Ventnor Haven

50º35’.53N, 01º12’.50W (ENT)

Ventnor, on the south coast of the Isle of Wight, is sheltered by high cliffs. A steep road winds down from the terraced town past the famous cascade gardens to the seafront.

Image: Island Visions, Jamie Russell

This fair weather haven provides a stopping-off point in favourable conditions only. Although the haven is predominantly used by the small fishing fleet there is also a slipway access facility for local boat owners, anglers, and other interest groups.

You will find a harbour-side cafe and coffee shop, boat builders, a fish landing stage with fishery outlet, and fish and chip shop. Navigating the Haven entrance is suitable only in certain weather conditions and tides.

On approach, beware of races which occur south of St Catherine’s Point to the west and Dunnose Point to the east. Consult almanacs in advance for information on each race depending on the state of tide. The Haven mouth is approached from the east and is lit after sunset by two fixed navigation lights (vertical).

Entry and exit are recommended 2 hours either side of High Water only with draught of less than 50cm. Stay close to the southerly markers to avoid sandbanks which form on the northern side of the mouth. Do not attempt to approach in easterly to southerly conditions as swell may occur at the entrance.

The Haven is not suitable for sailing boats or motorboats which cannot dry out. The entrance dries completely at Spring low water and is very shallow during Neap Lows. The depth is variable, dependent on sediment movement and dredging operations.

Beware of the two rock arms - the largest extending seaward (south) from the site of the old pier before curving to the southeast. The smaller arm, some 58m to the east, extends seaward towards the first arm with a 24m gap.

Shelter is reasonable in the lee of the rock arms during southwest through to north-easterly winds, and extremely vulnerable in east through to south easterlies when swells can enter. The Haven is exposed to strong winds from all directions except northwest to northeast.

dredger. During some periods it is not possible to remove the seaweed as it is deposited leading to a build-up within the Haven VENTNOR HAVEN and on the entrance. VIOW SolentHandbook banner 82x21mm ARTWORK.indd 1 18/02/2021 10:37 For visiting vessels The Haven is only for emergency situations. Please contact the Isle of Wight Council, Recreation, leisure and public spaces on 01983 821000. There is a 4 knot speed limit in the Haven. No anchoring is permitted except in an emergency and no anchoring or mooring in the Haven entrance. All boats should be aware of bathers and snorkelers swimming alongside the Haven rock arms. Fuel is not available at Ventnor. Do not pump out oily bilges into the Haven or surrounding area. Yachtsmen and all navigators are requested not to release washing water or to pump WC or bilge effluent into the Haven. This is particularly important in a drying harbour. The slipway is available free of charge for launch and recovery. Please exercise great care when manoeuvring your vehicle at the top of the slipway and on the slipway itself as it coincides with a pedestrian right of way.

Contact: Isle of Wight Council, Recreation, leisure and public spaces on 01983 821000. oceanbluequay.co.uk/haven