Island Adventures is a new and exciting outdoor pursuits provider in Guernsey offering kayaking, coasteering, survival skills and snorkelling adventures.
Island Adventures
Guernsey's newest outdoor activities provider
The Island Adventures Team
Island Adventures was formed by local couple, Kelly Marquis and Alex Clark in 2010. Borne from their love of the outdoors, the Island Adventures experience offers outdoor pursuit adventures and high-calibre training.
Guernsey's beautiful natural environment offers some spectacular outdoor pursuits and unforgettable scenery which can be enjoyed on many levels during each adventure. Island Adventures' fleet of equipment can be easily transported around the island, seeking out the most suitable location to accommodate the weather conditions and the individual needs of each group.
With over 13 years' experience between them, the Island Adventures team have a sound understanding of their teachings and a real passion for sharing their experiences. In all sessions, you can expect the highest standards of safety and comfort equipment.
Activities available include:
Snorkelling
Snorkelling is a fun sport, easy to learn and an ideal way to build up your confidence in water. Let one of our professional guides take you on an underwater adventure that's suitable for anyone - young or old - and is a great way to get the whole family involved! Our BSAC Instructors teach the basics of mask clearing, kicking techniques and snorkel use through shallow water instruction and games. Once you're comfortable we progress to deeper waters and rocky outcrops. All equipment is provided and no experience is necessary (minimum age - 8 years).
We take pride in our small group instruction ensuring everyone receives the best attention. Safety is paramount and we adhere to BSAC standards/procedures and HSE guidelines.
Kayak Adventure
One of the most enjoyable and simple forms of kayaking available is the sit on top kayak. There's nothing to fear if you fall in as they provide a stable platform and are highly manoeuvrable. From the most adventurous to those with limited or no kayaking experience - all will have a blast on these boats. They are easy and satisfying to paddle, and enable quick progress in all the essential skills.
Sit on top kayaks are ideal for coastal paddling and provide an accelerated learning process allowing you to begin exploring our island's fascinating coastline quickly. Our favourite locations for kayaking are Rousse, Portelet, Saints Bay and Cobo. However we select locations depending on the day's tides and weather conditions.
In settled conditions, a two hour session in calm bay waters covers the basic essentials, before venturing out to explore the playground of rocks, cliffs and caves around Guernsey's coast. In rougher conditions, we stay in and around the confines of the bay, where breaking waves add excitement. Rock hopping and surfing can also be great fun. Our qualified instructors are there to help you get the most from being afloat in inspiring surroundings and will ensure that, regardless of your ability or confidence, you have a great time on your kayaking adventure.
We provide a wet suit, buoyancy aid and helmet to wear. Your own equipment can be used providing it complies with Island Adventures' Health and Safety Regulations. Minimum age -10 years.
Kayak Private Tuition
Do you have your own boat but lack confidence? Are you struggling with a particular skill? Would you like individual attention for kayaking sessions? If you would like to further your skills, Island Adventures also offers private 1:1 kayaking tuition sessions. Using one of our boats, or one of your own that you're keen to master, sessions can be tailored to suit your individual needs and requirements.
Kayak Training
BCU 1 Star
Once you have mastered the basics, the open water is your oyster as you adapt to your aquatic surroundings and go exploring! The BCU 1 Star is a nationally recognised one day course designed as an introduction to kayaking over six hours with criteria laid down by the British Canoe Union. The course emphasis is on safe practice, fun and enjoyment. The course earns you a qualification which allows you to further improve your skills and take them to the next level. Training is delivered in an informal manner and allows plenty of opportunity to practice and experiment with various techniques and methods. We will run this course on request with an appropriately sized group so please contact us to express your interest.
Coasteering
This exciting outdoor pursuit allows participants to explore Guernsey's caves, traverse the cliffs and swim along our rocky coastline under the vigilant guidance of qualified instructors. This popular activity employs a combination of techniques to scramble the waters edge, climb rocks, swim and jump and is all about getting wet and having great fun! Island Adventures offer coasteering adventures at various locations around Guernsey which all provide different challenges and can be tailored to your group's individual abilities and wishes. Weather and tidal conditions are hugely influential in coasteering so a flexible approach may be needed to provide you with the experience best suited to you.
Jumps can be from various heights but there is no pressure to jump if you don't want to. Our dedicated instructors will accompany you down to a lower level so you can watch your thrill seeking friends from a prime location - our aim is that this activity is fun for everyone.
You will be provided with a wet suit, buoyancy aid and a helmet to wear - just bring something to wear under your wet suit and suitable footwear. A reasonable degree of fitness is required as this activity can be physically demanding - minimum age - 10 years.
Bivouac Camping
The Bivouac Adventure (pronounced biv-oo-ak) gives an insight to the many facets of Bivouac Camping. On this overnight adventure you get first hand practical experience of bush craft and survival skills including path tracking, shelter building, fire lighting techniques, and camp cooking.
Island Adventures provide sleeping bags and a waterproof bivi bag, but you get the pleasure of building your own shelter for the night once you have tracked your way to the camp and gathered naturally fallen wood and tree branches. Experienced instructors will guide you and give advice and suggestions where needed, to ensure a comfortable night, whatever the weather!
When booking this adventure, you will be provided with a menu choice for meals of varying difficulty levels which you will prepare on your own or as a group on a fire that you will also prepare and light!
Island Adventures fully supports and adopts
the proposals set out by the Leave No Trace Initiative
to keep Guernsey tidy.
Fair Access
Island Adventures believe that everyone should be able to enjoy the beautiful island of Guernsey, and the exciting adventures it has to offer. Safety is paramount to us and we will do our utmost to meet your requirements, or provide an alternative or adapted adventure.
Please contact kel@islandadventures.gg to discuss requirements for participants with special needs.
All staff are fully qualified in every activity. They are also RLSS First Aid trained and have Child Protection qualifications and enhanced Police Safety Checks. All qualifications can be viewed on request.
Island Adventures has passed an inspection by Guernsey's Health and Safety Executive, Guernsey's Environment Department and a further inspection by 'Escape Routes', an independent safety assessor.
Island Adventures have taken part in a full AALS (Adventure Activities Licensing Service) inspection. Their activities and safety procedures have been confirmed as meeting standards required in the UK by AALR (Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations).
Island Adventures is also a British Canoe Union Accredited Provider, and members of both the British Sub-Aqua Club and the Institute of Outdoor Learning.
For more information about Island Adventures
please go to their website
www.islandadventures.gg
Facebook Page
Twitter Profile
or contact Kelly or Alex on (01481) 729719.
Please mention
The Best of Guernsey
when contacting
Island Adventures
Island Adventures
Outdoor Pursuits - Canoeing and Kayaking
Days Out and Attractions - Survival Skills
Guernsey