9 ways to reconnect with nature in Jersey

1. Brave the plunge

Jersey’s ruggedly handsome headlands aren’t just for admiring, you know: they form the wildest playground you’ll ever encounter – with water chutes, high jumps and splash pools aplenty. A coasteering trip with Absolute Adventures will see you climb, scramble, swim and jump your way around Grève de Lecq – from its white-knuckle ledges to tranquil sea pools. There’s no better introduction to the island’s incredible coastline and wildlife: you’ll emerge feeling elated – if a little exhausted too. Those work worries? Long forgotten.

2. Take a sparkling stroll 

With the stars overhead and a million twinkling lights at your feet, Jersey’s beach bioluminescence makes for a memorable after-dark stroll. This natural phenomenon only occurs on a few secluded beaches, when the tide is out and tiny caulleriella bioculata worms glitter and glow on the sand. To find them, you’ll need to book a ‘Bioluminescence On The Beach’ adventure with Jersey Walk Adventures: your guide will explain how, where and why the sand sparkles – and reveal the island at its most magical.

3.‘Bathe’ in the forest

Elevate your woodland walk with a spot of ‘forest bathing’ – or shinrin-yoku, as it’s known in Japan: the art of meditation and mindfulness in the wild. It’s all about engaging your senses to experience nature at its fullest: the joy of distant birdsong, of scented blossoms, of springy moss and crunchy leaves. Local guide Amanda Bond runs forest bathing experiences on the headland of Grantez and St Ouen’s Bay; after a serene stroll, you’ll pause for a foraged herbal tea ceremony in the woods – and leave with a new spring in your step. 

4. Go wild in the north

Did you know that 48km of Jersey’s coastline is a national park? Encompassing all of the north coast and most of the eastern shores too, it’s a wild wonderland of invigorating hiking routes and magnificent views – with barely another soul in sight. Feast your eyes on its secluded coves and towering headlands; inhale the salty sea air and sweet-scented woodlands; and stretch your legs on the crowd-free beaches and bays. From easy walks to more challenging rambles, there are plenty of Jersey National Park walks to choose from.

5. Hit the surf

With nothing but you, your board, and the sweet Atlantic swell, it’s little wonder that Jersey is one of Europe’s hottest surf spots. Join in-the-know boarders on the island’s west coast – where sunny days and reliable waves combine with spectacular effect. Scott and Grace Donaldson from Laneez Surf School offer private tuition, group sessions and tailormade surfaris for all abilities – and can even organise accommodation, board hire and beach transfers too. For a wild workout that’ll improve your balance, posture and fitness, this is just the ticket. 

6. Find paddling perfection

Some of the island’s most exquisite coastal corners are off-limits to cars and hikers: to reach these untrammelled treasures you’ll need to use paddle power, on a trip with Jersey Kayak Adventures. Exploring with an experienced local guide, you’ll venture to mighty blow-holes, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear lagoons – or perhaps the far-flung islands of Les Écréhous and Les Minquiers. Options for fishing trips and Surfski sessions are ideal for more experienced paddlers, while the spectacular sunset tours – every evening at 6pm – are ideal for all abilities.

7. Forage for your supper

Once you’ve been sea foraging, you’ll never see the coast in quite the same light. Beyond the bathing and beach games, there are edible seaweeds to gather and tasty seafood to find – indeed, a savvy rambler can make a whole supper from freshly foraged ingredients. The guides at Jersey Walk Adventures are just that: on a ‘Sea Foraging’ trip they’ll teach you how to harvest the most bounteous rock pools, which seaweeds make excellent snacks and seasonings, and where to find one of the largest oyster beds in the British Isles.

8. Glamp it up

When Gerald Durrell founded Jersey Zoo in 1959, he put the island on the map for wildlife conservation and research – and his legacy lives on today. No visit to Jersey is complete without a trip to see the meerkats and lemurs, or the kaleidoscope of parrots, flamingos and Durrell’s beloved pink pigeons. And now you can spend the night just a whisker away from the animals, in a luxe glamping dome. Each one sleeps up to four guests, with an en suite bathroom and fire pit too. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the orangutans while you’re eating your breakfast...

9. Salute the sun

On a yoga session with Kalimukti, you can swap the gym for the beach – or the forest, hilltops or headlands. Book a private session with the studio’s expert tutors, and you’ll rebalance your body in the island’s most energising locations – at dawn, dusk, or any time in between. Our recommendation? The beaches on the east coast make for an exhilarating sunrise workout: with the breeze in your hair, sand between your toes, and the promise of a new day peeping over the horizon, this is a sun salutation you’ll never forget.

Discover more about Jersey

You'll find plenty of information on where abouts to go in Jersey, the island's stunning scenery and diverse wildlife, its fresh food and how to relax, recharge and detox in this calm and beautiful part of the world. 

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