According to an independent travel research company, Guernsey welcomed more than 20,000 more ferry passengers than Jersey between April and October this year.
The research showed that market share has shifted in Guernsey’s favour too, with the island now hosting 55% of all visitors travelling to the Channel Islands by ferry from the UK.
This is the first time that UK-Guernsey visitor numbers by ferry only has overtaken the number heading to Jersey.
The research was carried out by IRN Ferry which found 112,255 passengers travelled between Portsmouth and Poole to Guernsey during the sixth month window, compared with 92,023 travelling to Jersey from the same two ports.
This means Guernsey has a 55% share of the total Channel Islands’ market by sea from the UK.
It looks likely that gap will widen too, with additional figures for October seeing a further change in favour of Guernsey.
57% of people sailing across the Channel during October came to Guernsey, compared to 43% heading to Jersey.
Christophe Mathieu, the Chief Executive of Brittany Ferries, said this gives them potential for further growth too.
“We have seen a fantastic first summer and a consistent growth over the full seven months, which is all the more remarkable when you consider the respective populations of both islands.
“For the Bailiwick of Guernsey to have welcomed well over half of all UK visitors by sea to the Channel Islands, is a credit to everyone involved.”
Brittany Ferries has operated Guernsey’s ferry services throughout this year after the joint tender process with Jersey broke down in 2024.
Jersey’s decision to go with DFDS has faced criticism from some in that island, including a review of its contract over concerns around schedules and fares.