Seatons Marina is situated three miles upriver from the entrance to the River Bann on the north coast of Ireland. It provides berthing at a fully serviced private marina with fore-and-aft river moorings for short and long-term berth holders. It does not carry visitor berths, however, this may sometimes be arranged by prior contact.

The River Bann provides complete protection and all-round shelter. River access is straightforward between well-lit stone training walls assisted by alignment beacons and leading lights. Once through the entrance, there are no issues progressing up the well-marked river to the marina. The entrance, however, is subject to swell, outflow overfalls, and a dangerous surf in moderately adverse conditions where careful planning is required. In the worst case, with north and northwest gales, the sea breaks right across it rendering it impassable. Consequently, no attempt should be made by a newcomer in any onshore winds of Force 6 or above.

As a rule when overfalls are visible on the approach or the sea is noticeably breaking upon the pierheads, an entry should not be attempted. Furthermore, it is best to plan an approach to be at slack water or the first of a rising tide.

Keyfacts for Seatons Marina

Position and approaches

Haven position

55° 9.213' N, 006° 41.743' W

This is immediately adjacent to the north-western most pontoon of Seatons Marina.

What is the initial fix?

It is approximately six hundred metres north-northwest of the river entrance. It is set in open water, upon the 10 metre contour, in the 165° T alignment of leading lights that lead between the pierheads. An approach of 165° will lead through the entrance from here.

What are the key points of the approach?

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How to get in?

Seaton’s Marina lies on the east bank of the River Bann about two miles downstream of Coleraine and three miles from Barmouth where the River Bann enters the Atlantic. Visitors intending on staying at the marina should make arrangements in advance with the private family run marina P: +44 28 7083 2086 M: +44 7733 100 915 or E: ssp@Seatonsmarina.com.

The marina is accessed by the River Bann which is detailed in the Colerain entry. Once inside the river, it is simply a matter of following the well-marked Coleraine river channel that maintains a uniform width of about 200 metres and depth of 3.4 metres to Coleraine.


Seatons is the first marina encountered on the northeast bank about three miles from the river's entrance. It hosts about 50 boats, most of which are at pontoon berths, as well as some fore-and-aft moorings. Pontoon berths are suitable for boats up to about 11 metres, and there is a minimum depth of 2 metres on the outer pontoons. Berth according to prior directions.

Why visit here?

Seatons marina offers another berthing opportunity on the magnificent River Bann with good access to Coleraine. The River Bann is covered separately in the Lower Bann entry, and Colerain is covered in the Coleraine entry.

What facilities are available?

Water, diesel fuel by mobile tanker, and free wireless internet access is available throughout the marina. Seatons’ trailer hoist can lift yachts up to 45 feet long or 14 tonnes displacement, and up to 7 feet draft, with the mast up or down. They also provide cradles to specification, if required. Good local engineering and repairers are available in the vicinity.

With a population of almost 25,000, shopping in nearby Coleraine is excellent. Likewise transport connections are good to Belfast 55 miles (88.5 km) to the northwest, and Derry 30 miles (48.3 km) to the east, both of which are linked by major roads and railway connections. Therefore City of Derry Airport, plus Belfast International Airport, the main regional airport to the south, and George Best Belfast City Airport to the southeast, are all relatively accessible from Coleraine. The Riversdale Quay in Coleraine has a 35 tonne derrick crane available for lifting yachts where some maybe lifted with masts rigged. Some space is available here for wintering on the hard in the open or undercover.

Any security concerns?

The marina has twenty four hour security including a web cam.

With thanks to:

Terry Crawford, local boatman of many decades. Photography with thanks to Albert Bridge, Lindy Buckley and Willie Duffin.

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