A Day Cruise to the Islands of Guernsey

Stopping in the Islands of Guernsey on your next cruise? Whether you’ve got a few hours or a full day, we've put together a short guide about how you can make the most of your time with us.

Nestled in the Bay of St Malo, the Islands of Guernsey include Herm, Sark, Alderney, Lihou, and Guernsey. With plenty of heritage explorations, water-sport adventures, cultural events, music and food festivals, and much more, there is plenty to be discovered on our islands.

Guernsey is also a recognised member of Cruise Britain, and was awarded 2025 ‘Destination of the Year’ at the annual Seatrade Cruise Awards for delivering exceptional experiences to both cruise passengers and cruise lines.  

Arriving in Guernsey

You will arrive in St Peter Port, the island’s capital. Depending on the size of your cruise ship, you’ll either disembark at the alongside berth (for ships under 130 metres) or you will anchor further out and take a short, 8-minute tender to shore.

When you arrive, you will be greeted by Guernsey’s welcome team. Feel free to ask the team any questions about the island or any tips for making the most of your time on the island.

Directions from here are easy. You will find a range of pre-booked and on-the-day excursions available from the pier itself, or, if you’re planning on heading into the town centre, the main high street is just a four-minute walk.

On-the-day excursions include Tuk Tuk tours, trips on the Petit Train, taxi tours and daily town walks (which start from the Visitor Information Centre), so there’s no need to worry if you haven’t got around to booking something in.

Nearby Essentials

• Toilets – there are public toilets (including an accessible cubicle) next to the bus terminus, which are free to use.
• Visitor Information Centre – newly located in Market Place, head to the Visitor Information Centre to find out more information about the islands and pick up extra maps and brochures, as well as local souvenirs and gifts.

Transport

If you’re looking to travel out of St Peter Port, here are a few ways you can get around:

• Buses – the Town terminus is a stone's throw from the Albert Pier. In fact, it's so close you'll be able to see the bus stands from where you land. The buses have routes all over the island, whether you’re keen to explore the island’s west coast beaches, the Little Chapel in the depths of St Andrews or the beautiful south coast. Pop into the Town Shop (on the other side of the terminus) for assistance with journey planning and ticket purchase. Cash, as well as credit and debit cards, are accepted in the shop, but please note that only contactless payments are accepted on board the buses.
• Bike hire – bikes of all kinds (including e-bikes) are available from Go Guernsey. Book yours ahead of time to arrange delivery to the Albert Pier ahead of your arrival.
• Taxis – there are a number of taxi services on the island, many of which run island tours in addition to single journeys. You can pre-book to ensure availability at your preferred time, or download the Guernsey Taxi App (available on Android and iPhone), to request a taxi in real time. Alternatively, the island’s largest taxi stand is located just off Weighbridge roundabout, which is a 10-minute walk from Albert Pier.
• Mobility support - For those who wish to hire mobility support items such as self-propelled and powered wheelchairs or mobility scooters, there are two local companies – Guernsey Mobility and Guardian Medical Supplies – who can help. Get in touch ahead of your visit to discuss your requirements.

How to Spend a Day in St Peter Port

With cobbled streets, unique architecture, independent shops, restaurants and cafes, the island’s capital offers plenty to explore. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Discover the cobbled high street, historic arcade and grand Market Square. You will find beautiful flower boxes, a range of restaurants and cafes, and plenty of independent shops.
2. Explore Castle Cornet, an 800-year-old castle overlooking St Peter Port. There are several museums and four historic gardens within its walls, offering a fascinating insight into hundreds of years of the island’s history.
3. Revel in the relaxed island vibe of La Vallette Bathing Pools. Recently rejuvenated and free to use, the pools are an iconic part of the island’s history and culture, loved by both Victor Hugo and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. There is also a sauna (pre-booking required) for the ultimate wellness experience.
4. Take a trip to Candie Gardens and the Guernsey Museum at Candie. Nature lovers can enjoy the immaculately maintained Victorian garden, complete with colourful flowerbeds, a historic statue of Victor Hugo and beautiful views over St Peter Port. The museum has changing exhibitions throughout the year, which feature art, photography and history. There is also a café, housed in a picturesque Victorian bandstand.
5. Climb Victoria Tower. Conquer the 99 steps of this historic tower to enjoy panoramic views over Guernsey. The tower was built in 1848 to commemorate the visit of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert two years prior. Frequented by Victor Hugo and his lover, Juliette Drouet, you can see their initials etched into the walls. The tower is free to enter, all you need to do is collect the key from Guernsey Museum at Candie (opposite the tower).
6. Delve into a unique part of WWII history at the German Naval Signals Headquarters. Running until 9 May 1945, using the Enigma code machines that were being decoded by the staff at Bletchley Park, this was the last operational Signals HQ.
7. Take a fascinating tour of Victor Hugo’s residence on the island, Hauteville House, where he lived between 1856 and 1870. Hugo wrote several of his famous works here, including Les Misérables, Toilers of the Sea and The Man Who Laughs. The house is a work of art itself, decorated by Hugo in the most eclectic of styles. Pre-booking is advised to ensure availability. Please note the house is closed on Wednesdays.
8. Visit the distillery of the Channel Islands Liquor Company at the Vivier Bunker on Castle Pier. This historic bunker was originally built by German forces during WWII to house fuel tanks, but now offers a unique setting for gin tasting, as well as a shop selling products from other local producers, including Guernsey Seaweed and Roquettes Cider.
9. Head back in time at the National Trust of Guernsey Victorian Shop and Parlour. This little shop is thought to be the earliest remaining complete building within the town’s medieval surroundings, and sells a unique range of gifts, homeware and haberdashery.
10. Head to Art for Guernsey’s unique studio at the top of Mill Street. This charitable initiative, run by a team of professionals, challenges conventions in all shapes and forms and believes in providing access to art for all.

