The Harbour is a large expanse of enclosed water with a narrow entrance,  much of it dries out at low water,  leaving some deep water pools. The entrance channel follows a torturous twisting route from the area of St. Helens Fort to Bembridge Point.

Once in the harbour itself there is a dredged access channel for the visitors moorings on the Duver pontoon, and to Bembridge Marina deeper within.  Careful tidal calculations are required before attempting entry,  the results of getting this wrong, or misinterpreting the buoyage can be seen in the photo gallery. ... read more

Getting into Bemberidge Harbour is not difficult but will require some tidal calculations and close attention to detail, because when following the buoyage it easy to get confused (and thus run aground).  In any kind of approach it is necessary to identify St Helens Fort,  which is the smallest of the Solent forts.  Approaching from the North, the extent of Ryde Sands must not be underestimated,  and if approaching from the South it is essential to keep well clear of the Bembridge Ledges.  See the photos covering both these dangers at low water.

Anyway the next stage having identified the Fort is to locate the tide gauge beacon lying slightly to the North of it, and the conspicuous white seamark on the Duver shore. The tide gauge (Fl.Y.2s) shows the depth of water in metres available in the entrance channel, and should be consulted carefully as at high water neaps there may only be 1.6m available. ... read more

Visiting yachtsman or motorboaters will find the harbour authorities have established a visitors pontoon at the Duver,  where most boats will be able to remain afloat at all sides of the tide.  Although there are many other moorings within, most are for locals only.  Anchoring is not allowed anywhere within Bembridge harbour, or within 200 m of St Helen's Fort with the exception noted below:

Catamarans and bilge keelers are allowed to run up and to dry out on the sandy beach just inside the harbour on your port hand side, more or less in front of Bembridge Sailing Club. This will involve anchoring fore and aft if staying awhile. Charges are £6 for boats under 7.5 m and £10 for boats over 7.5 m. ... read more