Set within the furthest recesses of the estuaries’ channels and within a lock, it is completely protected from all conditions. Chichester Harbour's channels are well marked making access straightforward night or day in most conditions but the final approaches to the marina can only be made on a sufficient rise of the tide.
Keyfacts for Chichester Marina
Facilities
Nature
Considerations
Protected sectors
Approaches
Shelter
Last modified
March 15th 2023 Summary* Restrictions apply
A completely protected location with safe access.Facilities
Nature
Considerations
+44 1243 512 731
Chichester@premiermarinas.com
Ch.80 [Chichester Marina & Lock Control]Position and approaches
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Haven position
50° 48.315' N, 000° 49.580' WThis is the outer end of the waiting pontoon situated in the approach channel immediately outside the marina's lock.
What are the key points of the approach?
Offshore details are available in the westbound 
or eastbound sequenced 'Selsey Bill to Start Point' coastal description. Use the Itchenor 
entry for the approaches to Chichester Harbour, directions for Chichester Channel and Dell Quay for the run-up beyond Itchenor.
or eastbound sequenced 'Selsey Bill to Start Point' coastal description. Use the Itchenor entry for the approaches to Chichester Harbour, directions for Chichester Channel and Dell Quay for the run-up beyond Itchenor.Not what you need?
Click the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons to progress through neighbouring havens in a coastal 'clockwise' or 'anti-clockwise' sequence. Below are the ten nearest havens to Chichester Marina for your convenience.
Ten nearest havens by straight line charted distance and bearing:
- Birdham Pool Marina - 0.2 nautical miles WSW
- Dell Quay - 0.9 nautical miles NNE
- Itchenor - 1.5 nautical miles W
- Bosham - 1.9 nautical miles NW
- Chalkdock Point - 1.9 nautical miles W
- Pilsey Island - 3 nautical miles W
- East Head - 3.4 nautical miles WSW
- Thornham Marina - 3.9 nautical miles WNW
- Sparkes Marina - 4.6 nautical miles WSW
- Emsworth Yacht Harbour - 4.6 nautical miles WNW
These havens are ordered by straight line charted distance and bearing, and can be reordered by compass direction or coastal sequence:
- Birdham Pool Marina - 0.2 miles WSW
- Dell Quay - 0.9 miles NNE
- Itchenor - 1.5 miles W
- Bosham - 1.9 miles NW
- Chalkdock Point - 1.9 miles W
- Pilsey Island - 3 miles W
- East Head - 3.4 miles WSW
- Thornham Marina - 3.9 miles WNW
- Sparkes Marina - 4.6 miles WSW
- Emsworth Yacht Harbour - 4.6 miles WNW
Chart
What's the story here?
Chichester MarinaImage: Michael Harpur
Chichester Marina is a large modern 1071-berth rural marina located about 4½ miles from the entrance to Chichester Harbour. Situated on the east side of the shallow Chichester Lake, it lies behind a lock gate and final approaches will most likely require a rise to provide adequate draft for access. The marina is located within 3 miles of the cathedral city of Chichester.
Two yachts exiting Chichester Marina's lockImage: Michael Harpur
Chichester Marina does not carry specific visitor berths but whenever possible accommodates visitors in unoccupied berths. It is advisable to call the marina ahead of your arrival, +44 1243 512731 or VHF channel 80, to make them aware of your intended visit.
Chichester Marina OfficeImage: Michael Harpur
Approaches are shallow and the channel between the Birdham and Chichester marks is as shallow in places as the Chichester marina approach channel. A good working assumption is a conservative sounding of 0.0m CD and it will not be far off this. The marina access channel has a minimum depth of from 0.3 metres Mean Low Water Springs (MLWS) to 1.7 metres Mean Low Water Neaps (MLWN).
Chichester Marina approach channel at low water Neaps Image: Stefan Bartkowiak
Those working the margins of the tide for access may encounter a problem timing their access to the lock and it is advisable to take advice from the lock gate manager. The relatively small single lock, which can accommodate up to 6 small vessels or one large vessel, servicing this large-scale marina. This can prove a congestion point at peak times, (summer weekends, bank holidays and school summer holidays), especially so on a day with fine weather. At these times there can be a wait of up to 1.5 hours to lock in or lock out. Departing under these conditions can be tedious, but arriving has more significant issues. This means that it is possible to ground on a falling tide whilst waiting, and a return to the visitors' pontoons in the Itchenor reach is advisable to wait for the tide to turn to the flood.
How to get in?