Exploring Beyond St Peter Port

Outside of St Peter Port, there are plenty of adventures awaiting. Wander through vineyards, explore hidden bays and delve into our islands' heritage.

1. Take an island tour. There are a number of ways to see the island, from a round-the-island bus journey or a Jeep-based tour with Tour Guernsey to an adventure with Tuk Tuk Guernsey. The island is your oyster!
2. Head to the Little Chapel, a labour of love built by Brother Déodat in an effort to create a miniature version of the famous grotto and basilica at Lourdes. His first attempt began in 1914 – but the one that stands today is the third version, finished after his death.
3. Delve into the island’s wartime history at the German Occupation Museum. Take a walk down an authentic recreation of an occupation-era street, explore exhibitions on maritime history and explore rare treasures from between 1940 and 1945.
4. Enjoy a water-based adventure. With wild swimming, kayaking, surfing and more, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Guernsey’s crystal-clear waters. Adrenaline-seekers will love Outdoor Guernsey’s choice of coasteering, caving or paddleboarding, as well as a tour with Island RIB Voyages. For a more relaxed exploration, embark on one of the Guernsey Coastal Cruises and take in the coves and bays of Guernsey and Herm.
5. Venture to Moulin Huet Bay, one of the island’s most scenic spots. You can follow the Renoir Walk, a short, self-guided trail that takes visitors to where Renoir painted during his summer holiday in 1883.
6. Book a Rocquette Cider Tour and enjoy a meander through the sun-soaked valley whilst you learn about the family farm and its history of cider making. Finish things off with some delicious tastings.
7. Newly established in 2025, enjoy a tour of the Reservoir View Vineyard: a small, family-run enterprise, currently growing three varieties of grapes for their first wines in 2029/2030. Enjoy a tour, followed by a cup of tea and a slice of Guernsey gâche.
8. Discover the German Underground Hospital, the largest structural reminder of the German occupation in the Channel Islands. The maze of tunnels covers 6,950 square metres – and yet is almost invisible from the surface.
9. Head over to Cobo Bay on the west coast. There are three main restaurants, a tearoom and a choice of terraces to enjoy a drink, making it the perfect spot for a summer afternoon by the sea.
10. Saumarez Park offers a quintessential taste of Guernsey, complete with a Victorian Walled Garden, National Trust Folk & Costume Museum (free to enter) and a large café.

Island-Hopping

Embark on an island-hopping adventure and head to Sark, a 30–50-minute ferry ride from Guernsey. Step back in time on your travels as cars are prohibited, roads are unpaved, and the landscape is unspoilt. You can also travel to Herm, only 20 minutes by boat, which offers a peaceful oasis and microclimate with long stretches of sandy beaches, cliffs, and local pods of dolphins.

Wrapping Up

On your journey back to the ship, head into the Last Stop Shop on Albert Pier. This pier-side boutique and alfresco bar offers a final taste of Guernsey, including local gifts, refreshments, and marina views.

Cruise Lines with Itineraries Featuring Guernsey in 2026   

Discover More about the Islands of Guernsey

If you enjoy your visit, why not plan a longer stay and explore more of our islands?

You will find plenty of guides on our blog about where to stay, things to do, and upcoming events.

You can also read more here about visiting by cruise, or follow Cruise Guernsey on Facebook for all the latest things to do.