travel from channel islands to france

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Jersey to St Malo FERRY

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Experience ferry travel

Free amendments - If your plans change, you can easily change your booking for free up to 48 hours before your departure, with only the difference in fare to pay.

Pack everything you need  - Travelling without luggage restrictions gives you the freedom and flexibility to take exactly what you need for your holiday – and that’s per person!

Grab a bargain - Save up to 40% off UK high street prices on your favourite brands, across fragrance, beauty products, top tech, gifts, confectionery, wines, spirits and tobacco.

Take your pet  - Going on your holiday by sea means that you can take your car and take the whole family with you, including the family pet.

Ferries to St Malo from Jersey

Delicious seafood, fascinating Breton culture and more is waiting to be explored – all starting with Condor Ferries from Jersey to St Malo!

Our Jersey to St Malo ferry links Jersey with France. This ferry crossing runs up to 5 times a week, with sailing durations from 1 hour 25 minutes onboard Condor Voyager. Explore this historic walled city in Brittany, France, boasting magnificent views and great French shopping and food.

Once you’ve booked your ferry tickets to St Malo from Jersey, be sure to gather some important details on Jersey port  in St Helier to help you as you begin your journey.

When planning your trip to St Malo, make sure you get to the departure port in St Helier in good time with all the documents you will need.

If you’re taking your car, check-in will close 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Please leave plenty of time to arrive at the port for check-in.

If you’re travelling on foot, you can park your car at Jersey harbour. Check-in will close 60 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Please leave plenty of time to arrive at the port for check-in.

Once you’ve booked your ferry to St Malo, it’s time to start planning for your journey. Find all the information you need on travel documents, how to book the right vehicle size and what you need to know if you’re travelling with a pet in our plan your journey section .

Jersey to St Malo ferry timetable

During our peak period of July to September, you’ll find ferries available 5 days a week from St Helier Jersey to France, St Malo onboard Condor Voyager. To take advantage of our best fares, book your ferry tickets in advance.

If your schedule allows it, look out for our midweek ferries – you might find fares that suit your budget more than Friday or weekend sailings. Always bear in mind that travelling during a holiday period like Easter or summer holidays is in high demand, so book your ferry tickets early, as soon as you know when you’d like to visit St Malo. Look out for the Live Chat on our website to speak to a member of our Customer Service team in case you need help with your booking.  If you'd like to view our other routes to St Malo please click here.

Jersey to St Malo Ferry Prices

Jersey (St Helier) to St Malo ferry prices typically start from £36pp*. The average price is typically £208*. The average price for a car is £295*.

View Jersey to St Malo timetable

Sailing to St Malo from Jersey onboard Condor Voyager

It takes our ferries from 1 hour and 25 minutes to get to St Malo from Jersey  in the Channel Islands , so make the most of your time onboard and enjoy your short sea voyage.

Unlike air travel, you can stretch your legs onboard and treat yourself to a drink or a bite to eat from one of the restaurants or bars.

You can even spend some time in the Adore Duty Free shop, getting your hands on the many money-saving bargains available across fragrance, beauty products, top tech, gifts, confectionery, wines, spirits and tobacco.

It takes our ferries from 1 hour and 25 minutes to get to St Malo from Jersey in the Channel Islands, so make the most of your time onboard and enjoy your short sea voyage. Unlike air travel, you can stretch your legs onboard and treat yourself to a drink or a bite to eat from one of the restaurants or bars. You can even spend some time in the Adore Duty Free shop, getting your hands on the many money-saving bargains available across fragrance, beauty products, top tech, gifts, confectionery, wines, spirits and tobacco.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the journey from jersey to st malo, what is the distance between jersey and france.

It is 70.7km between Jersey and St Malo. 

How much is the ferry from Jersey to St Malo?

Prices from Jersey to St Malo start from £36pp*

About St Malo 

Explore the vibrant streets of St Malo, a glorious walled historic French port, in Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany. Although only 14.2 sq miles, the port is still packed with a wealth of French culture and history. Visitors can choose to walk along the walls and explore the intra-muros, or stroll along the beautiful cobbled streets and discover the wonders that the shops have to offer. Of course, there is plenty of opportunity to sample the French cuisine, whether that be a dish of fresh French crab, a plate of local cheeses, or a galette oozing with melted chocolate. If that hasn’t persuaded you, take a look at our travel guides and see what else St Malo has to offer.

*Prices are based on foot pax tickets and are subject to change. Prices will change depending on the season, day/time of travel, route and what type of vehicle you wish to take. Please check live prices for the most up-to-date prices.

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Channel Islands: The Not-Quite British Islands 14 Miles From France

Antonia Windsor

October 24, 2023

Look at most maps of the world and you’d be forgiven for missing the Channel Islands. But zoom in on the English Channel between the south coast of England and the north coast of France. Here, you’ll see the specs of land that make up this unique Anglo-French archipelago of golden sand and shingle beaches, granite sea cliffs, and lush rural interiors. 

The Channel Islands are Crown Dependencies, which means the Queen of England is their monarch, but they are not part of the United Kingdom. And while they are collectively referred to as the Channel Islands, the five main islands—and several uninhabited islands—are divided into two jurisdictions, each with their own government, laws, taxes, and mints. 

The Bailiwick of Jersey governs the largest island, Jersey, which is just 9x5 miles. The Bailiwick of Guernsey encompasses Guernsey and the smaller islands (in size order) Alderney, Sark, and Herm, along with two private islands that are not open to the public. 

Fortified against the French

The Channel Islands were part of the Duchy of Normandy until 1204. When they gave allegiance to King John of England, many of the historic defenses still found on the island were built to ward off French invasion. 

On Jersey, 800-year-old Mont Orgueil Castle is one of the finest examples of a Medieval stronghold in the whole of Europe. From the binoculars on the granite turrets, you can see people sunbathing 14 miles away on the Normandy beaches. 

At around the same time, Castle Cornet was built on a tidal island on Guernsey (it is now accessible by a causeway) and some 350 years later in the mid-1500s, Elizabeth Castle was built on a tidal island in Jersey, which can now be reached at high tide by an amphibious vehicle. King Charles II took refuge here during the English Civil War in the 1640s. Visit any of these majestic granite strongholds and you feel history close enough to touch. In summer, you may chance upon re-enactments, including the firing of the “Noon-day Gun” from Castle Cornet and Elizabeth Castle. 

Cider islands

Jersey and Guernsey were both important makers and exporters of cider from the 17th to 19th centuries, when up to a quarter of the islands were covered in orchards and horse-drawn stone cider presses were a feature of most farmyards. 

As beer gained popularity, cider production declined, but is now being revived. La Robeline in Jersey produces an award-winning traditional cidre bouche in the Normandy style, where a second fermentation in the bottle produces the fizz. And Roquette Cider in Guernsey produces a more modern, carbonated cider that’s equally delicious. You can walk through the neat orchards at Roquette, which puts you in the rural heart of Guernsey. Look up the valley from their tasting room and you won’t see another building—just grass and apple trees as far as the eye can see.  

Preserving the world’s fastest dying languages

The islands of Jersey, Guernsey, and Sark each have their own dialects of Norman French, which are considered severely endangered, with most of the population now speaking English as their first language. 

In Jersey, a young group of musicians and songwriters have attempted to revive Jèrriais, which is now only spoken by a few hundred people. They play and record traditional songs in the language, which are then taught and sung in schools to encourage early learning among primary-aged children. Kit Ashton, one of the founding members of the band the Badlebeques, who sing in Jèrriais, has written an article that outlines the project .

Life without cars

You won’t find a gas station on the smaller islands of Sark and Herm. That’s because they have never had cars on them. Life continues much as it has for hundreds of years with locals going about their business on foot or by bicycle. 

The only motorized vehicles are tractors that fill up from diesel canisters transported from Guernsey. The tractors on Sark pull a trailer “bus” of passengers up the steep hill from the harbor and also pull a trailer fire engine and ambulance. 

Ancient islands

The Channel Islands rose up out of the ocean five million years ago, and there is evidence of inhabitants from as long back as 280,000 years. 

Early in 2021, archeologists discovered that teeth found in a cave in Jersey contained DNA of both Neanderthal and Homo sapiens , perhaps proof that the two species’ interbred. Alongside this Paleolithic evidence in the islands, there are also many Neolithic remains from about  4,500 BCE. 

The most important of these is La Hougue Bie in Jersey, an impeccably preserved passage grave that is thought to be among the oldest buildings in the world . There are other dolmens and passage graves in both Jersey and Guernsey left by pagan ancestors. Unlike other important sites of this age, the ones in the Channel Islands are really easy to access and there is never a crowd, so you can sit in quiet contemplation and ponder the weight of history.

German occupation 

The Channel Islands were the only British soil captured by the Germans in the Second World War. The Nazis occupied the islands for just under five years. Evidence of this time can be seen in the concrete fortifications, bunkers, and watchtowers found along the coastlines of Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney, which are part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall . 

Nearly all residents on Alderney were evacuated before the arrival of the Germans and the island became a concentration camp for European prisoners of war. In Jersey, discover what life was like for the locals and soldiers in the award-winning War Tunnels, while in Guernsey, visit the German Occupation Museum. You might get the shivers as you learn of 9 p.m. curfews, radios being confiscated, and the living conditions of the forced labor that was used to build the fortifications. 

The book the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society , which was made into a major movie starring Tom Courtenay, dramatizes life during this period. 

