Cruising to Guernsey in 2026

Stopping in Guernsey on your next cruise? Whether you’ve got a few hours or a full day, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time.

Nestled between England and France, the Bailiwick of Guernsey – which includes Herm, Sark, Alderney and Lihou, as well as the largest island of Guernsey – is one of the gems of the British Isles.

As well as its stunning archipelago, Guernsey is also known for its beautiful capital (full of unique eateries, shops and architecture) as well as its golden beaches, breathtaking cliff walks, and WWII history. Best of all, the island’s compact size and transport options mean all these adventures are easily accessible.

What to expect when you arrive in Guernsey

You will arrive in St Peter Port, the island’s capital. Widely regarded as one of the prettiest harbour towns in Europe, the views coming into port are picture-perfect. Have your camera ready!

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 highstreet is just four minutes’ 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. These are free to use.
• Visitor Information Centre – newly located in Market Place (just four minutes’ walk away), head to the Visitor Information Centre to find out more information about the islands and pick up extra maps and brochures, as well as locally-made souvenirs and gifts.

Transport

If you’re looking to go further afield, here’s how to 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 breathtaking 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 onboard 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 whom 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 that 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.

Things to see and do in St Peter Port

With cobbled streets, beautiful architecture, and unique shops, restaurants and cafes, the island’s capital offers a warm welcome. Here are some of places and locations we recommend.

1. Discover the cobbled high street, historic arcade and grand Market Square. You will find beautiful flower boxes bursting with colour, a range of restaurants and cafes, plus plenty of independent shops. Jewellery-lovers will be keen to browse the many shops for their VAT-free prices.
2. Explore Castle Cornet, an 800-year-old castle guarding the town from the mouth of the harbour. 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. Delight your senses at Candie Gardens and Guernsey Museum at Candie. Nature lovers will love 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 over the year, which include 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 the west, north and east coasts. The tower was built in 1848 to commemorate the visit of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert two years before. Frequented by Victor Hugo and his lover, Juliette Drouet, you can see their initials etched into the walls. The tower is free to enter – just pick up 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 only residence on the island, Hauteville House, where he lived between 1856 and 1870. Hugo wrote or edited 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 in itself, personally decorated by Hugo in the most eclectic of styles. Pre-booking is strongly 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 in the Second World War 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 exquisite 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. Enjoy high quality art for free at 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.

Top attractions outside St Peter Port

Beyond St Peter Port, there are a host of new places and adventures to discover. Meander through vineyards, head to the water or delve deep into the island’s heritage with these suggestions.

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. Marvel at 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. From wild swimming to kayaking and fishing, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Guernsey’s crystal-clear waters. Adrenaline-seekers will love Outdoor Guernsey’s choice of coasteering, kayaking or paddleboarding, or a tour with Island RIB Voyages. For a more sedate option, hop on board Guernsey Coastal Cruises and take in all the coves and bays of Guernsey and Herm.
5. Relax at Moulin Huet Bay, one of the island’s most scenic spots, with water as turquoise as the Caribbean and breathtaking views of the cliffs. You can also follow the Renoir Walk, a short, self-guided trail that takes visitors to the spots where Renoir painted during a 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 grape 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 for a different flavour of island life. With sparkling blue waters and soft white sand, Cobo is one of the island’s most popular bays. The area has three restaurants, a tearoom and a choice of terraces to enjoy a drink, making it the perfect summer spot.
10. Not far from Cobo Bay, 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.

Explore our other islands

Alternatively, go island-hopping! Sark – a 30–50-minute ferry ride from Guernsey – is a magical step back in time, where cars are prohibited, roads are unpaved and the beautiful landscape unspoilt. Herm, meanwhile, is just 20 minutes by boat, and offers a peaceful oasis with long stretches of unspoilt beach, sandy cliffs, and local pods of dolphins.

On the way back to the ship

As your final port of call before leaving Guernsey, pop into the Last Stop Shop on the Albert Pier. Opened in 2025, this new pier-side boutique and alfresco bar offers a final taste of Guernsey – including local gifts, refreshments, and marina views – before you return to your ship.

Cruise lines with itineraries that include Guernsey in 2026   

Keen to know more about the Islands of Guernsey?

Guernsey is a vibrant collection of islands, brimming with history, culture, and plenty of things to see and do.

Why not come back and explore more of Guernsey, as well as the rest of the Bailiwick – Herm, Sark and Alderney – on a longer stay? Find everything you need on www.visitguernsey.com, including events, offers, things to see and do, and places to eat.

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

Award winning destination

Guernsey is thrilled to be a recognised member of Cruise Britain, and was awarded the 2025 ‘Destination of the Year’ at the anual Seatrade Cruise Awards – as part of the Cruise Britain and Cruise Ireland ‘British Isles’ joint submission. 

The award recognises a location or cruising region that has consistently delivered exceptional experiences to both cruise passengers and cruise lines.  

If you needed one more reason to visit!