Falmouth is a fine deepwater natural harbour of some considerable size. The town and the surrounding creeks and villages have a long seafaring history. Great sailing ships from every corner of the world have come to anchor in Carrick Roads, awaiting further instructions. The captains of these vessels were instructed " Falmouth for Orders", and the ships agents would then tell them where they had to take the cargo.

For the modern day yachtsman or motorboater the whole area is a delight to visit, and shelter is available in virtually all conditions in various parts of the harbour. Those looking for hustle and bustle, marinas, stores and repairs will find that the town of Falmouth provides all. For those looking for a bit of peace and quiet, there are numerous creeks, moorings, and anchorages to be had where the worst gales can be ridden out in complete peace.

Falmouth is still a busy commercial port, dealing with cargo and ship repairs. Anyone venturing deep up the River Fal, will find many large ships laid up awaiting cargoes or charters. ... read more

The entrance is between Pendennis Point with a conspicuous Castle lying to the West, and St Anthony's Head marked by a 22 m high white tower, Lit Iso.WR.15s 16/14M, to the East.

Approaching from the South and West the Manacles buoy (an easterly cardinal mark) needs to be left to port. From the East, a set of overfalls sometimes builds up some 2 1/2 miles north-east of Zone Point. All dangers in the general approaches are well charted, and the approach is sheltered even in strong westerly blows. Easterlies can cause an unpleasant lumpy sea, not dangerous, but uncomfortable. More pilotage directions:

The entrance itself between Pendennis Point, and St Anthony's Head would be simplicity itself if it wasn't for the fact that there's a big black drying rock more or less right in the middle! The aptly named " Black Rock" covers at half tide and has a black conical beacon topped by an isolated danger mark (2 Black Balls, vertically), and is lit Fl (2) 10s  3M. The main channel for shipping lies to the east of this danger, and it is further marked by a red can Buoy Fl.R.2.5s, which should be left to port as you enter. Note: this red can buoy has replaced the original cardinal buoy moored in roughly the same spot.  Alternatively Black Rock itself can be passed on the western side by small craft, as there is around 6 m minimum depth. It should not be approached too closely as shallows extend to the north and south of it. ... read more

In the area covered there are a few choices for mooring up, an anchorage area, mooring buoys,  the Visitors Yacht Haven, Port Pendennis Marina, and Falmouth Marina. These are now described together with prices:

Once in the inner harbour area, as already mentioned, most visitors make straight for the Visitors Yacht Haven. It is simply a matter of finding a vacant space and tying up, staff will appear to collect dues. There are around 100 visitors berths here. If going round to the inside, as opposed to mooring on the eastward facing pontoon (along from the fuel berth), don't stray far from the pontoons themselves in order to stay in the dredged area. The innermost pontoons have depths of 1.5 m, the outer pontoon having 2.5 m. Water and electricity are available on these pontoons, as is WiFi Internet access. Security is good and the pontoons are accessed through a gate by the yacht Haven supervisor's office to which you will need a PIN number. There are showers, toilets and even a laundry in the ablutions block which is accessed by swipe card. Charges are around £20 per night with discounts for weekly stays (10 m boat). A short stay of two hours will cost you £6.

Further options: ... read more