Tiny populations and even tinier prisons

Sark has a population of just under 500 people, while Herm has just 65. And with everyone knowing each other, crime is at a minimum. People leave their doors unlocked in Sark and even leave the keys in the ignition of their cars in Alderney (after all, if you were to steal a car you can’t go far on an island that’s three square miles). 

Because of the low crime rate, Herm has perhaps the smallest prison in the world—just a single cell—while Sark has two cells. 

But beware of the strange laws. In Jersey it’s illegal for men to knit in July and August, and in Guernsey, it is illegal for men to knit in daylight hours. The laws date back to the 17th century when the wool trade was booming in the islands and apparently, men enjoyed helping with the knitting of Jersey and Guernsey jumpers so much they needed to be forced back to their farming and fishing duties.

Life on the water

The five main islands share nearly 120 miles of coastline between them, which can be explored by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or RIB trips known as seafaris, that get you close to smugglers caves in the cliffs and the birdlife that nests at the waterside, such as puffins, oystercatchers, and guillemots. Nothing beats that feeling of the wind in your hair, the salt on your lips, and the sun bouncing off the water to warm your face. 

Surfing, kite-surfing, and coasteering are all popular sports on the larger islands. Off the coast of Herm is a colony of Atlantic seals that you can watch basking on the rocks, while off the coast of Alderney, 2% of the northern gannet population nests on a few sea rocks. Dolphins are also often spotted in the waters between Guernsey, Sark, and Herm. 

Traditional food 

Jersey is well known for its Jersey Royal new potato; a sweet, nutty “early” potato that finds its way onto the menus of the finest restaurants in London and beyond. It is also home of the doe-eyed brown Jersey cow that produces golden milk, high in fat content that in turn makes wonderfully creamy butter and ice cream. Guernsey has its own “Guernsey” cow, which produces an equally yellow butter and is also home to distinctive Golden Guernsey goats. 

The cuisine is derived from the peasant food of northern France, with Jersey’s most well-known traditional dish being bean crock —a stew of beans and pigs’ trotters that resembles the Normandy cassoulet. Guernsey has a very similar dish, known as bean jar . As for sweet treats, Jersey has fried twisted donuts called wonders , while Guernsey has a fruit loaf known as gâche . 

“I dreamed a dream in times gone by” 

Victor Hugo is to the French what Shakespeare is to the British, and the famous author of Les Miserables has connections to both Jersey and Guernsey where he spent time after he was exiled from France. Hugo made Guernsey home for 15 years and he decorated Hauteville House in a truly extraordinary way, with each room a cacophony of styles, textures, and colors. It’s like an interior design poem. 

On Guernsey, you can also visit a new Victor Hugo Garden in Candie Gardens, which showcases some of Hugo’s favorite plants, and those named after his friends, such as the Alexandre Dumas rose. 

A meal for a tenner  

To get the locals eating out in the autumn when the bulk of the tourists have headed home, an innovative restaurant festival called the Tennerfest was born. Now in its 24th year, restaurants across the islands sign up to take part and offer fixed-price “Tennerfest” menus at their restaurants. 

Originally these were £10 each, but these days they can be more than £20 for a set menu at a fine-dining restaurant. In 2021, the festival runs for six weeks from October 1 through November 11.

Getting there:  Cheap Flights occasionally finds flights to Jersey in the $400s and $500s roundtrip. One-hour nonstop flights from London to Jersey or Guernsey typically start around $40 each way. There’s also a ferry that reaches the islands in about four hours. 

See Going's deals on flights to the Channel Islands , and join today to get cheap flights delivered right to your inbox.

Freelance Writer

Published October 24, 2023

Last updated December 19, 2023

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Explore Jersey.

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Jersey day trips around the Channel Islands.

Explore the beauty and diversity of jersey and it's neighbouring islands..

For something a bit different, how about island hopping to some of Jersey’s neighbours or take a trip over to France. Experience the true diversity of the Channel Islands, each with their own personality and story to tell, and easy to reach from Jersey.

Get a taster of our Channel Island neighbours.

On the horizon.

Jersey to Guernsey day trip.

In just over an hour by fast ferry or a 20-minute flight you can get from Jersey to Guernsey, and be strolling through Guernsey’s harbour capital, St. Peter Port. Enjoy your day trip to guernsey by breezing through this seaside gem with its harbour views, salty sea air and hilly cobbled streets that lead through to boutique shops, foodie spots and dinky cafés. Just don’t enjoy yourself too much and forget to come back.

You can get to Guernsey by boat with Condor or step aboard a plane with Blue Islands .

Jersey to Sark day trip.

Arriving in Sark feels like stepping back in time. Welcome to a place where the fastest thing on the road has four legs and a tail, and the pace of life trundles along at an easy clip. Make the most of your Sark day trip and explore the length and breadth of the island by foot, bicycle or even horse and cart with wide open sea views in every direction. Take a morning dip in Dixcart Bay in perfect solitude, spin through winding country lanes on two wheels, before refuelling with a sea-foodie lunch and a crisp glass of white. When the day is done, roll out a blanket and stargaze under some of the darkest skies in Europe. Travel to the island is by boat only, directly from Jersey or from Guernsey.

From Jersey to Sark

Manche Iles Express operates direct ferries several times per week in the summer months. making day trips from Jersey to Sark super easy. Journey time is approximately 1 hour 10 minutes, and the ferry leaves from Elizabeth Terminal.

Book Jersey to Sark

From Guernsey to Sark

The Isle of Sark Shipping Company Ltd. runs a passenger and freight service between Sark and Guernsey throughout the year. Journey time is approximately 55 minutes.

Book Guernsey to Sark

Top tips for a perfect day trip to Sark.

Take in the stunning scenery of this Channel Island on a walk or cycle along La Coupee or Dixcart Bay, or dine the afternoon away at one of the many eateries available on the island. Hire bicycles on arrival to ensure you can take in most of what the island has to offer, or take a horse drawn carriage tour for a relaxing and slower paced way to explore.

• Capture lots of images on your camera for the memories of a unique day trip to Sark. You will want it to capture some of the wonderful species of birds and possibly even Dolphin spotting for your ferry crossing.
• Hire a bicycle when you arrive, or if you prefer to pre-book a horse drawn carriage to show you around the island – don’t forget to stop off on little Sark.

Enjoy your visit to Sark!

Explore Sark

Jersey to Herm day trip.

Herm is a little gem. At a dinky one and a half miles long by a half mile wide, what our smallest Channel Island lacks in size, it more than makes up for in simple beauty. Slow down time and discover a place with no wheels, forget cars or even bicycles, as you set out on foot and breathe in the fresh sea air at your own pace. With windswept coastlines, secluded beaches to get lost on and an authentic local watering hole at the Mermaid Tavern, there’s plenty here to while away a few perfect hours on a day trip to Herm.

Located 3 miles from Guernsey in the Channel Islands, the only way to arrive in Herm Island is by boat – either on one of the Herm Island passenger ferries from Guernsey, or aboard a private vessel.  Therefore, when travelling from Jersey you will need to travel via Guernsey or look at one of our charter partners below.

The Herm passenger ferry, Isle of Herm, takes just 15 minutes from St. Peter Port Harbour in Guernsey with tickets available from the harbour or via the online booking portal .

Across a cobbled causeway from Guernsey, you will find Lihou Island. Offering a real adventure, you can explore ruins, the tidal Venus Pool and RAMSAR wetlands and marine reserves.

Lihou is a birdwatching paradise with over 150 species to observe and is ideal for rockpooling. Perfect for a day trip from Guernsey, or for a group overnight stay at Lihou House.

Hop over to Lihou

Jersey to Alderney day trip.

Alderney is home to historical sites, golden beaches and rich wildlife. With 30 miles of winding lanes and trails you can explore their award-winning museum, hop aboard the Channel Island’s only railway and settle in for some renowned birdwatching. The capital, St. Anne, is filled with excellent restaurants, showcasing a huge range of homegrown produce.

Discover Alderney

A stone’s throw away from the French coastline, you can access Alderney by air and sea from the UK, France and neighbouring Channel Islands.

Whether you want to wander around the cobbled streets of St Anne’s, hire a bike or explore the island by boat, with its many historical sites, rich wildlife and the channel’s only railway, there is so much to discover in this Channel Island.

Hop across to Alderney

From Guernsey to Alderney by air

To visit Alderney from Jersey by air, you will need to travel via Guernsey or Southampton.

Aurigny provides a number of daily flights, year round, between Guernsey and Alderney lasting around 20 minutes, allowing easy connection to and from Guernsey airport.

Blue Islands have several flights per day throughout the year from Jersey to Guernsey which will allow you to connect for your onwards Journey to Alderney with Aurigny.

From Guernsey to Alderney by sea

For those who prefer to travel by sea, you can also take the daily ferry, in peak season ,from Guernsey to Alderney. The journey takes 1.5 hours. There is no direct ferry service from Jersey to Alderney, you would need to first need to travel to Guernsey by air as above or by sea with Condor Ferries.

Book the ferry

Explore the Channel Islands.

How about a day trip to Belle France?

Jersey to saint malo day trips..

For a flavour of France, take a day trip to Saint Malo and visit this historic walled city. Just over an hour away from Jersey by ferry, Saint-Malo’s lively maze of cobbled streets and medieval ramparts are dotted with restaurants, shops and boutiques to explore. Share a chilled bottle of vin blanc with someone special over Breton crêpes and classic Moules À La Creme, all drenched in French sunshine, then potter through quirky souvenir shops and find something effortlessly chic at a French boutique – ah, la vie en rose!

Take me there

Jersey to Carteret day trips.

