Do I need any experience to go kayaking in Jersey?

No prior experience is required for our coastal tours. Beginners are welcome, and while swimming ability is ideal, it is not essential as high-quality buoyancy aids are provided for all participants.

Where do the kayak tours start in Jersey?

Kayak Nomad is a mobile service launching from the best locations around Jersey, including St. Brelade’s Bay, Ouaisne, Greve de Lecq, Bonne Nuit and Bouley Bay. We select the specific launch site 2-3 days before your trip based on weather and tide data to ensure the best sea conditions.

When will I know the launch location for my kayak trip?

To ensure the best possible experience, we confirm the launch location 2-3 days in advance. This allows us to use the most accurate weather forecasts and select a sheltered spot on the island.

What equipment is provided for the kayak tour?

We provide professional-grade equipment including Islander Calypso kayaks, wetsuits, cags, and buoyancy aids. For experienced paddlers, we offer sit-in sea kayaks like the Valley Avocet.

Can I rent a kayak in Jersey without a guide?

Yes, but for safety due to Jersey's massive tidal range, at least one person in your group must hold a British Canoeing Coastal Sea Kayak award or equivalent qualification and provide a recent logbook.

What is the minimum age for kayaking tours?

Children aged 5+ can join an adult on a double sit-on-top kayak. To paddle their own kayak independently, children must be at least 12 years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any experience?

No, prior experience required. Beginners welcome. Ideally, it is good if you can swim, but this is not essential as you’ll have a buoyancy aid on anyway.

What do I need to bring?

You need to bring swimwear, like board shorts, bikini or swimsuit. You also must bring shoes you can get wet like trainers or aqua shoes. Flipflops and crocs are not great, as they can float away, if you fall in. Sun hats + SPF 50 sun cream and water are recommended on sunny days.

You should also bring a towel and dry clothes to change into after. In winter we recommended you bring a warm drink also. As a lot of the cafes at the locations we use will be closed.

We will provide wetsuits, cags and buoyancy aids. Plus a spray deck if required.

Alternatively, you can choose to wear your own wetsuit if the instructor says it is suitable.

Age requirements

Child 5+ can be accommodated when accompanied by and adult on a double sit on top.

Children have to be 12+ to paddle their own kayak.

What Kayaks do you have?

We have Islander Calypso single seat sit on top kayaks and Ocean Duo double sit on top kayaks. Both are very beginner and family friendly.

Four people kayaking in a calm body of water near rocky shorelines, enjoying a sunny day.

For more experienced kayakers we have site inside sea kayaks which require wearing spray decks. These are plastic Valley Avocets, which are a great coastal kayak.

A group of kayakers in red kayaks paddling in turquoise waters near rocky cliffs and a green hillside under a blue sky.

Can I rent a kayak and gear?

To rent a kayak and gear and take yourself on your own kayak trip. You will have to provide us with evidence of at least one of your group having a British Canoeing Coastal Sea Kayak award or a Sea Kayak Leader qualification. Other overseas equivalent qualification are excepted along with an extensive and recent logbook. This is for your own safety and our peace of mind. As Jersey experiences the 3rd highest tidal movements in the world and therefore knowledge of the tides and your abilities are essential to your having a safe and fun day out on the water.

Don’t have these qualifications? No problem—join our Guided Coastal Tour where we handle the navigation and safety for you.”

What locations do you go from?

We are a mobile kayaking company and launch from locations all around the island. This enables us to select the best location to paddle for that days weather and tides. Common beaches and bays we like to use for general kayak tours are as follows.

St. Brelade Beach (Church end) https://maps.app.goo.gl/1DHbeftPUrrKiVV1A

Ouainse Beach https://maps.app.goo.gl/YsBpnL2UhZtJ8btK6

Greve de Lecq Beach https://maps.app.goo.gl/SjkuABVdHZetDYGZA

Bonne Nuit https://maps.app.goo.gl/CkL96a7yxJQsUSdBA

Bouley Bay https://maps.app.goo.gl/bv36YwZ8qbEmV8aT9

St Catherines https://maps.app.goo.gl/CXh7wKMpi11PYvUw9

This is not an exhaustive list and other locations can be used for training or special trips.

When will we know where we are launching from?

Once you are booked in we will contact you 2-3 days in advance of your planned trip to confirm the launch location. This is because the decision is based on the weather forecast for the day and the data can only be relied upon a few day out.

Buses to and from launch locations

Most of our launch locations have a bus service which runs to them from the Bus Station in St Helier. However you need to plan your transport carefully as some services are not very frequent, especially on a Sunday or in winter. Ouaisne Beach has no direct service and the closest bus stops are either at St Brelade Beach or on the main road above the bay. So you then have a 10min walk to reach the car park we meet at. Liberty Bus

Driving and Parking

There is parking available at all the launch locations we use. Some places require payment and some are free for the day. Please leave plenty of time to find a parking space and pay via a mobile app or pay card. As parking can be limited on hot sunny days when there are many other beach goers. If you are part of a big group, then please try and share cars/lifts to minimise the amount of parking spaces you need.

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