Loading search...
Sark offers interest right across the spectrum, and it was marvellous to be able to study it in depth. A wonderful destination. Trevor and Lesley Bourgaize worked extremely hard to make the trip the success it was. Trevor's knowledge is wide-ranging but of course his specialist area is moths, where we benefited from his setting of traps each night, enabling us to see species that we would otherwise not have come across. He is an excellent communicator and excellent company! Lesley ensured throughout that the logistics ran smoothly - which they most certainly did - and also brought her own knowledge to bear on many aspects of what we were seeing. She has a great sense of humour and is again great company. Well up to the high standards that we have come to expect from Naturetrek over the years.
D.P, Surrey, May 2022
Tour Itinerary and Reports
Can I help you?
Sark in Style
Tour Code: GBR151A 6-day holiday of wildlife walks and relaxation on the serene Channel Island of Sark, with a wonderful 5-course gourmet dinner each evening.
£2,495 (Inc flights)
£2,395
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
Can I help you?
Summary
Enjoy the enviable weightlessness of life on Sark, as we step away from the rigours of modern-day life and enjoy a relaxed exploration of this simply wonderful Channel Isle. Sark has over 40 miles of untouched coastline for us to enjoy, whilst out at sea we can expect to find Puffin, Common Guillemot, Gannet, and perhaps a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins. The island acts as a migrant trap in the spring and autumn with plenty of commoner warblers, chats and flycatchers passing through, along with the chance of something unusual such as a Honey Buzzard or Wryneck. We will discover a host of wildflowers on our walks and such butterflies as Silver-studded Blue and Wall Brown. After an enjoyable day in the field, we will retreat back to our award-winning hotel for a delicious 5-course gourmet meal, before venturing out once more to enjoy the final delight of the day... Sark’s incredible unpolluted night skies!
Our hand-chosen hotel was named by Which? hotel guide as 'The place to stay in the Channel Islands'. Each night we shall enjoy a five-course gourmet meal made with local butter, fresh cream, seafood, meat, fruit and vegetables which, where possible, are sourced from the hotel's own farm and gardens. The hotel itself is charming, and describes itself as being “totally geared to unhurried relaxation – devoted to providing comfort and relaxation for those that arrive to enjoy the calm and solitude of Sark. It's a wonderful place and helps you remove yourself from the rigours of 'civilisation’.”
- A genuine chance to add to the natural history records of the island.
- Seabirds include Puffins, Guillemot, Razorbill with a chance for skua and shearwaters.
- Beautiful butterflies including Green Hairstreak, Silver-studded Blue and Wall.
- Bottlenose and Common Dolphin possible.
- Exciting spring bird migration could include Hoopoe, raptors and more.
- An International Dark Sky Island – spectacular night skies!
- Ferry option available for those who wish to make this a flight-free holiday.
Grading
We shall enjoy day walks of four to seven miles per day. The paths are naturally coastal, undulating, and not paved and are unfortunately not practical for those with reduced mobility.
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
A hand-chosen hotel, named by Which? hotel guide as 'The place to stay in the Channel Islands'. All rooms en-suite.
- Food:
The tour price includes a gourmet 5-course meal on each of our five evenings. Lunches are not included in the tour price and will be taken at one of Sark's cafés or tea rooms, where light lunches, such as soups and sandwiches, are available, as well as more substantive plates of food.
Reviews
Dates & Prices
2023
Tour Leader: Trevor Bourgaize
Trevor Bourgaize was born and brought up in Guernsey where his life-long interest in the natural world began at a young age. Although his primary focus is on birds and moths, Trevor is interested in all aspects of natural history and he has good knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Bailiwick. Trevor’s interest in bird watching led him to train as a bird ringer and he has held a ringing permit for over 40 years. He bought his first moth trap when aged 19 and has been running traps ever since, including, in recent years, during his regular trips to France.
His interests led him to join La Société Guernesiaise in 1975, an organisation similar to the UK Wildlife Trusts. Trevor has served on its governing body both as an ordinary member and as Section secretary of Ornithology for 12 years and more recently as Entomology Section secretary. He also serves on La Société's reserves committee and since his retirement has taken on a more practical role, in particular helping to manage 2 orchards owned by the society. He is always keen to pass on his knowledge and helps to organise and lead outings for La Société's ‘Nature Guernsey’ group, which is aimed primarily at families.
A possible threat to their habitat has led to his recent work in assessing populations of Atlantic Scaly Crickets in the Bailiwick. In addition to organising surveys on Guernsey, he has also been able to confirm their continued existence on Sark and has discovered new populations on Alderney and Herm.
Trevor’s birding has taken him to many places, and some of his favourite memories include sitting just inches from Red-necked Phalaropes in Iceland and watching flocks of Rainbow Bee-eaters migrating across the Torres Strait from Cape York in Queensland, Australia.
Tour Reports
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