Where else can you hop over for lunch in France in about the time it takes to cook a fry up? A quick 30-minute RIB trip can whisk you to the French coast and the foodie market town of Carteret, where you’ll find everything from Breton crêperies to Michelin star-studded bistros serving up local fruits de mer. Book a day trip to Carteret with Island RIB Voyages or Jersey Seafaris, and soak in the real French vibes before hopping back to Jersey for a lazy afternoon.

More ways to get to France.

Explore Jersey’s archipelago.

Les ecréhous.

Just six miles off the east coast of Jersey, it only takes 15 minutes on a thrilling RIB ride to arrive at Les Ecréhous, a network of reefs and islands. France is so close you’d be forgiven for thinking you might be on French soil. The islands are, however, part of Jersey.

Explore Les Ecréhous

Les Minquiers

Home to one of the largest tidal ranges in the world, explore Jersey’s archipelago and discover a submerged coastal landscape of reefs and islands, revealed at low tide. Walk, wander and swim around this unique habitat before it’s reclaimed by the sea.

Explore Les Minquiers

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The Channel Islands: The Complete Guide

Other Channel Islands

Great Britain—that part of the U.K. that includes England, Scotland, and Wales, but not Northern Ireland—is surrounded by islands. Some, like the Isles of Scilly, off Cornwall and Orkney,  off Scotland, are part of the U.K.

But others, in particular, Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Herm, are independent states of sorts with their governments, their own laws, their own unique history (during World War II, they were the only parts of the British Isles to be occupied by the Nazis), and an oddly tangled relationship with the U.K.

The people of these islands, for example, are British subjects but not necessarily British citizens. They may be entitled to a British passport if they have a parent or grandparent born in the U.K. or if they, themselves, have lived in the U.K. for five years. In practice, that means just about everyone.

Jersey, the Biggest Channel Island and Little Bit of British France

Jersey, the biggest Channel Island at about 47 square miles, is 87 miles south of the U.K. and is considered the southernmost of the British Islands (the official designation—the "British Isles" being a literary and informal title). It is much closer to France than England, only 14 miles offshore.

Jersey is a popular vacation destination for its mild climate, long beaches washed by Gulf Stream waters, and unusual hybrid "franglais" culture. How this little bit of France became a Crown Dependency of the British monarch is a fluke of history.

The Channel Islands were a part of the Duchy of Normandy and among the possessions  William the Conqueror  brought with him when he became King of England in 1066. For about 200 years, the islands and Normandy and England were united, but the islands were administered from Normandy. In 1204, King John of England lost Normandy to the King of France. To keep the loyalty of the strategically important Channel Islands, King John decreed they could continue to be governed according to the laws they were used to—Norman law.

As a result, a separate system of government was created with the British Monarch ruling as the "Duke of Normandy." Although the systems have changed over time, Jersey retains its separate-ish status. It is not part of the E.U.—though it has an associate relationship to facilitate trade. It is not subject to the laws of the U.K. Parliament, though U.K. currency is legal tender, and it depends upon the U.K. armed forces for defense. The official languages are English and French, and a local patois blends them both.

Oh, and one last oddity—to islanders, Queen Elizabeth II is still considered the Duke of Normandy and referred to, by the island legislature, as "Our Duke."

Jersey's main town is St. Helier.  It's a large, lively place with lots of shopping and dining options.

Guernsey, a Bailiwick in the English Channel

Like Jersey, Guernsey is a British Crown Dependency with its own government and an associate relationship with the British Commonwealth and the E.U. Known for its seafood, beaches, and yacht harbors, Guernsey, at 24 square miles, is the second largest of the British Channel Islands. It lies 75 miles south of the English Coast and 30 miles from Normandy.

Guernsey has beautiful beaches, cliffs and cliff walks, and areas of lovely rolling hills. It also has its own group of associated islands included in the "bailiwick": Alderney, Herm, and Sark, a feudal state until 2006 and Europe's newest democracy.

A bailiwick is an area governed by a bailiff. It's an ancient term and has little relevance today as most of the islands in this bailiwick have their own governments.

Guernsey's main town is St. Peter Port.  The book "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society," about life on the island during World War II, was recently made into a British film and is set in St. Peter Port. The port is also the location of the 800-year-old  Castle Cornet .

Alderney, Unspoiled, Undiscovered Britain Just 8 Miles From France

Alderney is an unspoiled, natural island with a population of 2,000 noted for its traditional lifestyle, flora, and fauna. It is 23 miles from Guernsey and only 8 miles from the coast of France. Despite being only 3 1/2 miles long and 1 1/2 miles wide, smaller than both Jersey and Guernsey, Alderney has its own government, airport, and port. It can be reached by scheduled flights from the mainland U.K., Guernsey, Jersey, or mainland France. There are also scheduled ferry services from France and the other Channel Islands.

This tiny island's unusual attractions include the Channel Islands' only  railway , composed of antique subway cars that saw earlier service on the London Underground. They were part of the Northern Line Centennial and still wear their 1920 Northern Line livery. The principal town is St. Anne.

Sark, Europe's Youngest Democracy

Sark is the smallest of the four central British Channel Islands. Three miles long and 1 1/2 miles wide, it has a population of 550 and no motor cars. One tractor-drawn ambulance is the island's only motorized vehicle.

Sark was the last feudal state in Europe—maybe the world. Through 2007, it was governed by a Seigneur, appointed by the British monarch, and its legislators were landowners who had inherited the right to rule. Then, in August 2006, the legislators voted to allow all of Sark's residents to stand for election, and Europe's youngest democracy was born. The transition to full democracy took place in 2008.

Surprisingly, given its tiny size and population, Sark has three hotels, about 10 B&Bs, and several  self-catering accommodations.

Herm, Tiny and Peaceful

Herm, a tiny islet 3 miles from Guernsey, is part of the Guernsey bailiwick. Too small for independence, it is owned by Guernsey and has been operated, under a lease, by the same family for three generations.

This is a place for really getting away from it all. The island's one hotel has no television, no telephones, and no clocks. Wi-Fi? What's that?

Besides the hotel, there are campsites, vacation rental cottages, and a piazza of gift shops where you can buy anything from ritzy beachwear, toys, and seaside fashions to the island's colorful stamps, issued until 1969.

There are three further Channel Islands in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. Jethou and Brecqhou are privately occupied and not open to the public. Brecqhou is owned by the famously reclusive Barclay brothers, wealthy twins who own the London Telegraph. And last, Lihou is an uninhabited island off St. Peter Port that is a wetlands bird sanctuary and the site of some neolithic ruins. It can be reached on foot at low tide over a cobbled causeway and can be visited on organized walks.

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Crossing the English Channel From Continental Europe

Michael Heffernan

The Channel Islands

Just off the coast of France, Jersey, Guernsey, Sark, Herm and Alderney beckon with exquisite coastlines, shaded lanes and old-world charm. Not quite Britain and not quite France, the islands are proudly independent, self-governing British Crown dependencies that straddle the gap between the two. Their citizens owe their allegiance to Her Majesty, but some still speak local dialects that stem from medieval Norman French.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Jersey War Tunnels

The eerie tunnels of a German underground military hospital have been converted into Jersey's best and most poignant museum, dedicated to the island's…

Elizabeth Castle

On two interconnected islets in St Aubin's Bay, this imposing fortress guards the entrance to the harbour. Originally a 6th-century hermitage, then an…

Hauteville House

Victor Hugo was exiled from France in 1851 after Napoleon III's coup, living on Guernsey from 1856-70. His exuberant home Hauteville House, where he wrote…

Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery

This museum is an enjoyable stampede through the millennia-old history of Guernsey: home to Neolithic farmers, strategic Roman port, Norman stronghold,…

German Occupation Museum

Founded by a local who experienced Nazi occupation as a child, this fascinating museum walks you through Guernsey's wartime experience. Among ample…

This inspirational zoo was founded by writer and naturalist Gerald Durrell, who dreamed of creating a safe place for his animals since he was 6 years old…

Grand Grève

When yachts pull into the bay, you can be forgiven for doing a double take and momentarily thinking that you're on some Greek island. With its wide sweep…

Shell Beach

Herm's star beach wouldn't look out of place in the Caribbean, if it weren't for the severe-looking bare rocks offshore. Teal waters lap at this wide…

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Aug 8, 2018 • 5 min read

The Channel Islands sit between Britain and France, loyal subjects of Her Majesty but lying just off the French coast; British citizens but living in a…

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A Quick Guide To The Channel Islands

Located in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy in France, the Channel Islands are full of wonderful beaches and old-world charm. They are  independent, self-governing British Crown dependencies, and are divided into two “Bailiwicks” – Gurnsey and Jersey. The Channel Islands are also known for outdoorsy activities like surfing, kayaking, coasteering and diving.

The Bailiwick of Guernsey is made up of the picturesque island of Gurnsey, as well as the islands of Alderney, Sark, Herm, and numerous small offshore islands; while the Bailiwick of Jersey just has the large island of Jersey. The islands are full of historic  forts and castles along the coastlines, as well as museums dedicated to their occupation by German troops during World War II.

Also Read:  A Quick Guide to Visiting the Scottish Highlands

How to get there

Like the UK, the Channel Islands are not a part of the Schengen Agreement. They form a Common Travel Area with the UK, Republic of Ireland and the Isle of Man.

