Ryde Harbour is a very small development lying to East of Ryde Pier (with its ferry terminal) and adjacent to the hovercraft landing ramp. The 150 berth harbour can handle up to 70 visitors, and is only really suitable for small craft able to take the ground. Boats of up to 1.5 m draft can be handled at neap tides, slightly more at Springs.

The harbour has substantial breakwaters and is well protected within, with bilge keelers lying to wooden pontoons and long keeked boats drying against the wall. Charges are modest, and this little harbour is run by the Isle of Wight Council.

For craft able to take the ground, especially with families on board this harbour has much to offer with good clean beaches virtually on top of it and plenty of activities for children and youngsters in general. Couple this with the holidaymaker type facilities of the largest town in the Isle of Wight, Ryde harbour is definitely a worthwhile stop. It can get crowded in the summer. ... read more

It is assumed you have done your tidal calculations for crossing the sands and entering the harbour, as the whole area dries out completely.  If approaching from the East the extent of Ryde Sands should not be underestimated. The aerial photo shows the extent very clearly, so to be sure strangers should sail north of No Man's Land Fort to avoid an unpleasant grounding. Read on for pilotage directions:

Approaches from other directions are straightforward enough, with the end of the pier being in constant use by fast cat ferries, and hovercraft roaring up the beach on the eastern side of the pier. ... read more

Berth where directed by the harbour master with bilge keelers able to sit upright tying up on the pontoons, and long keelers drying out alongside the walls. The walls have wooden piling and the harbour will provide fenderboards. The bottom is firm sand, but depths are not even throughout the harbour and advice should be sought from the HM. ... read more