Information about visiting, launching and staying at Chichester Harbour
Chichester Harbour offers a unique backdrop when visiting by boat. Berthing and launching facilities are available in designated locations around the harbour.
Visitor moorings in Chichester Harbour are available at Itchenor and Emsworth. Except for the pontoons, where contact details must be left with the Harbour Office, vessels may not be left unmanned overnight on visitor moorings. We do not allow the reservation of spaces for visiting vessels; all moorings and berths are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Please contact ‘Chichester Harbour Patrol’ or ‘Chichester Harbour Radio’ on VHF channel 14 for further information.
If you arriving from outside of the the UK, please check the UK/EU Entry and Exit Formalities.
Harbour Dues
Harbour dues are payable by all vessels entering, using or leaving Chichester Harbour, marinas or waters adjacent to the Harbour, from which the vessel can be navigated into, according to the scales set out (except vessels which, in the opinion of the Harbour Master, have been compelled by stress of weather to seek shelter in the Harbour and which do not remain in the Harbour for longer than 60 hours nor land nor embark passengers). Vessel owners are reminded of their statutory obligation to report their arrival within 24 hours and pay dues at the Harbour Office at Itchenor or Emsworth.
To pay harbour dues, please contact ‘Chichester Harbour Patrol’ or ‘Chichester Harbour Radio’ on VHF channel 14, call the Harbour Office on 01243 512301 or visit the Harbour Offices in Itchenor or Emsworth.
Itchenor
New for the 2025 season, the jetty at Itchenor has been extended and upgraded to improve facilities for local and visiting harbour users. Itchenor jetty is accessible at all states of tide, providing access to the village of West Itchenor with
facilities including a pub, café and sailing club. The village is located on the King Charles III England Coast Path and is linked by ferry to Bosham Hoe.
The jetty offers great facilities whether you are staying overnight or just stopping for lunch:
- Walk ashore overnight berthing for up to 16 vessels charged at £3 per metre/night.
- Short stay berthing for day visitors (maximum stay 4 hours) charged at £1.50 per metre.
- Touch and go berthing for drop off and pick up .
- Easy access to Itchenor and Bosham Hoe Ferry.
- Boarding point for Harbour Boat Tours.
- Washrooms with private toilets and showers (pin code access) COMING IN 2025.
- Fully serviced (water)
- Electric hook up and charging facilities (COMING IN 2025).
- Pump out facilities – free to use.
- Wi-Fi.
- Space for individual or group bookings.
- Maintenance Piles are available – book through the Harbour Office at a cost of £25.00 per workable low tide.
Itchenor Ferry
The Itchenor Ferry runs throughout the year, and the schedule is available on their dedicated website. You can contact the ferry on VHF 08 or by calling 07970 378350.
Parking at Itchenor
There is a pay and display car park at Itchenor where trailers can be left and long stay is permitted. Details and charges are available here.
Emsworth
A visitors’ pontoon with alongside berthing is available at Emsworth situated between three piles near Fowley Island and the Fishermans port hand navigation mark.
- Available for 3.5 hours each side of high water, neap tides (assuming 1.0m draught).
- Maintenance Piles are available – book through the Harbour Office at a cost of £25.00 per workable low tide.
- Waiting restricted to 2 hours.
- Launching is available at the bottom of South Street at high water (no charge).
Emsworth Water Taxi
During the sailing season, a Water Taxi operates in Emsworth, running from the T-head jetty on the millpond wall, out to the Emsworth area moorings and the visitor pontoon. Sailings operate on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 01 April to 31 October and run +/- 2 hours either side of high water between 08:30 and 17:00.
This service is free for all Conservancy maintained moorings holders that hire a mooring in the Emsworth area. For private mooring holders and visitors, a fee of £2 per person per trip is payable. Contact ‘Emsworth Water Taxi’ on VHF 14, or by calling 07864 915247.
Facilities
Visiting vessels can also be accommodated at Sparkes Marina, Northney Marina, Chichester Marina, Emsworth Yacht Harbour and Hayling Yacht Company.
Anchorages
- West of Fairway Buoy on the southern side of the channel.
- East of Pilsey Island (this is a restricted area – no picnicking above the MHW line).
- South of a line between East Head Spit Buoy and the Snowhill Buoy – the two unlighted starboard floating withies, to the south of these, mark the Chart Datum contour, (swimming can be dangerous because of the strong tide).
When at anchor vessels must display a black ball during the day and an anchor light at night. Anchoring is prohibited in or near mooring areas or in the vicinity of navigation and racing marks. Vessels are not to anchor in the centre of channels and are to exhibit a black ball or white light. Vessels are not to be left unmanned at anchor for periods of more than four hours (Byelaw No. 12) (LNTM 4/00).
Tides
Sailors should be aware of the strong tides in the Harbour entrance. The flood tide may run at 2.8 knots and the ebb tide at a rate of 6.4 knots at Springs, which can be dangerous for the inexperienced. Tide times for the next seven days.
Waste
Facilities for yachtsmen’s landed waste are provided at all main landing points around the Harbour. Many provide facilities to dispose of glass, paper, card, plastic bottles, tins and oil. We strongly encourage yachtsmen to separate their waste and make full use of the recycling facilities. A free pump-out station can be found at Itchenor public jetty.
Pump Out Facilities
There are pump out facilities at:
- Itchenor Public Jetty (free to use).
- Thornham Marina (mobile unit).
- Emsworth Yacht Harbour (mobile unit).
- Premier Marinas, Chichester (for berth holders).
Water Quality
Details of the water quality in Chichester Harbour, and the latest sampling results can be found here.