There are daily flights to the Channel Islands from both the UK and France, as well as several destinations in Europe. Guernsey Airport has flights from London Gatwick, as well as from Jersey, Manchester, Birmingham, Southampton, Bristol, France (Dinard and St Brieuc), Germany (Dusseldorf and Stuttgart) and Amsterdam (Rotterdam).  Jersey Airport  receives flights from London Gatwick, London Stansted, Liverpool, Birmingham, Southampton, Cardiff, Exeter and Guernsey, as well as European destinations.

St Peter Port in Gurnsey is the docking point for ferries to and from the UK (from Poole, Portsmouth and Weymouth) and St Malmo in France. The island also has regular boats to Jersey, Sark and Herm, through connections to Alderney are a bit infrequent.

Getting around the Channel Islands

The Channel Islands have their own airline,  Aurigny , which has flights between the two main islands, Gurnsey and Jersey, as well as to Alderney.

Most of the islands have well-maintained roads which can easily be navigated by car or bike. There are also taxis and bus services, though these can be infrequent and expensive.

The best way to travel between the many islands is by boat, and regular ferry services run between all major towns.

Places to see when you visit the Channel Islands

• Mont Orgueil Castle:  a medieval castle located on a hill on the east coast of the island
• Jersey War Tunnels:  this complex of tunnels details the island’s WWII German occupation, and is located outside the main town of St. Helier
• Grosnez Castle:  a ruined 14th-century castle in Saint Ouen, situated on the north-west corner of the island, with scenic views
• Jersey Museum:  it covers the history of Jersey from prehistoric times. You can also visit the Maritime Mmuseum and the Occupation Museum
• Saint Helier:  this is the largest town in Jersey, and has a picturesque waterfront. Don’t miss the ruined 16th century Elizabeth Castle
• Castle Cornet:  located on a tidal island at the entrance to St. Peter Port’s harbour, 13th-century castle has museums & gardens
• Sausmarez Manor:  this historic house in Saint Martin’s dates back to the 13th century, and also features amazing Victorian walled gardens
• Fort Grey:  a Martello tower located on a tidal rock in Rocquaine Bay in Saint Peter. It houses a fascinating shipwreck museum
• Victor Hugo House: also known as Hauteville House, this was where French writer Victor Hugo lived in exile
• Little Chapel: a chapel in Guernsey’s centre, whose walls are embedded with pebbles and broken china.
• Lihou Island: this tiny, bird-rich is located just off Guernsey’s west coast

• Fort Clonque:  a 19th-century coastal fortress built by the British
• Alderney Society Museum:  the only museum in Alderney, it explores the history of the island from the Stone Age to modern day
• La Coupée:  this narrow isthmus joining the two parts of the island (Great Sark and Little Sark and has spectacular views on either side.
• Le Moulin:  the highest point in Sark
• Sarkhenge:  a historic stone circle marks 450 years since Queen Elizabeth I granted the Fief of Sark to Helier De Carteret, the original feudal lord of the island.
• Fairy Grotto: picturesque spot on the island of Sark
• Shell Beach:  a 19th-century coastal fortress built by the British

Other Information

The Channel Islands are located in the Gulf of St Malo which ensures that they have pleasant weather all year-round. However, the best time to visit is between July and August, when temperatures are warm. It is also when the islands hold the Alderney Week  Festival, as well as Jersey Battle of Flowers which features parades of flower-covered floats.

The islands are also known for their excellent seafood. It can be found at local restaurants at St Helier (Guernsey) and St Peter Port (Jersey).

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Just off the Normandy coast, the Channel Islands comprising of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm are a short hop away from Britain and mainland Europe. There is so much to see and do in the Channel Islands. See below for events across all the Islands.

Just off the Normandy coast, the Channel Islands, comprising Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm are a short hop away from Britain and mainland Europe. Their mild winters, warm summers and long hours of sunshine make them ideal year-round destinations.  Click on the links below to find out more about each island!

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Ferry to the Channel Islands

Ferries to the channel islands from france and the uk.

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Map with crossings to the Channel Islands

If you want to travel by ferry to the Channel Islands then you'll most probably will be sailing with Condor Ferries. Condor Ferries sails from Poole and Portsmouth in the UK and from St Malo in France to as well Jersey as Guernsey. 

The quickest ferry to the Channel Islands is the ferry from St Malo to Jersey that takes you in just 1 hour and 25 mins to St Helier on Jersey. From Portsmouth you'll be a lot longer on the ferry itself and you can choose to book a night trip. (10 hours 20 mins)

The terminal on Jersey is in the St Helier Marina, for Guernsey it is located in St Peter Port.

Timetable, availability, and compare prices

Our online booking module makes it easy to find and book your desired ferry crossing to the Channel Islands. All you have to do is enter your departure port, destination, and travel dates. The system will show you the best routes and possible alternatives. You can then choose the ferry that best suits your needs and budget. Have a great trip!

Travel tip: Book early

The prices for the ferries rise sharply as the boats fill up. Especially during peak season, the ferries and parking decks fill up quickly. Therefore, book far in advance and avoid high costs.

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Ferries from the uk to the channel islands, ferries from france to the channel islands, compare prices, channel islands, frequently asked questions: ferry to channel islands, ferry talk: share your questions and opinions.

From the UK ferries leave from the ports of Poole and Portsmouth to Jersey and Guernsey. The ferries from Portsmouth are a bit longer on the way then the ferries from Poole to the Islands Jersey and Guernsey. From Poole you'll be around 3 to 4 hours onboard one of the Condor Ferries. 

From Portsmouth the trip will take you in 7 hours to Guernsey and in 10h and 20 mins to Jersey (night crossing). These ferries are particularly popular during summer when a lot of British tourist visit the Channel Islands.

Poole-Jersey

Portsmouth-jersey, poole-guernsey.

From France you can either travel to the Channel Islands from St Malo and / or Cherbourg. From Guernsey you can travel directly by ferry to Cherbourg and from St Malo you can travel in around 1,5 hours to Jersey.

St Malo-Guernsey

Ferry prices are subject to change. That is why it is best to look at the prices as they are the date when you want to make your crossing. Then you can make a good decision whether a detour can be worthwhile. You can compare prices in a booking engine . 

The Channel Islands are popular vacation destinations for French and British tourist in the summer. with loads of beaches, a mix of British and French culture and beautiful nature it is a must see destination.

Only Condor Ferries operates on the various routes to the Channel Islands. You can sail from either Cherbourg and St Malo (France) to the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey. Or you can sail from the UK ports of Poole and Portsmouth to these pittoresque Islands neir the French coast.

The shortest ferry is the ferry from St Malo to Jersey. With this ferry you'll be in 1 hour and 25 minutes from the French coast to Jersey

The cheapest ferries are the ferries leaving from St Malo, this is also the shortest route to the Island Archipelago.

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Discovery. Freedom. Explore the wonders of France and the Channel Islands

independent travel specialists

Your perfect trip starts here

Whether it is day trips, short breaks, golfing trips or family holidays, iTravel is the ideal choice for both Channel Island residents and tourists to the Islands looking to explore nearby northern France or our sister Islands. From the ancient bustling streets within the mediaeval city of St Malo to the peace and tranquillity of Sark our dedicated and experienced team can arrange it for you and offer you a unique experience. All arrangements are tailor made to suit your requirements, whatever your budget!

Whatever your budget, whether you want an inclusive package with accommodation and guided tour experience, or just the basics, we can help. Contact us to discuss your requirements in more detail.

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Why Choose iTravel

With over 20 years’ experience of arranging tours and travel across the Islands and France, there aren’t many travel requirements our experienced team haven’t dealt with. We’ve helped thousands of satisfied customers and our aim is to ensure you enjoy a seamless travel experience whilst we do the hard work of arranging things, whatever your requirements. Ferry Crossings, Guided Tours, Accommodation and Events – our team have the insider knowledge of what’s going on in the region, staying one step ahead and ensuring the expertise and service we deliver is second to none!

we’re here to help

At iTravel, it’s personal. We’re not happy unless you’re happy. With over 50 years combined experince in the travel industry, we have helped hundreds of visitors to France and the Channel Islands make the most of their holidays. We’re there to hold your handing during the planning process to make enverything go as smoothgly as possible. We might even be there to wave you off on the ferry!

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Just want to say a big thank you for organizing the trip to Carteret.

We all had a great day and the golf club were very hospitable and well organized for the day!

We would definitely love to book on again for next year should they run the trip again.

We are back safe & sound after our Paris & Disney trip. We all had a brilliant time, young & old!!!!! There were no problems on the trip back. And it went smoothly except for a bit of rolling on the boat!!!!

It was lovely to meet you in St Malo and really appreciate you coming to our rescue when the train was cancelled. The Pullman was a great hotel & so too the Newport where we could easily walk into the parks.

Thank you so so much for all your hard work in organising our trip. It has made a great Golden Wedding gift to our children and  their families with lots of memories.

You have given us 5* treatment and will have no hesitation it recommending you & I Travel to anyone else.

Thank you again from The Minchinton’s & Belhomme’s & all the best to you.

Just a quick email to thank you for helping with the booking this year for our school pupils.

They had a fantastic time in France last week.

The boat and the coach went very smoothly.

Good morning team,

A just a note to say a big thank you for organising this trip for me.  The hotel and staff have been absolutely 💯 fabulous, kind, and friendly. Even the taxi service was excellent.

Please let me know of any future trips and put my name forward for the next Fete de Ramparts

Just a quick email to say we had a fantastic day in Carteret last weekend, all the guys enjoyed themselves and I'm sure the other golfing groups did as well.

The course was good, there was plenty of food and drinks provided and the staff at the course did a great job keeping everyone hydrated!!!  If you have the opportunity, please pass on our thanks to them.

