Ryde Roads is situated on the south coast of England, within the Solent and off the northeast corner of the Isle of Wight. It is a secluded anchorage off the west side of the busy commuter town of Ryde with good access to the town.

Set within The Solent it is a well protected anchorage from most weather conditions, but it has to be classed as tolerable owing to wash waves that roll the boat through the night. The Solent is a protected waterway with plenty of marks and there are no outlying dangers on the approach, and the access is safe and easy.

Do not be tempted to go any closer to Ryde Pier than this, as there is little depth to be had immediately east and the entire area west of the pier almost dries as far out as the head of the pier.

Keyfacts for Ryde Roads

Position and approaches

Haven position

50° 44.350' N, 001° 11.038' W

This is about 700 metres off the shoreline and north of a small port marker.

What are the key points of the approach?

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How to get in?

The Ryde Roads anchorage fronts the north coast of the Isle of Wight to the west of the conspicuous Ryde Pier, that extends 800 metres north from the town, and immediately south of the Solent's principal fairway between Ryde and Gilkicker Point.


The Solent and Isle of Wight coastal description provides approach details. Vessels converging on Ryde Roads will find nothing in the way of local hazards by staying in reasonable soundings.


Come directly south from the initial fix where a small port buoy, that marks the drying extremity of the shore, will be seen on approach.




Anchor in very good mud holding about 300 metres out from the port mark. The shore immediately south of the anchorage has rocky ledges that look a challenge to land upon. We landed on the shore to the east of the pier which was just under a mile by tender from the anchorage. At high water, the beach is steep too but at half tide and low water there are a lot of rocks that need to be dodged on approach. The best path we found was to approach a new and very smart beach chalet set above the beach where it was reasonably clear.

Why visit here?

This is a lovely quiet anchorage in southerly conditions. Although a lengthy dinghy run, it is very much away from the busy town of Ryde and overlooks a pretty forested shoreline.

Ryde Roads provides an opportunity to anchor off the grand old Victorian seaside resort that became known as the ‘Gateway to the Isle of Wight’. Ryde Harbour , that covers the area and its interests, dries entirely and this location enables vessels who care to visit the area to remain afloat and keep its busy seafront somewhat at arm's length.

What facilities are available?

There are no facilities in the secluded anchorage of Ryde Roads. Almost any conceivable marine service or facility a vessel could require is available within a 45 minute sail to Cowes, Portsmouth or the River Hamble.

Any security concerns?

Never an issue known to have occurred to a vessel anchored off West Ryde.

With thanks to:

Michael Harpur, S/Y Whistler, Southampton, UK.