Ventnor Harbour

Ventnor Harbour is a fair-weather haven with a few visitor berths. It provides access for local boat owners, anglers, and other interest groups.

You will find a:

• harbour-side café and coffee shop
• boat builders
• boat charter
• fish landing stage with fishery outlet
• fish and chip shop.

Navigating the harbour entrance is suitable only in certain weather conditions and tides. It is not suitable for sailing boats or motorboats which cannot dry out. The entrance dries completely at Spring Low Water and is very shallow during Neap Lows. The depth is variable and is dependent on movement of sediment.

You should beware of the two rock arms. The largest extends seaward (south) from the site of the old pier before curving to the southeast. The smaller arm, some 58m to the east, extends seaward towards the first arm with a 24m gap. Shelter is reasonable in the lee of the rock arms during southwest through to north-easterly winds, and extremely vulnerable in east through to south-easterlies when swells can enter. The harbour is exposed to strong winds from all directions except northwest to northeast.

There is a 4-knot speed limit in the harbour. No anchoring is permitted except in an emergency, and there is no anchoring or mooring in the harbour or its entrance. Boats should be aware of bathers and snorkelers swimming alongside the rock arms. Fuel is not available.

This information is to be used as a guide only and not for navigation.

For more information, visit Ventnor Haven