If you are running this type of package next year with the breakfast and buffet after golf included please keep me in mind, our group would definitely be interested again.  The shotgun start was also a very good idea, meaning groups didn't need to hang around before playing.

This comes to say a big thank you for a well organised and incredibly enjoyable trip to the Fete des Remparts 2023. The boat was on time, the taxi was waiting, the taxi-drivers both to and from our hotel were truly charming, and as for the Hotel Mercure Jerzual, well, I could only find praise for every aspect of my stay with them. In fact, I have just been on Trip-Advisor, saying how happy I was with everything.

Cant wait for the next Fete des Remparts in 2025. It was good last time, but this time, it was even better.

Thanks again!

Just a note to say thank you again for going the extra mile on Saturday.

To get any karting in after that delay was fantastic. Everyone in the group really appreciated it.

We had a superb weekend with everything running smoothly after the initial delay.

Great service as ever. No doubt I’ll be in touch in future.

I would just like to thank you very, very much for arranging our St Malo shopping trip for yesterday. We all had a brilliant day and thanks to your help it all went very smoothly - the transfer vehicle and drivers were great.

We often do this and it would be good if we could ask you to arrange any of our future days out too. Once again -  big thank you from us all

Just thought I would drop you an email to say thanks for organising the Carteret trip for me yesterday (Saturday 10th)

The day trip was brilliant and the meal at Le Noroit restaurant in Barniville was excellent.  Also thanks for organising the taxi from the Carrefour in Barniville to Carteret.

Looking forward to contacting Itravel in 2023 for further trips to France.

Thanks once again

Just to let you know that the trip went very well with the cars behaving themselves but on occasions

not the owners!!

All the hotels were very good but it must be said that they all suffering from lack of staff and several we had to

wait for our rooms bearing in mind we usually arrived around 4.00pm. We all thought that Hotel Abbaye de Fontevraud

was the best with an exceptional meal at their restaurant where we went for the Tasting Menu (wine for every course)!

We thought it was the best meal we have ever had! Because we were there for Saturday/Sunday after dark there was the

“Soleil Luminaire” played out on and in the Abbaye – spectacular.

You had warned us that the restaurants on the Monday/Tuesday would be closed but with the help of the Hotels we were able to get simple meals without having to use the cars. All in all a very successful trip.

Dear Emily,

Thank you for your help with this.

I am pleased to say that we had a really lovely visit to Sark today. The horse drawn carriage ride was a real highlight.

Good morning, just wanted to let you know we had a wonderful time at Sark yesterday. We were given a really comprehensive tour of The Dixcart Hotel, it really is a beautiful hotel. Lunch at Stocks what a nice setting and the finishing touch the tour by horse and cart. It absolutely made our day to see the Dixcart Hotel thank you for all your help to make it happen.

We had an excellent time in France. The golf courses were in very great condition. Auray was a really nice place to base ourselves. The timings all worked well.

Looking forward to our trip next year. Will be in touch.

Kind regards

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White cliffs to wetlands; discovering France’s Pas-de-Calais

Too many of us bypass the closest part of France to the UK – those who linger enjoy soaring chalk cliffs, vast beaches, superb seafood and verdant marshes ideal for exploring by boat

W ith the tide out, it is a magical moment, rivulets of water swirl and eddy through the sand, the white cliffs of Cap Blanc-Nez loom behind me. There’s not a soul in sight. This jagged headland marks the start of the Côte d’Opale, which runs south-west from Calais for about 75 miles, and is part of the Pas-de-Calais region.

While most travellers arriving in Calais or Boulogne head straight for Paris and beyond, I’m here to explore this affordable and often bypassed corner of France. The wild “Opal Coast” has sandy beaches, fishing ports and quaint seaside resorts, and 30 miles inland are the fascinating and attractive vegetable gardens of the Audomarois: immense, unspoilt wetlands outside the medieval town of Saint-Omer, my next destination.

The Cap Blanc-Nez juts out from sheer chalk cliffs that run to a second wild promontory, Cap Gris-Nez. Hiking or biking the 10 miles separating the two capes can take a day: the route runs across deserted dunes and beaches that feel endless. Just by Cap Blanc-Nez, the friendly, family-run Hôtel l’Escale is a good base for exploring the coast and sampling top-notch local cuisine. Third-generation chef Vincent Brignoli creates a €26 dinner menu using local, seasonal products: it might include pork terrine with endives and juniper, an intense homemade soup of chunky cod in creamy shrimp sauce, pungent maroilles cheese from a nearby artisan dairy and to-die-for chocolate mousse.

The next day I go south towards Boulogne-sur-Mer. Each resort I pass has surprises in store. Wissant has a street market every Wednesday, ideal for buying a beach picnic with village produce like La Fromagerie en Herbe ’s organic goat cheese and freshly picked fruit and vegetables from Les Jardins Intrépides. The sleepy fishing village of Audresselles is famous for its flobards – flat-bottomed boats used for crab fishing (a crab festival takes place each summer) – and on the waterfront is the coast’s strangest place to stay, Le Ch’Ti Blockhaus . It’s a concrete second world war bunker converted into a four-bedroom B&B.

One mile down the road is Ambleteuse, where the beach promenade is marked by an impregnable-looking fort jutting into the sea. The Unesco-listed fortification was built in the 17th century by renowned military architect the Marquis de Vauban to protect the port. To work up an appetite, I follow the steady stream of hikers across the beach, past families foraging for shellfish among the rocks, and into sand dunes that go up to the edge of the Slack river estuary.

Arriving in Wimereux just before lunch, I have time to wander past this belle époque resort’s holiday home mansions, designed in an ornate art-nouveau wedding-cake style. It takes a good two hours to feast on the seafood platter of oysters, clams, prawns, langoustines, whelks and crab served on the seaside terrace of the Cap Nord brasserie (platter for two €49.90pp; three-course set menu €24.90), by which time the rising tide has erased the beach and huge waves crash across the boardwalk, splashing passersby.

An hour’s drive inland is Saint-Omer, a trading centre for textiles in the middle ages, today a bustling town with a Gothic cathedral, ruined medieval abbey and wonderful flower gardens along the city ramparts. Day trippers head for La Maison du Marais , an eco-centre dedicated to the flora and fauna of the Unesco-listed Audomarois marshes. From the eco-centre, a one-hour boat trip (adult €11) gives a good educational introduction, though it takes longer to get a full impression of these immense wetlands.

Covering more than 3,700 hectares (9,000 acres), the fertile marshland was transformed into agricultural land, initially by religious communities, 1,000 years ago, creating a network of canals that crisscross the Audomarois. About 170km of canals are still navigable today, and although the original island communities are now linked by bridges, and tales of post being delivered by boat are more folklore, there are still many active farming communities cultivating the floating gardens, growing carrots, leeks, artichokes, endives, lettuce and above all, some 2 million cauliflowers a year. To get a more hands-on explanation, I head to the edge of town, to take a slow boat ride through the canals with Rémy Colin, from his artisan boatyard, Les Faiseurs de Bateaux (tours lasting 1hr 45mins cost €12pp).

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Rémy actually lives out on the wetlands and comes from a family who farmed vegetable here for centuries. “I grew up on the traditional flat-bottomed bacôve boats that navigate the waterways of our marshes, and my dream was to preserve this boatbuilding patrimony,” he says. “But we never had enough boat orders to survive financially. So 10 years ago we changed direction and decided to use tourism to preserve our heritage, passing on our knowledge of the wetlands while still building boats.”

This friendly green cooperative now includes a team guiding tourists and running an outdoor restaurant and bar, Les Piquinettes , while part of their land is cultivated by an organic farmer.

Out on the water, Rémy enchants everyone with old tales and personal anecdotes of island life as the boat slowly weaves through a verdant labyrinth of narrow waterways bordered by cultivated gardens. He points out the waterside redbrick cottage his parents still live in, identifies different species of ducks and marsh birds quietly paddling past the boat and as we dip under an ancient lock gate, he recounts how farmers would even put livestock in their boats to carry them from one pasture to another. We pass wildflowers and rushes growing on the banks, and then farmers working away in neat, earthy fields. I spot many stalls at Saint-Omer’s teeming Saturday morning market loaded with produce direct from the Audomarois. At restaurant L’Histoire de… , artisan chef Laurent Bogé proudly prepares his daily changing menu du marché with produce from local growers and farmers (three-course set menu from €21). I enjoy haddock creme brulee, beef cheeks braised in red wine, then apple and nut flan with cider ice-cream. The menu is a genuine example of farm-to-table dining – and another reminder of how this part of France offers genuine, sustainable surprises.

The trip was provided by the Pas-de-Calais Tourism Office . Double s at Hôtel l’Escale cost from €110 B&B, doubles at Ibis Saint-Omer Centre from €100 B&B. 2 Caps à Velo offers bike hire and guided tours along this coast (one-day guided tour on electric bike €80pp)

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The Essential Guide to Channel Islands National Park

Located off the coast of Southern California, the Channel Islands are known as the "Galápagos of North America."

In 1980, five of the eight islands in the archipelago were declared Channel Islands National Park : Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. Development on them is minimal, with a few campsites, national park offices, and research stations. This makes them an Edenic retreat for hikers, bird-watchers, kayakers, divers, wildlife enthusiasts, and wildflower lovers.

The archipelago, and the extensive marine sanctuary surrounding it, is home to more than 2,000 species of flora and fauna. Visitors may catch a glimpse of some of the 145 endemic species of foxes, skunks, or birds that call the archipelago home. Tens of thousands of sea lions and elephant seals dot the shorelines, while dolphins and sperm whales swim through the waters, which are also home to kelp forests and deep-sea coral gardens.

