FAQs

Accessibility for Passengers with Restricted Mobility Traveling to/from Sark

Q1: What should I expect in terms of boarding the boat in Guernsey and arriving at Sark with restricted mobility?

Guernsey's tidal range of 33 feet is one of the largest in the world, transforming the coastline every 6 hours or so. The incline from the quayside to the pontoon can sometimes be very steep, which can be challenging for persons with reduced mobility. It is advisable to check the height of the tide prior to booking. Once on the pontoon to board the boat involves walking up 2 steps.

Upon arriving in Sark, you will face steps from the boat to the quayside, the number of which depends on the tidal range at the time. Sark Harbour does not have a ramp, only steps.

Q2: How can I arrange for the necessary assistance upon arrival in Sark?

To arrange for assistance, please contact:

Sark Visitor Centre 01481 832345 (Sark arrivals/departures).

Provide them with details of your visit and the specific assistance you require. It’s essential to do this at least one week in advance of your trip to ensure that arrangements can be made to accommodate your needs.

Q3: Will there be any additional costs for arranging assistance due to restricted mobility?

Yes, arranging for assistance due to restricted mobility will incur a charge. Please contact the Sark Visitor Centre for more detailed information on the costs involved.

Q4: Can wheelchairs be accommodated on the boat?

Our boats have limited space, and while we can accommodate folding wheelchairs, we will not be able to accommodate larger electric wheelchairs or scooters.

Q5: Are there any specific boarding times for passengers with restricted mobility?

We recommend that passengers with restricted mobility arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. This extra time helps ensure a smooth and unhurried boarding process. Please check in with our staff upon arrival, so we can assist you as efficiently as possible.

Sark Mobility Scooters: A limited number of mobility scooters are available to pre-book for visitors with a certified medical condition requiring the use of a scooter. There are only 3 scooters available and the application takes time to process so advanced booking is essential. Please contact the Sark Visitor Centre for more information.

T: +44 (0) 1481 832345 E: office@sark.co.uk

Road Surfacing: Sark has no paved roads and visitors must consider this before travel.

We aim to make your journey as comfortable and accessible as possible; and we appreciate your understanding regarding our safety policies and the limitations imposed by the local infrastructure.

What is the luggage allowance?

Q1. What is the maximum weight allowance for luggage when traveling to the Isle of Sark?

Each passenger is allowed to bring one suitcase up to 15kg and one piece of hand luggage.

Q2. How should I label my baggage for delivery in Sark?

Ensure your baggage has the correct label for your designated carter - Island Deliveries (Blue), Stocks (Dark Green), or La Sablonnerie (White). Labels can be collected from the Sark booking office.

Q3. What happens to my baggage upon departure from Guernsey and arrival in Sark?

In Guernsey, you will be required to carry your baggage onto the ferry, crew will be on hand to assist once onboard.

Upon arrival in Sark, the crew will offload your hold baggage, ruck sacs, shopping bags and consumables must be carried off by yourselves, these can be handed to your carter on the quay.

The designated carters will deliver all labelled items to your accommodation.

Where possible we would appreciate it if you could carry the majority of your belongings, however if assistance is required, please speak with a member of the crew.

Q4. Are there any items that I must carry off the ferry myself?

Yes, the crew will not off-load ruck sacs, shopping bags and consumables; these must be taken off by the passenger. Failure to remove these items from the boat may result in them being shipped back to Guernsey.

Q5. How will my baggage be handled when departing from Sark and arriving in Guernsey?

Please ensure you have informed your carter of your departure day/time, they will then advise you of the collection time from your accommodation. They will deliver your baggage to the harbour and it will be loaded onto the boat for you.

Upon arrival in Guernsey, you will be required to disembark the boat and wait on the pontoon for hold luggage to be offloaded by the crew. Ruck sacs, shopping bags and consumables must be carried off by yourselves. Please ensure you have collected all your belongings.

Q6. Is there a service fee for the baggage delivery from the boat to my accommodation in Sark?

Typically, the baggage delivery service is included in accomodation costs, but it's recommended to verify any potential fees with the selected carter service.

Q7. What happens if my luggage exceeds the 15kg weight limit?

Generally, passengers may face additional charges for overweight luggage, as it may be required to send the excess weight through the cargo service.

Q8. Can I bring extra luggage beyond the suitcase and hand luggage allowance?

The standard allowance is one suitcase up to 15kg plus one piece of hand luggage. For additional luggage, it will be necessary to use the cargo service.

Q9. Can I bring dangerous goods on the passenger boat?

No, dangerous goods are not accepted on the passenger boat and will have to be sent on the cargo service. This includes oil-based paints, batteries and gas canisters.

Q10. What should I do if I need to bring camping gear?

