his arrest for arson on two neighbouring huts.
Although the islands have officially belonged to the States of Jersey and been under British Rule since the 50s, in 1993 and 1994, they were briefly taken over by French invaders who raised Norman flags.
A marine conservation site that is considered part of Jersey National Park, the island has always been an important area. In 2022, four zones of Les Ecrehous were designated as Areas of Special Protection to reduce risk to breeding and nesting birds that inhabit the islands.
Although there are no permanent residents on Les Ecrehous, there are a number of tiny cottages and huts on the islands that have been passed down through generations. Long owned by Jersey families, these properties rarely come up for sale and are used as either holiday accommodation or as temporary homes for fishing families. They are considered to be the ultimate Jersey holiday homes and are highly sought by locals.
Accommodation at the Ecrehous
Due to its protected nature, there are no hotels or commercial accommodations at Les Ecrehous. Most visitors travel for a day trip only, but there are opportunities to stay on the islands.
Customs House
Customs House on La Marmotchiéthe is available to holidaymakers, which offers basic overnight accommodation. This accommodation must be directly booked with Jersey Customs.
Fishermens Huts
The islands are home to multiple family-owned fishermen’s huts that have been passed down through generations of Jersey families. Many families use their hut as a holiday home and open their properties up to holidaymakers when not in use. This accommodation is by private rental only.
What Is There To Do At The Ecrehous
When visiting Les Ecrehous, you can expect to find a tranquil environment with water exploration and wildlife discovery, the two key attractions of visiting.
Fishing
The untouched waters of Les Ecrehous make it a haven for fish. One of the most popular destinations for Jersey fishermen to venture to, Les Ecrehous is an incredible fishing spot. You can catch crab or lobster, fish for sea bass on the shore or head into deeper waters by boat. It is important to note that fishing at Les Ecrehous must comply with Jersey Fisheries regulations.
Swimming and Snorkelling
The shallow waters surrounding Les Ecrehous create a safe and comfortable swimming spot. Using the beach as your base, you can explore the waters surrounding the islands, discovering the reefs and possibly encountering local marine life.
Paddle Boarding
Although Jersey is home to one of the largest tidal ranges in the world, there are many corners of Les Ecrehous where the waters are calm and perfect for paddleboarding. Warm and shallow waters allow you to explore via SUP in a safe environment with crystal clear water that will allow you to admire the underwater world below.
Rock Pooling
An untouched corner of the Channel Islands, sea life is abundant at Les Ecrehous and low tide reveals interesting rock pools. Explorers of all ages will be fascinated by what you may find in the rock pools, commonly holding crabs, small fish and occasionally seahorses until the tides consume the pool once more.
Wildlife Watching At The Ecrehous
Les Ecrehous is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, designated as a Ramsar wetland and marine conservation site, it supports a rich tapestry of marine and bird life that call this archipelago home. You can discover fish and marine life through swimming or exploring rock pools, witness nesting birds flying above the island and may catch a glimpse of dolphins jumping from the shore or during your travel over the island.
Nesting Birds
The islets are critical nesting and breeding grounds for various seabirds. A wide variety of species such as common terns, Sandwich terns, Eurasian oystercatchers, European shags and great cormorants breed here. To protect these birds, certain areas are designated as Areas of Special Protection, restricting access during the breeding season from February 1st to July 15th.
Dolphins And Marine Mammals
The surrounding waters of Les Ecrehous are frequented by marine mammals. One of the largest breeding populations of bottlenose dolphins in the British Isles resides here and grey seals are also commonly seen, especially around La Sablonière rocks. Occasionally, common dolphins and harbour porpoises are also spotted in the area.
Fish and Sealife
Les Ecrehous boasts a diverse marine ecosystem with over 450 recorded marine species. The intertidal pools and reefs serve as nurseries for various fish and sea life, including species like the green ormer and pink sea fan, which are considered vulnerable or regionally scarce.
Bushcraft in Jersey
The ultimate outdoor adventure activity, bushcraft is all about using skills and knowledge to survive in the wild. Learn about edible plant life, shelter building and how to start a fire through this fun-filled adventure. Teaching survival skills to all aged eight and over, bushcraft is an excellent way to get back to basics and embrace the wilderness. Jersey Adventures will take you foraging for edible plants before lessons in how to start a fire and a spot of wild cooking. Meanwhile, for a more in depth bushcraft experience, join Wild Adventures Jersey for an overnight bush camp with group shelter building and wild camping in one of Jersey’s most remote and captivating locations. As one of Europe’s leading destinations for outdoor adventure, there is no greater place to try bushcraft than in Jersey.