The land and the surrounding waters hold immense cultural significance to the Chumash people, one of the archipelago's original inhabitants. They believe the Earth Mother, Hutash, created their ancestors on Limuw , now known as Santa Cruz Island.

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Channel Islands National Park:

How to get there

Channel Islands National Park can only be reached by ferry, private boat, or aerial helicopter tour. Island Packers Cruises is the park's official boat concessionaire, with ports located about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles in Oxnard and Ventura. The trips to Santa Cruz and Anacapa take about an hour each, while journeys to the farther islands take between two and four hours. In harsh weather, the crossing may get rough and, in some cases, the ferry might be unable to dock.

Once on the archipelago, the only transportation options are kayak, foot, or a visitor's own private boat. This makes it one of the least accessible national parks for visitors with mobility issues.

The islands have dozens of marked trails that range in difficulty: Inspiration Point is an hour-long stroll (Anacapa Island), while a visit to Point Bennett is part of a strenuous 16-mile loop where hikers can also observe colonies of seals (San Miguel Island). One of photographer Justin Fantl's favorites is a nine-mile round-trip hike to the striated Lobo Canyon , where the sandstone has been carved by wind, water, and time (Santa Rosa Island).

On ferries to the park, visitors may get lucky and see dolphins or whales. Ocean-life enthusiasts may also consider one of Island Packers Cruises ' whale-watching trips; from June to September, take a boat to the marine sanctuary to find humpback and blue whales, and from January to April, look for the gray whale. The company also runs boat tours to spot seals, sea lions, and birds.

Kayakers and snorkelers can rent gear from Channel Islands Adventure Company or Santa Barbara Adventure Company . Many kayak tours include visits to some of the islands' cathedral-like sea caves, such as those near Scorpion Anchorage , a harbor on Santa Cruz Island. Back on the mainland, visitors can deepen their knowledge of the area's Indigenous history with a visit to the Chumash Indian Museum in Thousand Oaks or the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History .

Most of the park's 300,000 annual visitors enjoy the Channel Islands in the summer, but it's never a bad time to travel to the park. Here are the best things about visiting the Channel Islands during each season.

• Spring: Wildflower blooms.
• Summer: Warm weather and calm water make it an ideal time to hike and kayak.
• Fall: Water visibility (up to 100 feet) is at its maximum
• Winter: Best time for whale spotting and for catching spectacular sunsets. (Note that there is limited transportation to the outer islands-Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara-during the winter months.)

Where to stay

There are primitive campsites located on each of the islands. Reservations are required. Each campsite offers pit toilets and picnic tables; all food must be carried in, and trash must be carried out. Campfires are not allowed. The most popular campgrounds are Scorpion Ranch on Santa Cruz Island and Water Canyon on Santa Rosa Island, both of which offer potable water (at the other campgrounds, water must be carried in). For travelers looking to level up their adventure even more, there are back country camping options on Santa Cruz or Santa Rosa islands.

But for those looking for less of a time commitment, it's easy to day trip to the Channel Islands. Los Angeles , Ventura, and Santa Barbara are destinations in and of themselves and are located off the Pacific-all serve as natural entry ways to the park.

Tips for visiting

Given how remote and relatively inaccessible the islands are, and how little is available once you arrive, you'll need to do some advance planning-as well as meticulous packing. "You have to be pretty self-sufficient, especially on islands like Santa Rosa or San Miguel," says Fantl. "You get off the boat and that's it, you're alone. I've spent a whole day hiking and not seen anybody else."

• Crossing the channel can get a bit rocky, depending on weather. Packing motion sickness medicine is recommended.
• Consider packing items like sunscreen, hiking boots, a lightweight jacket, a swimsuit, and a picnic blanket.
• The only fires permitted in the park must be started by enclosed gas stoves.
• Remember to follow " Leave No Trace " principles.
• The Channel Islands National Park's website offers regulations and guidelines for visitors to limit their impact and reduce the spread of invasive species.

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There’s unlimited rail travel across France this summer for less than £50 – but not for everyone

The wheels are rolling for young people to explore the best of the gallic nation, article bookmarked.

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France have announced the launch of a nationwide rail pass this summer for unlimited rail travel at just €49 (£42) a month.

The unlimited travel will apply to all journeys taken on the country’s TER and Intercity trains , however, French transport minister Patrice Vergriete confirmed that only those age 27 or younger will be eligible for the discounted pass.

High-speed TGV trains and travel in France ’s most populous region, Ile-de-France – home of the capital, Paris – are both excluded from the rail offer and require an additional ticket.

The new pass is expected to go on sale in June.

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that “those under 27 can travel by train unlimitedly in France” on  X/Twitter . He added that the rail pass “becomes reality this summer” and asked: “Where would you go?”

The passes will be available to buy through SNCF Connect from June for young people to travel around France.

Vergriete said the Ministry of Transport estimates 700,000 young people will benefit from the low-cost travel using the rail pass this summer.

In 2020 and 2021, a summer rail pass temporarily existed for young people under 27 to travel in France for €29 (£24.87) a month.

The rail pass for 2024 is based on a similar scheme in Germany by the national operator Deutsche Bahn that runs without an age limit. The Deutschland Ticket allows travel by all means of local public transport for €49 per month.

Funding 80 per cent of measures to introduce the pass is expected to cost the government around €15 million, with individual regions responsible for footing the remaining 20 per cent of the bill.

The decision to introduce an age cap to the national rail pass and exclude the Ile-de-France area was met with disappointment from several of the French regions.

Criticism from the Hauts-de-France region said that though the rail pass was “favourable”, the Minister for Transport “lacked ambition” by introducing a discounted pass only for young people.

The president of the Normandy region, Hervé Morin, said: “If there must be a rail pass, it must be national and apply to the entire French network and must not exclude the Ile-de-France network through which most young people inexorably pass when going to another region by train.”

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Israel-Hamas war

Northeast earthquake

7.4 magnitude quake hits Taiwan, strongest in 25 years

By Nectar Gan , Wayne Chang , Jerome Taylor, Antoinette Radford, Deva Lee and Maureen Chowdhury , CNN

Our live coverage of the Taiwan earthquake has moved here.

Search and rescue efforts continue after 7.4 magnitude earthquake rocks Taiwan. Here's the latest

From CNN staff

Rescuers are working to free dozens trapped after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the east coast of Taiwan — causing landslides and collapsed structures.

At least nine people have died , more than 900 others are injured and over 100 buildings have been damaged.

The quake is the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years .

Here's what else we know:

• The quake:  The earthquake  hit  at 7:58 a.m. local time, 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of the city of Hualien at a depth of 34.8 kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey.
• Aftershocks : The quake was followed by 29 aftershocks greater than a magnitude of 4.0 near the epicenter of the earthquake in east Taiwan so far, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Tremors have been felt across the island, including in Taipei. Tremors as high as magnitude 7 are  expected  in the following days.
• Hualien County:  The region where the quake struck, Hualien County, has a population of about 300,000, around 100,000 of whom live in the main city of Hualien. But many in the region live in remote coastal or mountain communities that  can be hard to reach , so it might take time to understand the extent of Wednesday's quake.
• Trapped miners: Taiwan's national fire agency said that 71 people are trapped in two mines in Hualien.
• Power cuts : More than 91,000 households were without electricity, according to Taiwan's Central Emergency Command Center.
• Medical facilities: Hospitals across Taiwan’s capital , Taipei City, are operating normally despite being damaged by Wednesday’s earthquake, according to the Municipal Government.
• US monitoring: The Biden administration is monitoring the earthquake in Taiwan overnight and is prepared to offer assistance, a National Security Council spokesperson said Wednesday. 

71 miners trapped in 2 mines in Taiwan after earthquake, national fire agency says

From CNN's Shawn Deng

Taiwan's national fire agency said that 71 people are trapped in two mines in Hualien after a powerful earthquake struck the island. 

In the Heping mine, there are 64 people trapped, and seven more are trapped in the Zhonghe mine, the fire agency said in a news conference on Wednesday. 

Video shows man swimming in a rooftop pool when massive earthquake hit 

When a magnitude of 7.4 earthquake rocked Taiwan on Wednesday, it struck during the morning commute.

Video shows highway roads shaking and even a man being heavily swayed and rocked on a rooftop pool.

Watch the moment here:

Taiwanese semiconductor facilities will resume production overnight following earthquake

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC), the chipmaking giant, said on Wednesday that its facilities which were impacted by the 7.4 magnitude earthquake are expected to resume production overnight. 

TSMC reported that their overall tool recovery is at more than 70% within 10 hours of the earthquake striking the island. Safety systems are also operating normally, TSMC added.

The company noted that a small number of tools were damaged but that there was no damage to its extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) tools. Work at construction sites will resume after further inspections are complete, TSMC said.

Earlier, a TSMC spokesperson told CNN they had evacuated some manufacturing plants. All personnel are now safe, TSMC said in an update.

Biden administration monitoring Taiwan earthquake, White House says

From CNN's Sam Fossum

The Biden administration is monitoring the earthquake in Taiwan overnight and is prepared to offer assistance, a National Security Council spokesperson said Wednesday. 

"We are monitoring reports of the earthquake impacting Taiwan and continue to monitor its potential impact on Japan. The United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance. All those affected are in our prayers," a statement from National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.

7 major earthquakes have hit Taiwan over the last 50 years

The 7.4 magnitude earthquake that killed at least nine people and injured hundreds Wednesday, is the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years .