Camping gear must be booked on the cargo service, which departs on Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday (Friday service is peak summertime only, please check with the office).

Q11. Can I bring camping gas with me on the passenger boat?

No, due to safety regulations, camping gas cannot be transported on passenger boats. However, you will be able to purchase camping gas from Gallery Stores in Sark or transport it on the cargo vessel.

Q12. Is there assistance available for handling luggage?

Assistance may be available, but it's essential to notify us in advance if you need help with your luggage. Remember that passengers are primarily responsible for their baggage.

Do I receive a booking confirmation?

If you make a booking online a confirmation email will automatically be sent to you (please check your junk/clutter). If you book over the phone you can request a booking confirmation by email which we will forward on to you.

How do I book a Horse & Carriage?

You will have to contact the carriage operators directly yourself. The numbers can be found on the "What to do" section of our website or visit the Sark Tourism website here

When do you decide to cancel or change a sailing?

We will contact you either the day before or on the day of the sailing if we have any disruptions or delays due to weather & tidal conditions, operational reasons, and congestion in the Harbours in Guernsey & Sark.

We reserve the right to cancel or change the times of sailings due to adverse weather conditions or operational reasons.

If such a change or cancellation is made the £2.50 administration fee is waived. Full refunds will be issued for tickets on sailings cancelled by IOSS.

Can children travel to and from Sark on their own?

Unfortunately, we regret we are unable to carry children under the age of 11 years unless they are accompanied by an adult, parent, or guardian. Children travelling alone must behave or will need to be accompanied by an adult.

What is the company's cancellation policy?

Cancellations made 30 days or more before the date of travel will receive a full refund less a £2.50 per booking administration fee.

Cancellations made between 7 and 29 days before departure will receive a refund of 75% of total fare paid.

Cancellations made between 1 and 6 days prior to departure will receive a refund of 50% of total fare paid.

No refunds are made for cancellations made on the day of departure or when a passenger fails to sail as booked.

You will lose your booking if you do not turn up for your sailing.

Can I take my bike onto the passenger vessel?

Unfortunately, due to limited space bicycles are not allowed on the passenger vessel sailings.

Bicycles can be shipped on the cargo vessel, which sails every Tuesday and Thursday, and Friday in the summer season.

The cost of shipment is £10 for a standard bike one way, £15 for an electric bike one way and £20 for a cargo bike one way.

You can also hire bikes in Sark from various bike companies – please see the ‘Sark Guide - What to do’ section on our website or the Sark Tourism website for more information.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We do advise booking in advance as the summer season and get very busy and peak sailing times can quite often be fully booked. Booking is also highly recommended for busy weekends in Sark such as Sark Fest, Sheep racing and Lawn Mower racing. We recommend you book at least 1 week before you plan to travel and/or as soon as possible to guarantee availability, for busy weekends.

Can I travel while pregnant?

Passengers who are more than 28 weeks pregnant will not be accepted for travel without a doctor's certificate.

However, we do observe the right to refuse travel, if weather conditions are considered unsuitable and/or if we feel it's not safe for you and baby.

Isle of Sark Shipping will not accept visitors to Sark for carriage if more than 34 weeks pregnant.

Can I make a group booking?

Yes, a special fare is available for groups of 12 or more persons who are travelling together.

Groups of 12 to 20 persons can book online and must travel on the same outward/return sailings to qualify for the group rate.

Groups of 21 persons or more can be booked by emailing groups@sarkshipping.gg. Bookings will be made as a reservation but must be paid in full no later than 21 days before departure date and are subject to availability.

Do you sell vouchers?

Yes, vouchers can be purchased in our office or over the telephone. If purchased over the phone the voucher can be collected from our office, we cannot send vouchers out in the post.

Unfortunately the vouchers cannot be used online to book tickets. You can either come into the office or you can book over the phone and we will ask for the voucher number at the time of booking.

Vouchers are valid for a year from the purchase date.

Why do I have to give a mobile phone number and / or email address?

We use your mobile phone number so that we can advise you of any significant changes to your sailings by text message or phone call. We use your email address in order to send your booking confirmation. You may also opt in to receive details of any upcoming special offers or useful information about future services. The majority of our customers have expressed a preference for receiving information via email or text messages to their mobile phone.

Are there any special offers?

Keep an eye on the ‘Offers’ page our website for any current special offers.

Can I book a different number of passengers on the outward/return journey?

Yes, you can book a different number of passengers on the outward/return journey, either online or in the office.

Can I change my day trip ticket to an overnight ticket?

Yes, you can change your booking (subject to availability), the £2.50 per ticket administration fee will be applied and any difference in cost to the ticket price when original booked. Please call the office on 01481 724059 to make any changes.

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