6 Reasons Kayaking to Minquiers Beats Every Other Trip
One of the most breathtaking archipelagos in the British Isles, Les Minquiers transports visitors directly to the Caribbean without leaving Jersey waters. With dramatic rocky islands, golden sandy beaches and glistening turquoise waters, Les Minquiers is a destination that looks particularly stunning when shimmering in the sunlight. With plenty to explore and discover, adventure seekers will love a trip kayaking to the Minquiers during a visit to Jersey. Offering multiple islands to explore, an incredible sandbank to relax on and abundant waters to discover, there is no doubt that kayaking to Les Minquiers is the best way to explore this corner of Jersey.
Where Are The Minquiers?
Classified as the most southerly part of the British Isles, the Minquiers is an archipelago nestled in the English Channel. Located between Britain and France, Les Minquiers can easily be mistaken for a Caribbean destination with a prime location in Europe. Forming part of the Bailiwick of Jersey, the islets are less than 10 miles from the coast of the Jersey mainland and easily accessible from the island. It can take as little as 25 minutes to get to Les Minquiers with the quickest and easiest method of transportation by RIB ride. However, due to the calm waters and stunning natural beauty of these islands, kayaking is arguably the best way to explore the Minquiers. If time is on your side, a kayak tour is your best option, hopping on a charter boat to the area before disembarking to explore on your own sit-on-top kayak.
History of the Minquiers
Known by locals as the ‘Minkies’, Les Minquiers is an archipelago that for centuries was squabbled over by Britain, France and the Normans. Nestled in the English Channel, the boundaries of these nations and who these islands belonged to were unclear for a long time. As such a stunning spot, it is easy to understand why these nations fought hard to claim it as their own. In 1950, Britain and France attended the International Court of Justice for a friendly discussion over who both Les Minquiers and Les Ecrehous belonged to. After considering all the evidence, in 1953, the ICJ awarded the islands to Jersey, securing their status as governed by the United Kingdom and classified as part of the British Isles.
During his lifetime, renowned author Victor Hugo resided in the Channel Islands. Spending many years living on the island of Guernsey and also some time on Jersey, the Les Misérables author found a lot of inspiration from the islands and reflected them in his work. In his lesser-known work, the novel Toilers of the Sea, Les Minquiers is mentioned at length. The islands are also mentioned in Nancy Mitford’s Don’t Tell Alfred and Hammond Innes’ The Wreck of Mary Deare.
During World War Two, the Channel Islands fell under German Occupation for multiple years. The islands formed part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall and Nazi soldiers occupied the islands, creating bunkers, tunnels and other war sites across the islands. On 9th May 1945, the Channel Islands were liberated from the German Occupation and this date is still celebrated, known as Liberation Day. While Les Minquiers does not have permanent inhabitants, a small company of soldiers resided on the islands and was the last to surrender in the Second World War.
The islands have been invaded multiple times over the decades on behalf of the King of Patagonia, most recently with multiple attempts from controversial author Jean Raspail, famous for his publicity stunts. Taking over the islands in retaliation for the British occupation of the Falkland Islands, his first invasion was in 1984 with drunken friends who raised the flag of Patagonia. He returned in 1998 to repaint the toilet hut in Patagonian colours. As a reaction to Brexit, he returned again in 2019 to replace the toilet sign saying it was the most southern building in Britain with the most northern building in Patagonia. The invasions were all short-lived, and the Union Jack was restored the following day.
Kayaking to the Minquiers
The majority of kayaking trips to the Minquiers offer a charter boat journey before disembarking to explore the archipelago by kayak. This offers convenience to your journey and is great for kayakers with lesser experience to enjoy this adventure. Participants travel by fast charter boat to the archipelago and then explore the area by kayak, guided by experts familiar with the region’s history and ecology. These tours are designed for small groups, ensuring an intimate and informative experience.
More advanced kayakers have the rare opportunity to travel the 9-mile distance exclusively by kayak. However, the options for the opportunity are limited, and due to Jersey’s high tidal range, conditions need to be perfect for this opportunity. This open sea crossing demands advanced navigation skills and knowledge of tidal patterns to navigate the complex tidal streams.
Things To See And Do At The Minquiers
As you kayak into the Minquiers, your jaw will drop at the supreme beauty that this collection of islands has to offer. Although located just over 9 miles from the coast of Jersey, the islands feel very remote and offer a tranquil environment for exploring. Available only to explore at low tide, the islands and sandbanks, with the exception of Maîtresse, disappear every day. Even if you have visited Les Minquiers the day before, there will be something new to explore at this unique archipelago.
Wildlife Spotting
As part of the Jersey National Park, Les Minquiers is a designated RAMSAR site and protected marine environment. Les Minquiers serves as a vital breeding ground for various seabird species, including the Eurasian Oystercatcher, European Shag and Common Tern. To protect these species, two areas within Les Minquiers have been designated as Areas of Special Protection under Jersey’s Wildlife Law. From 1 February to 31 August, activities such as entering breeding areas, operating vessels at speeds over 5 knots and bringing dogs onto land are restricted to minimise disturbances to nesting birds. It is also common to see marine mammals in the waters surrounding Les Minquiers, including dolphins and seals.
Sunbathing
When you kayak to Les Minquiers, you will arrive at a stunning selection of sandbanks, the perfect spots to jump off your kayak. Spend some time relaxing on the golden sands and exploring the shallow waters, introducing you to the incredible marine life that inhabits this part of the English Channel.
Paddle Boarding
The calm, clear waters are also ideal for paddleboarding, and SUP is a popular activity at Les Minquiers. It is easy to navigate around the sandbanks with the security of shallow waters and scenic beauty unfolding in front of you.
Swimming and Snorkeling
Boasting crystal clear waters and home to an abundance of sea life, Les Minquiers is a great place to swim and snorkel. The calm waters will introduce you to the majestic underwater world with clarity that is unrivalled in the British Isles.
Explore Maîtresse
While the waters and sandbanks are often considered to be the highlight of visiting Les Minquiers, it is also worth docking your kayak and exploring the main island of Maîtresse on foot. While a relatively small island, there is a lot to see, including the fishing culture of the islands and the most southern buildings in the British Isles. Although the islands have no permanent residents, this island boasts multiple buildings, including picturesque fishing cottages that sit on the only part of Les Minquiers that does not disappear at high tide. The island also features the ruins of a former hospital, dating back to 1865, used to treat mining injuries during the quarrying days. You can also admire breathtaking views across all the islands.
The Most Southern Building In The British Isles
The location of Les Minquiers means that this archipelago is home to the most southerly buildings in the British Isles. The main island is scattered with charming cottages, and it would be easy to assume that an idyllic property or grand fortress would be the most southern building in the British Isles. In reality, the most southern building in the British Isles is in fact a public toilet. The only public toilet in a 10-mile radius, it is located on the main island of Les Minquiers, known as Maîtresse Île. With a stunning backdrop, it is arguably one of the most beautiful spots for a public toilet in Europe.