Over the last 50 years, the island has experienced a total of seven major earthquakes, the last being a 7.1 magnitude quake in 2006 in Pingtung County in southern Taiwan.

The island sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire , which makes it prone to earthquakes.

See a full list of the earthquakes that have hit Taiwan:

29 aftershocks above 4.0 magnitude have occurred near epicenter since earthquake, US Geological Survey says

From CNN's Sara Tonks 

There have been 29 aftershocks greater than a magnitude of 4.0 near the epicenter of the earthquake in east Taiwan so far, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Of these aftershocks:

• One was above 6.0
• 13 have been at or above 5.0
• 14 have been above 4.0.

Forecast during recovery efforts: Tonight's forecast in Hualien City, near the epicenter, calls for increasing cloud coverage. Thursday is looking at mostly cloudy skies with afternoon showers and rain Thursday night and Friday during the day.

Rainfall totals should be relatively light for Taiwan, with models calling for under 25 mm (less than 1 inch) by Friday evening local time.

Watch landslide engulf road after 7.4 magnitude earthquake hits Taiwan

A dashcam camera has caught the moment a large landslide came down a mountain in Taiwan, triggered by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake on Wednesday morning.

The quake is the strongest to have rattled the island in 25 years, killing at least nine people and leaving more than 150 trapped.

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Earthquake in nyc area live updates: 4.0 magnitude tremors felt 8 hours after quake, from philadelphia to long island.

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Palpable, 4.0 magnitude aftershocks of a morning earthquake Friday were felt from Philadelphia to Long Island, NY, at around 6 p.m. — about eight hours after a 4.8 magnitude quake hit the area mid-morning.

A rare earthquake shook the New York area Friday morning, rattling parts of the Big Apple, Long Island, Connecticut and New Jersey.

The preliminary 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck near Lebanon, New Jersey, around 10:23 a.m., according to the US Geological Survey .

The site later reported that a 2.0 aftershock was felt in Bedminster, N.J, around 1 p.m. Two other aftershocks, another 2.0 and a 1.8 happened in the afternoon, but are “normal and are not expected to cause further damage,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

What to know about the earthquake

• NYC and tri-state rocked by biggest area earthquake since 1884, sending terrified residents into the streets
• Travel chaos caused by tri-state area earthquake: Flights grounded, Holland Tunnel closed
• Scary security video captures earthquake rattling New Jersey
• Yankee Stadium ‘definitely felt’ earthquake ahead of home opener: ‘The field was shaking’
• Totally nuts! Pennsylvania man was getting a vasectomy when 4.8 earthquake struck

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Total solar eclipse April 8, 2024 facts: Path, time and the best places to view

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality.

Scroll down to see the list of U.S. cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible, the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com .

"Eclipse Across America," will air live Monday, April 8, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on ABC, ABC News Live, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Disney+ and Hulu as well as network social media platforms.

On April 8, 2024, a historic total solar eclipse will cast a shadow over parts of the United States, prompting a mass travel event to the path of totality -- from Texas to Maine and several states and cities in between.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and, for a short time, completely blocks the face of the sun, according to NASA .

The track of the moon's shadow across Earth's surface is called the path of totality, and to witness the April 8 total solar eclipse, viewers must be within the 115-mile-wide path. To discover when to see the solar eclipse in totality or the partial eclipse in locations across the U.S. outside of the path, check out NASA's Eclipse Explorer tool .

Eclipse travel

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality, bringing the celestial phenomenon to their doorsteps, Michael Zeiler, expert solar eclipse cartographer at GreatAmericanEclipse.com told ABC News.

MORE: Eclipse glasses: What to know to keep your eyes safe

But for individuals outside of the path, investing time and money are needed to experience the event in totality.

Eclipse chasers, or umbraphiles, are individuals who will do almost anything, and travel almost anywhere, to see totality, according to the American Astronomical Society .

"There's a very active community of solar eclipse chasers and we will go to any reasonable lengths to see solar eclipses anywhere in the world," Zeiler said. "All of us are united in pursuing the unimaginable beauty of a total solar eclipse."

MORE: The surprising reason why a Texas county issued a disaster declaration ahead of April total solar eclipse

Bringing together both eclipse experts and novice sky watchers, the total solar eclipse on April 8 is projected to be the U.S.'s largest mass travel event in 2024, according to Zeiler, who likened it to "50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation."

"When you look at the number of people expected to come to the path of totality for the solar eclipse, we estimate those numbers are roughly the equivalent of 50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation, from Texas to Maine," he said.

Eclipse map, path of totality

In the U.S., the path of totality begins in Texas and will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, according to NASA.

Best times, places to view eclipse

Below is a list of some American cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be most visible -- pending weather forecasts -- the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com.

• Eagle Pass, Texas, 1:27 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Uvalde, Texas, 1:29 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 16 seconds
• Kerrville, Texas, 1:32 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Austin, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 1 minute, 53 seconds
• Killeen, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 17 seconds
• Fort Worth, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 34 seconds
• Dallas, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 47 seconds
• Little Rock, Arkansas, 1:51 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 33 seconds
• Jonesboro, Arkansas, 1:55 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 24 seconds
• Poplar Bluff, Arkansas, 1:56 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1:58 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 6 seconds
• Carbondale, Illinois, 1:59 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Mount Vernon, Illinois, 2:00 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
• Evansville, Indiana, 2:02 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 2 seconds
• Terre Haute, Indiana, 3:04 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 57 seconds
• Indianapolis, Indiana, 3:06 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 46 seconds
• Dayton, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 46 seconds
• Wapakoneta, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 55 seconds
• Toledo, Ohio, 3:12 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 54 seconds
• Cleveland, Ohio, 3:13 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 50 seconds

Pennsylvania

• Erie, Pennsylvania, 3:16 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 43 seconds
• Buffalo, New York, 3:18 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 45 seconds
• Rochester, New York, 3:20 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
• Syracuse, New York, 3:23 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 26 seconds
• Burlington, Vermont, 3:26 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 14 seconds
• Island Falls, Maine, 3:31 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 20 seconds
• Presque Island, Maine, 3:32 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 47 seconds

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ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

4.8 magnitude earthquake rattles NYC, New Jersey: Live updates

NEW YORK – A 4.8 magnitude earthquake recorded in New Jersey that shook residents in surrounding states and New York City on Friday morning was one of the strongest in state history.

The temblor was reported about 5 miles north of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, at about 10:23 a.m. Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter was about 45 miles from New York City, where residents reported shaking furniture and floors.

“Earthquakes in this region are uncommon but not unexpected. It’s likely people near the epicenter are going to feel aftershocks for this earthquake in the magnitude 2-3 range, and there’s a small chance there can be an earthquake as large or larger, following an earthquake like this,” Paul Earle, a seismologist at the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program told reporters. “In terms of our operations, this is a routine earthquake … Immediately we knew this would be of high interest and important to people who don’t feel earthquakes a lot.”

People reported feeling the shaking as far north as Maine and as far south as Norfolk, Virginia, following the quake, according to USGS. Scientists said those in the affected area should listen to local emergency officials and be prepared to seek cover if aftershocks occur.

“If you feel shaking, drop, cover and hold,” Earle said.

No major disruptions or damage have been reported in New Jersey or New York.

"We have activated our State Emergency Operations Center. Please do not call 911 unless you have an actual emergency," said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

President Joe Biden spoke with Murphy about the earthquake and the White House is monitoring the situation.

“He thinks everything's under control,” Biden told reporters before leaving the White House for a trip to Baltimore. “He’s not too concerned about it, the governor of New Jersey, so things are all right.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the quake was felt throughout New York, and officials are assessing impacts and any potential damage.

In Yonkers, New York, Mayor Mike Spano said City Hall shook but no injuries were reported.

"A few moments ago our entire house shook for about 25 seconds or so here in Mendham, New Jersey," former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said.

USGS is still investigating the exact fault line at the center of Friday’s quake and said it occurred in a region with dozens of fault lines that were more active millions of years ago.

4.0 magnitude aftershock strikes hours after earthquake

Officials in New York and New Jersey alerted residents to an aftershock Monday evening, nearly eight hours after the earthquake.

A 4.0 magnitude aftershock slammed New Jersey at around 6 p.m., with an epicenter about four miles southwest of Gladstone, according to the USGS. New York City’s emergency notification system alerted residents to the aftershock minutes later, urging people to remain indoors and call 911 if injured.

Hochul said there were no reports of serious damage after the aftershock, and officials were continuing to assess critical infrastructure.

The aftershock Monday evening was at least the third that USGS recorded after the quake struck.

As of Friday afternoon, the USGS aftershock forecast predicted a 36% chance of aftershocks at a 3.0 magnitude or higher, an 8% chance of aftershocks at a 4.0 magnitude or higher, and a 1% chance for aftershocks at a magnitude of 5.0 or higher over the next week.

USGS scientists said informal observations can be a big help in understanding earthquakes, especially in a region where they’re less common.

“We encourage people to fill out the ‘Did You Feel It?’ reports on our website,” said Sara McBride, a scientist with the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program. “This citizen science project is critical in terms of building our knowledge around earthquakes.”

By midafternoon on Friday, the agency said it had received more than 161,000 reports, and extrapolated that the quake had been felt by millions of people. McBride acknowledged that earthquakes can be nerve-wracking for people who don’t live in seismologically active regions, and said knowledge is power in combatting that discomfort.

“The best thing you can do to relieve any unsettling feelings you might have is to learn how to protect yourself during shaking and how to prepare for earthquakes in the future,” she said.

