The half-tide harbour is safe is practically all weathers and with its easy approach from St Peter Port, it is a popular port of call for boaters and yachtsmen. Best of all, there are no mooring charges.

Although only 1 1/2 miles long (2 1/2 km) by 1/2 mile (1 km) wide, there is plenty to see and do including a visit to the well preserved 10^th century church or perhaps the Neolithic menhirs behind Shell beach at the northern end of the island. The coastline is about 27 kilometres in total and the total area is around five hundred acres. It can easily be walked at a leisurely pace but allow 2 or so hours to do so.  With the abundance of gorse and birds and other wildlife, and views of Guernsey, Jethou and Sark, the walk in summer is very relaxing. 

The beaches are one of the reasons why families return year after year and they are never crowded. The clear waters are ideal for snorkelling and the rock pools fun for the children. The all time favourite bay in Herm has to be the famous Shell Beach where millions of small shells make up the sand, deposited by the Gulf Stream. The shallow water makes it popular for swimming. Nearby is the picturesque bay of Belvoir.The south of the island is rocky and wooded whereas the north is mainly grass covered sand-dunes. Near the centre of the island is another small village where there is a school and also the 10^th century St Tugual church. 

You will find a warm welcome at the Mermaid pub and the Whitehouse hotel on the island and there is also a camp site and self catering accommodation. The latter are situated at the top of the hill. Neal the harbour where you will also find gifts shops. 

Herm is also well known as a bird paradise and it is reported that over 92 species make their homes on the island at various times of the year. 

Enjoy a meal at the splendid White House Hotel or the less formal Mermaid Tavern.

The restaurants in Herm are particularly popular with visiting yachtsmen at weekends.

Photos courtesy of herm-island.com

See their main website at www.herm-island.com

Jethou

The small island immediately to the south of Herm is Jethou and has an area of approximately 44 acres . It is thought that a storm in AD709 washed away the strip of landed which connected it to Herm. Although previously in the hands of a sequence of tenants from the Crown,  the island is now owned by the States of Guernsey, but not open to the public.

The first resident was Restauld, a master mariner for Duke Robert of Normandy who was given the island by Robert when the former became a monk. Later it passed to the Abbey of Mont St Michel. In 1416, it became part of Henry V's estate and remains a Crown lease.

Often the boat to Herm will pass around the back of Jethou where puffins can be seen swimming off the rocks.