Ventnor

Ventnor, on the south coast of the Isle of Wight, is sheltered by high cliffs. A steep road winds down from the terraced town past the famous cascade gardens to the seafront.

Image credit: Isle Of Wight Council

This fair-weather harbour does not have any visitor berths; however, it provides an access facility for local boat owners, anglers, and other interest groups.

You will find a harbour-side café and coffee shop, boat builders, boat charter, a fish landing stage with fishery outlet, and a fish and chip shop. Navigating the harbour entrance is suitable only in certain weather conditions and tides.

The harbour 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.

Beware of the two rock arms - the largest extending 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-southeasterlies when swells can enter. The harbour is exposed to strong winds from all directions except northwest to northeast.

Cheetah Marine are currently contracted to remove seaweed and sediment with a custom-built shallow water dredger. During some periods it is not possible to remove the seaweed as it is deposited leading to a build-up within the harbour and at the entrance.

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

Contact:  Harbour Master 01989 821000 ext.: 5978 or Isle of Wight Council, County Hall, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1UD. Tel: 01983 821000

Please note, this information is to be used as a guide only and not for navigation.