Marinas in Devon

Whether you have your own boat and you’re looking for somewhere to moor it during your stay or you just like the calming view of watching the boats bobbing about in the harbour, you’ll find plenty of marinas and harbours for you to explore during your visit.

While you might think that it’s more likely for people to travel by plane, car or train, but with the beautiful scenery of Devon’s coastline why not visit by boat? It’s the perfect way to see the county in a whole new light and of course with the abundance of waterside communities and it’s fascinating maritime history, visiting and staying by boat makes for a perfect holiday idea.

There are plenty of marinas and harbours around the county which are available for sailors to use during their stay. Just make sure to contact the harbour association to make sure there is enough room for you and your boat!

Ilfracombe Harbour

Ilfracombe is North Devon’s largest harbour and has been in use for several centuries. The harbour area in this town has some incredible eateries and attractions and is the place to go should you want to catch the ferry over to Lundy Island.

Exmouth Marina

Located on the mouth of the River Exe and close to Exeter, Exmouth Marina is a great place for those arriving in the county by boat. Visitors who have booked a berth can access a range of facilities including toilets, showers, fuel sales, refuse disposal and other small shops. Visitor berths are located in one section of the marina and spaces can be reserved for two weeks, making it the ideal place for a boating holiday.

The English Riviera

The English Riviera is a popular destination on Devon’s south coast and there are several harbours and marinas for you to choose from in this area.

Brixham Marina is the ideal spot for those of you who want to watch the boats come in with the day’s fresh catch, while Brixham Harbour has longer stay visitor berths. You’ll find it along the marina walkway, spots are available on a first come first serve basis, but if in doubt to contact the harbour office.

Paignton Harbour also welcomes visiting boats, it’s a fairly small harbour so there are limited spaces and facilities, but it is only a ten minute walk into town should you need supplies.

There are two options for you in Torquay, Torquay Harbour can be found to the east of Torquay’s Outer Harbour and has a number of facilities for visitors to use while their boats are moored there.
On the opposite side you’ll find Torquay Marina, which has modern facilities and superb bluewater cruising for locals and visitors. The marina is just a short walk from the harbour and town centre and has several cafes and restaurants overlooking the water.
Nearby in neighbouring Teignmouth there are two visitor pontoons, the Jubilee and the Trafalgar which are located just off Teignmouth’s River Beach. If you choose to berth here, make sure to have a dinghy as you’ll need one to get ashore.
Alternatively, there are two public launching sites in Teignmouth and a public pontoon and landing steps available at Fish Quay.

Dartmouth

In the Dartmouth/Kingswear area of Devon, you’ll find plenty of opportunity to enjoy the boats bobbing on the water or find somewhere suitable to land your own. Head for the Dart Marina Hotel and Spa where you’ll find a Yacht Harbour which is accessible at all tides and with the luxury hotel on the doorstep, makes a great place for a break while visiting this charming town.

Alternatively, on the Kingswear side of the Dart Estuary, you’ll find Darthaven Marina. This marina has a visitor area which has WiFi as well as electricity and water and during some months, you can pre-book your berth.
Further up the River Dart is Noss on Dart Marina which is a great place to explore the wider area in this part of Devon and where you can access Dartmouth, Kingswear and the various activities that are hosted along the River.

Salcombe

It’s hardly surprising considering the amount of boating and sailing activities that take place in Salcombe, but Salcombe Harbour is a great place for pulling up and enjoying the view. The harbour reaches from the sea all the way to the neighbouring town of Kingsbridge. It’s a fairly easy place to visit as there are a number of clearly labelled visitor berths.
On the east side of the estuary in Salcombe is the Port Waterhouse which is privately owned and run by a local family. To moor here, make sure to contact them and they’ll work with you to create a custom package just for you which includes everything from car parking to storage.

Kingsbridge

Next to Salcombe you’ll find the charming town of Kingsbridge where you are able to berth in the estuary.

Plymouth

Plymouth is Britain’s Ocean City and still has strong links to the British Navy, so naturally, it is a haven for those that want to holiday by boat. There are several places for you to visit either with your own boat or if you just like to watch them set sail.

Royal William Yard Marina is one of the more famous marinas in Devon and is steeped in history. It’s the place to go for food and drink in Plymouth and has a whole host of interesting shops and bars in the area.

Nearby is the Mayflower Marina, named for the ship that carried pilgrims to America. The marina is in a picturesque location and has access at all times as well as plenty of award winning luxury facilities for those of you who have arrived by boat.
If you want the best access to the sea, make sure to visit Millbay Marina, you can find yourself in Plymouth Sound within seconds. Overnight berthing is available here and there are electricity supplies and toilet facilities. Similarly, there are several facilities available at King Point Marina which provides packages for guests who have booked a berth, while Sutton Harbour can be found in the historic Barbican area of the city. This harbour dates back to the Spanish Armada and has won awards for its facilities, making it a great choice.

Alternatively, for those of you who are more familiar with yachts, Plymouth Yacht Haven offers a sheltered and secure port for visiting the city and Queen Anne’s Battery offers outstanding facilities for yachts and motor cruisers. This marina is part of the MDL Marina group, allowing you to explore eighteen different harbours around the UK and overseas.

These locations make great spots to stop for a bite to eat, a little sightseeing or taking a rest after exploring the high seas.

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