The colourful history of Bonne Nuit bay returns stories of smuggling and profiteering throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, possibly more-so than most of the other small bays around the north coast of Jersey

It was in part, due to these going on, the small fort on the headland at La Crete Point, just to the east of Bonne Nuit harbour, was built in 1835, to act as a lookout and vantage point for customs officers, and is still accessible today, although is now a private residence

According to one report, dating from 1863 by a crew member of the Jersey-owned vessel 'Eliza', The vessel loaded at Bonne Nuit two and one half tons of tobacco, snuff, spirits and 'segars'. After a long chase of several hours by a Customs cutter, this cargo was eventually landed on the Welsh coast near Fishguard

Construction of the breakwater pier commenced in 1872 and combined with the surrounding headlands, the harbour offers good shelter from most strong winds. Entry into the harbour is marked with approach buoys and is relatively easy to navigate, however note should be made of the presence of Le Cheval Guillaume (commonly known as Cheval Rock) which lies slightly north east of the pierhead end and is marked, should you be approaching the harbour from the east

The harbour today houses around 45 small craft and fishing vessels. Although tidal, anchoring is possible if your vessel is unable to take the ground, just outside the harbour in the deeper water areas to the west of the pier