I’ve wanted to go on the Island Rib Voyages boat since moving to Guernsey but it’s one of those things I never got round to booking, until now, OMG, it was amazing!! Something I highly recommend and really hope to do again soon.
Getting Ready
The Rainbow household has been feeling a bit low since the second lockdown, so I wanted to book something fun for an end of Easter holidays treat, and I settled on the Sark Coast and Caves Experience with Island Rib Voyages. One of my girls, Lottie, loves roller coasters and anything fast, so I knew she would really enjoy it, her sister, Tilly, on the other hand, polar opposite. I kept it a surprise as I wasn’t sure what Tilly’s reaction would be!
Tickets need to be pre-booked online beforehand and at £36 for me and £26 each for children, it’s not cheap, but I feel it’s not something you do everyday and I hoped it would be something special.
The boat leaves from Albert Pier and we were asked to meet behind Pier 17 restaurant at least 15 minutes before our departure time. We were lucky getting a parking space easily and headed straight for the meeting point where we were greeted by Dan, our skipper. The girls realised what we were doing and so far so good, Tilly seemed very excited about it.
We were asked if we wanted waterproof coats, which we did, as it was the coldest day of the whole Easter holidays! I’m so pleased we took them and would advise anyone that however warm you might feel stood on the dock, it is much colder when you’re on the boat travelling at speed. We were also given life jackets and the Island Rib Voyages team was really helpful getting the kids kitted out. The huge coats and life jacket straps between their legs seemed to be the most hilarious thing for my girls!
Once everyone was ready we walked down to the boat…
The boat seats 12 people across 5 rows. We were informed before getting onboard that it is bumpier at the front, so anyone with a back problem should sit at the back. Lottie was straight away volunteering for us to sit near the front!
And We're Off!
With everyone onboard, our guide Laura introduced herself and told us a few rules (not standing up etc) and then we were off. It all started very slow and lulled everyone into a false sense of security, as soon as we got beyond Castle Cornet and into the channel, WOW, it was so fast!!
It was such great fun, banging over the waves all the way to Sark. It was very windy so I was pleased for all our layers and gloves! (highly recommend bringing gloves with you as these are not supplied). Lottie was in her element whereas Tilly had her eyes shut the whole way but said she was enjoying it!!
It took just under 20 minutes to whizz over to Sark and we slowed down just off the coast, where Laura told us about the Victor Hugo Cave, the first cave we entered. There was a real buzz about the boat, the fresh air and high speed certainly blows the cobwebs away!
Sark Caves
We saw 3 caves on the trip, with Laura telling us about the history of each cave before we entered. You don’t go fully through any of the caves, the boat had to reverse out of each one. The caves were all very narrow, with the final cave looking too small to fit us in! It was surprisingly high when inside and everyone was encouraged to look over the edge at the crystal-clear water.
The Victor Hugo Cave...
Mouton Cave...
Brecqhou
Once we had visited all 3 caves, the boat headed to Brecqhou, a small island off the West coast of Sark, owned by the Barclay Brothers (Sir David Barclay died in Jan 2021). We were told of it’s history and details of Brecqhou Castle.
The FAST Return!
After looking at Brecqhou the boat returned to super-speed which was brilliant fun and very windy!! After a little while the boat slowed and Laura told the kids at the front to get ready for it…DOUGHNUTS!! The boat veered to the right amid lots of screams (happy screams!!), doing a few full circles. The boat levelled and then repeated the doughnut to the other side. This was a big hit with everyone onboard.
Fun, Fun, Fun, Fun, Fun
Before we knew it, we’d been on the boat for an hour and we were back in Guernsey harbour, fully refreshed and ready to do it again! The trip was a truly unique experience that has created a lasting memory for both of my girls. Tilly shut her eyes for the entire time the boat was going fast but she said she wants to go again!!
Voucher
Once back on dry land, we unpeeled all of our layers and returned our coats and life jackets and were each given a £5 off voucher. We’ll definitely be using that with The Herm Explorer Wildlife Voyage top of our wish list (still longing to see a Puffin).
Final Thoughts
From start to finish we had a great experience with Island Rib Voyages and created memories that will last a long time. It’s a novel way to travel to Sark but we could have been on any of the trips they offer, it’s the speed that makes it (and Laura was a fantastic guide). I would just advise that you take enough layers, even if it feels warm, it is much chillier when you get out on the water. Tilly really wants to do it again so i’m surprised it’s not just for adrenaline junkies and they take children from as young as 3 years old! There are cheaper things to do as a family but as a special treat, I think it is worth every penny…we’ll be back!
For more information visit www.islandribvoyages.com
Guernsey With Kids was gifted 3 tickets aboard the Sark Coast & Caves Experience however, this review is in no way influenced by Island Rib Voyages and is a genuine account of our experience.