Man getting vasectomy during earthquake recounts experience

One Horsham, Pennsylvania, man shared his unusual earthquake experience, saying the tremors hit when he was in the middle of receiving a vasectomy.

"The surgeon sort of froze and all of us kind of seemed a bit confused," Justin Allen told USA TODAY . "Even when the surgeon said 'that’s gotta be an earthquake,' I thought he was joking."

Luckily, Allen's doctor was able to resume the procedure after a brief pause, and the rest went off without a hitch. Now recovering at home, Allen said it's an experience no one involved will forget, especially because his social media post about the incident has since gone viral.

"My wife says that 'this is a clear and obvious sign that we should not have any more kids,'" Allen said.

New Jersey resident thought sound from earthquake was an explosion

Madeline Nafus had just finished feeding her 7-week-old baby when, simultaneously, she was thrown off balance and the loudest sound she’d ever heard rang out.

“I thought it was either an explosion or a bombing because of how loud it was,” said Nafus, who lives in Long Valley, New Jersey, a few miles from the earthquake's epicenter. “It was just terrifying.”

Nafus, 29, watched as her light fixtures swung and wine glasses, framed photos and a 6-foot elk head crashed onto the floor. Feeling as if her “house was going to crumble,” she picked up her baby boy, grabbed some blankets and headed outside. Meanwhile, her friend came running downstairs and picked up Nafus’ quivering dog, Olivia, a small golden doodle.

After about 15 seconds, the rumbling went away and only occasional, minor tremors could be felt. Nafus called her husband, who was teaching a golf lesson at the time, and then their 2-year-old’s day care.

“They said the children were all confused and asking a lot of questions but that they were OK,” she said.'

How common are East Coast quakes?

Earthquakes are less frequent in the eastern part of the country than in the west, but they have occurred in every state east of the Mississippi River, according to the USGS.

"Since colonial times people in the New York – Philadelphia – Wilmington urban corridor have felt small earthquakes and suffered damage from infrequent larger ones," according to the USGS. "Moderately damaging earthquakes strike somewhere in the urban corridor roughly twice a century, and smaller earthquakes are felt roughly every two to three years."

USGS officials also said that even smaller-magnitude quakes are more likely to be felt more widely on the East Coast than similar size quakes on the West Coast due to the rock properties of eastern soil, which can cause concern to East Coasters not used to the tremors.

Rocks in the eastern part of the country are much older than in the west, by up to millions of years. Those older rocks have been exposed to more extreme temperatures and pressure, and faults have had more time to heal. Seismic waves travel across the resulting harder and denser faults much more efficiently, so the effects of a quake are felt across a larger area. In the West, faults are newer and absorb more of the seismic wave energy without spreading as far.

Quake felt in Massachusetts

In Auburn, Massachusetts, more than 200 miles from the earthquake's epicenter, Jerry Steinhelper was on a video call for work when his house began to tremble. His dog Maize started barking, and books and trinkets fell from their shelves. He looked out the window and saw trees shaking.

“I thought at first it may be ice falling off the roof. But it kept going and the entire house was shaking,” he told USA TODAY. “Then I just knew it was an earthquake.”

Steinhelper, 55, lived in San Diego in the 1980s and experienced temblors there, but he’s never felt one in Massachusetts, where he’s been for over 25 years.

“It was an interesting 10 to 15 seconds,” he said.

'It felt like a plane crashed outside' near epicenter

Nicole Kravitz, 33, was baking muffins at the cafe she co-owns with her husband in New Jersey when the floor began to shake. She and the cooks looked at each other for a few moments, and then at some stacked plates and glasses that had started vibrating.

Their eatery, Branchburg's Best, is located in New Jersey's Somerset County, near the epicenter of Friday’s earthquake.

“It felt like a plane crashed outside,” she said. “No one knew what was happening.”

Some workers ran out the door to see if something had smashed into the building while she checked the basement for damage. Meanwhile, Patrick Tucker, her husband, who was picking up beef from a nearby farm, watched agitated chickens and cows run around in their pens, visibly shaken by the quake.

Kravitz said the intensity of the earthquake made her feel like she was back in Southern California, where she had lived for several years before she returned to her home state in 2016.

Quake was one of the strongest to ever impact New Jersey

Friday's earthquake was the most significant in New Jersey since 1884 , when an Aug. 10 earthquake somewhere near Jamaica Bay, New York, toppled chimneys and moved houses off their foundations as far as Rahway, New Jersey, 30 miles away.

Other than that quake, there were only  three earthquakes in modern history  that caused damage in the state: 1737 (New York City), 1783 (west of New York City) and 1927 (New Jersey coast near Asbury), according to New Jersey Office of Emergency Management records.

The Dec. 19, 1737 earthquake is believed by modern experts to have been a 5.2 magnitude quake. Charted as taking place in the greater New York City area, some accounts say its epicenter was near Weehawken. State records show it threw down chimneys. Chimneys were also hurled down during the Nov. 29, 1783 quake. Estimated at a 5.3 magnitude that originated in modern-day Rockaway Township, according to state records, it was felt from Pennsylvania to New England.

The Aug. 10, 1884 quake, estimated at a 5.2 magnitude was the last the state has seen of its significance and was felt from Virginia to Maine, according to state records.

  Read more about New Jersey's earthquake history.

– David M. Zimmer, NorthJersey.com

New Jersey business owner describes worst quake ever felt but went right back to work

It was a busy day for La Bella Salon & Spa in Lebanon, New Jersey, when an earthquake struck near the rural township.

About a dozen stylists and customers, some whom were getting their hair dyed while others got manicures and eyelash extensions, all froze as the building rattled for about 30 seconds.

“People started to feel the shaking, and it got worse and worse. We were like ‘Oh, my god, what is going on?’" said shop owner Rosanne Drechsel. “I thought a truck hit the building or something.”

After the tremor subsided, nearly everyone in the building started receiving texts and phone calls from friends and family, Drechsel, 61, said.

Nothing was damaged and no one was injured, but Drechsel, who was born and raised in New Jersey, said it was “by far the worst earthquake” she had ever felt.

“We all went back to work and finished the appointments,” she said. “Customers are calling now to see if we're still open and if they can still make their appointments later on today.”

'It was scary': Quake rattles shelves in Brooklyn bodega

In Brooklyn, residents said they felt their buildings shake and many went outdoors after the rumbling stopped to check in with neighbors.

Julio Melo, a deli worker, said he thought the sounds of the earthquake resembled those of a large truck going down the street. But when Melo, 32, looked around and saw beer bottles rattling on store shelves, and a potted plant shimmy down the counter, he thought it might be something bigger, he told USA TODAY.

“I looked at my employee and he had the same tragic face on as me, it was scary,” he said at Jenesis’ Grocery Corp. in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood.

– Claire Thornton

Where was the earthquake felt?

Residents and officials said the earthquake was felt throughout New York, as well as in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and elsewhere. It was also felt as far away as Cambridge, Massachusetts, about 250 miles away from the reported epicenter.

Charita Walcott, a 38-year-old resident in the Bronx borough of New York, said the quake felt "like a violent rumble that lasted about 30 seconds or so."

"It was kind of like being in a drum circle, that vibration," she said.

Earthquakes common in the region, but the size is unusual: Expert

Chuck Ver Straeten, a geologist and curator of sedimentary rocks at the New York State Museum, told USA TODAY it’s not surprising this earthquake happened where it did.

“New York, around New York City going into New Jersey, there’s a lot of earthquakes historically down there. Happens every year,” he said. But it’s less common for them to be of such a high magnitude. It’s not surprising that many people felt it, he said. Usually, earthquakes in the region are at a lower magnitude and less likely to be felt.

Ver Straeten said the real question now is if this is just a precursor to a larger quake.

“You never know what is the earthquake, what is a pre-earthquake, what is an earthquake happening after the main earthquake, you just have to see,” he said. “One slip along the rock fault, when one happens, it makes other areas around there more tense also and they start to slip and you slip again and slip again.”

But, he added, it would be unlikely for a larger quake to follow this one. In the Northeast, it’s more common for one large quake to be followed by smaller aftershocks, rather than a mounting series of tremors. 

What does magnitude mean in an earthquake?

Magnitude is a measurement of the strength of an earthquake . Officially it's called the Moment Magnitude Scale . It's a logarithmic scale , meaning each number is ten times as strong as the one before it. So a 5.2 earthquake is moderate while a 6.2 is strong.

The magnitude and effect of an earthquake, according to Michigan Technological University :

◾ Below 2.5: Generally not felt

◾ 2.5 to 5.4: Minor or no damage

◾ 5.5 to 6.0: Slight damage to buildings

◾ 6.1 to 6.9: Serious damage

◾ 8.0 or greater: Massive damage, can totally destroy communities

Intensity scales, measured in Roman numerals, are used to describe how strong the earthquake felt to people in the area.

According to the California Earthquake Authority , an intensity of I is typically felt only under especially favorable conditions. A IV, which leads to light shaking, is felt indoors by many, but not typically outdoors. It might awaken some people at night and lead to a sensation like a truck striking a building. A parked car would rock. Intensities VI and above would be strong, frightening and felt by all, with the damage increasing up to a X where the shaking would be violent. Some well-built wooden structures would be destroyed and most masonry and frame structures along with their foundations would be ruined.

While you might have heard the term " the Richter Scale " used to describe earthquakes, it is no longer commonly used because it was only valid for certain earthquake frequencies and distance ranges.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Contributing: Reuters