Beneath the cliffs of the Islands of Guernsey, a labyrinth of sea caves, tidal pools and echoing chambers - many steeped in local folklore - are waiting to be discovered.
Add some excitement to your island itinerary and embark on a cavern exploration, where you can discover the geology, history and folklore lurking underneath the Bailiwick.
What is caving?
‘Caving’ is an adventurous activity where participants explore caves and caverns. From investigating large open spaces to crawling through dark and narrow passages, each experience is unique to the location and offers a chance to discover the geological history of the area.
Globally, there are many types of caving, including manmade caves (which have been mined for resources) and naturally-occurring caverns. Some will even involve canyoning, climbing, abseiling and more, making it a must for any thrill-seeker’s itinerary.
Caves in the Islands of Guernsey
The Islands of Guernsey offer a variety of caving experiences, mostly in Sark.
Rather than deep inland caverns, Sark offers dramatic sea caves, carved over centuries by the tides of the Atlantic. These caves are accessible by kayak or on foot at low tide, and provide some of Sark’s most exhilarating adventures. Some of the island's most famous caves, including the Gouliot Caves and the Boutique Caves, have featured on the BBC television show 'Coast'.
Petulant pixies and local folklore
Sark’s rugged coastline and cave systems also lie at the heart of local folklore.
Until the 1900s, most islanders believed in Pouqelayes, helpful but petulant Channel Island pixies who lived in the caves and caused mischief. The pixies were thought to have detachable heads, and (when not causing trouble!) enjoyed smoking pipes.
Popular caves in the Islands of Guernsey
Here are some of the most popular cave systems to visit on your next trip to the Islands of Guernsey.
Gouliot Caves
Located on the west coast of Sark, the Gouliot Caves are the island’s most famous sea-cave system, with a series of passages that cross the headland three times and are submerged at high tide. A UNESCO-designated Wetland of International Importance, the caves thrive on nutrient-rich waters which support a vibrant marine ecosystem.
Arguably, the caves are also the most visually-captivating in the Bailiwick. They are not the easiest to access, but your effort will be rewarded with a kaleidoscope of vibrantly-coloured marine life, including pink sponges, orange starfish, soft corals and sea squirts.
Accessible from La Vaurocque, descend towards Gouliot Headland and take a small trail along the edge of a sea gorge. There is a ‘chimney’ entrance to the caves with views across cave roofs, sea entrances and pools, including the ‘Sunny Pool’ and ‘the Well’, featuring jewel-bright anemones.
Since the caves flood with the tide and experience strong currents, access is only safe at low tide and a guide is strongly advised.
The Boutique Caves
In the north of Sark, the aptly-named Boutique Caves glow with reflected light, turning the seawater emerald and sapphire as you paddle deeper inside.
Inside the long, tunnel-like system, you will find a 200ft passage, ending in a deep chamber - making it easy to see why these caves have historically been associated with smuggling and the storage of contraband goods.
With dancing lights and shadows, as well as shallow pools, tunnels, and wet and dry caves, there's plenty to explore.
The Boutique Caves are accessible from paths down to L’Eperquerie landing, and are a common pitstop on guided tours when tides permit.
Victor Hugo Cave
One of Sark’s most famous cave anecdotes concerns the writer and artist, Victor Hugo.
In 1857, Hugo allegedly watched an octopus pursue his son, Charles, whilst they bathed in the cave. This scene is believed to be the inspiration behind Gilliat’s famous fight with the octopus in Hugo’s painting ‘Toilers of the Sea’. The site is now a stop on many adventure tours.
Derrible Head Caverns
The Derrible Head Caverns are a cluster of caves which include a maze of smaller grottoes, ledges and swim-throughs, culminating in an adventure-packed sector of the island’s coastline.
As with all Sark sea caves, conditions can change rapidly, so visitors are advised to explore with an experienced guide.
Le Creux Mahié Cave
The largest cave in Guernsey, Le Creux Mahié is 187 feet long and 60 feet wide, and is believed to have been used by smugglers.
Intriguingly, the cave is also thought to be an exit from fairyland, as many sailors have reported seeing fairies emerging from the cave, and dancing on the cliffs above.
Le Creux Mahié is privately-owned and is usually inaccessible to the public, except on certain tours. It includes a steep descent and ascent, so sensible footwear is required.
La Caverne des Lamentes
On Little Sark near La Coupee, there is a cave known as La Caverne des Lamentes, meaning the Cave of Laments.
Natural acoustics amplify wind and wave noise so that cliffs and cave mouths emit sounds of cries or lamentations. Locals report eerie, ghostly shrieks, leading many to believe that spirits haunt the cave.
Other caves
This list is certainly not extensive, and other caves to explore include:
- The Souffleur
- The Pot and Copper Mine
- The Mouton Cave
- La Louge
- The Fern Cave
- The Red Cave (Horse cave)
- The Seven Sisters
- Vermandee Bay (Fat Man’s Misery)
- Cathedral Cave
Tours
Given the changeable tides in the islands, as well as the knowledge required to safely explore the caves, it is strongly advised that visits to the caverns are undertaken with an experienced guide or as part of a group tour.
Adventure Sark, Outdoor Guernsey and Guernsey Island Rib Voyages operate tours of the cave systems in Sark, exploring the dramatic coastline and folklore of the island, and venturing into some of the island’s most intriguing caves during low tide.
Outdoor Guernsey also offer tours of the Creux Mahié cave for groups of 6 or more people.