The approaches to Chichester MarinaImage: Michael Harpur
The entry provides approach details to Chichester Harbour and directions for the Chichester Channel to Itchenor. The direction for provides the details for the run-up from Itchenor to the Chichester Marina starboard pile. 
Yacht in the approach channellImage: Michael Harpur
The channel to Chichester Marina commences at the Chichester Marina Starboard light-beacon, Fl G 5s. It is advisable to stay between 1 & 2 boat widths out from the lines joining the Birdham and Chichester SHM marks and the SHM piles in the approach channel to get the best depths. Although there are PHM withies NW of this area, do not approach them as they are in shallows. Another anomaly is the tidal curve for Chichester. There is a stand of up to 45mins whilst the Winner at the entrance covers and uncovers. These stands are followed by a short period of an accelerated rate of rise and fall.
Five substantial starboard marker piles flank the south side of the approach channel. This leads into a waiting pontoon located outside the marina’s lock gate.
Approaching the waiting pontoonImage: Michael Harpur
The approach channel is 12 metres wide and entering vessels should keep close to the starboard marks venturing no further than 6 – 8 metres out from the posts. Pass outgoing vessels port to port, pulling in closer to the marks where possible, and do not overtake unless specifically requested to do so by the duty lock keeper.
The wait pontoon as seen from the southern shoreImage: Michael Harpur
The waiting pontoon is situated immediately outside the lock. It has minimum depths of from 1.2 metres Mean Low Water Springs (MLWS) to 2.8 metres Mean Low Water Neaps (MLWN). However, it is subject to silting and depths may vary.
Chichester Marina approach channel at low water NeapsImage: Stefan Bartkowiak
Visitors should moor on the outer waiting pontoon and approach the Marina Reception for locking and berthing instructions.
Chichester Marina lock gatesImage: Michael Harpur
Berth as directed by the lock master.
Why visit here?
Chichester Marina is owned and operated by Premier Marinas Limited based in Hampshire. The company owns and manages eight coastal marinas and boatyards in England offering berth holders the freedom to roam between their facilities if space is available.
Leafy Chichester MarinaImage: Michael Harpur
The Chichester Marina location is exceptionally attractive. Not only is it tucked into a designated area of outstanding natural beauty but is itself set into a beautiful piece of countryside. It was created by flooding former marshes north of Birdham Pool. It was first opened in 1966 with eight pontoons, and further pontoons were added in 1968 and 1970. It can now berth 1071 boats and is the second-largest marina in the country.
Chichester Marina's lock chamber Image: Michael Harpur
By any measure, Chichester Marina has it all, with a wonderful mix of city, coast and countryside immediately to hand. From a sailing perspective, it has Chichester Harbour’s seventeen miles of channels with many varied locations which we cover to explore. On foot immediately around the marina are wonderful walks offering views of the harbour, Cathedral and South Downs that present the Sussex countryside at its very best.
The marina has a pleasant circular walk leading to Dell QuayImage: Michael Harpur
The marina itself has an interesting sealed circular walk that provides access to a wonderful northern circular walk to the tiny village of Dell Quay. This walk passes the site of the original medieval village of Apuldram of which all that remains today are its church, the Manor and the grade 1 listed Rymans building. It also passes Saltern’s Copse adjacent to the shoreline near the marina. The copse is the largest remaining ancient woodland on the Manhood Peninsula and is of great ecological interest. The path utilises a small part of the 18km cycle route ‘Salterns Way’ that connects the centre of Chichester to the East Head. Walkers may continue along the ‘Salterns Way’, or follow the canal path to the south of the marina, to the historic cathedral city of Chichester.
Chichester's magnificent 12th-century Norman CathedralImage: Evgeniy Podkopaev via CC BY-SA 3.0
Chichester, anciently 'Cissan-ceaster' the ‘fortress of Cissa’, is West Sussex’s only city and is its county town. It lies on the plain between the South Downs and the sea. The city was built on the site of the capital of Cogidubnus, the King of the Regneses and an ally of the Romans and was important in Anglo-Saxon times. Its legacy is readily tangible today in its magnificent 12th-century Norman Cathedral, its Roman villas and the Tudor Market Cross amongst many other items of national heritage. It has many of the familiar high street stores plus many independent small shops and unique boutiques located off the centre square forming a cross of North South East and West streets. Alongside these are its art galleries, a planetarium and restaurants. Chichester has excellent theatres; the Festival and Minerva which provide all year-round entertainment with the renowned Summer Festival and winter programme. A market is held every Wednesday and Saturday in the main car park. All this within three miles of a country walk from the berth.
The marina is a totally protected hideaway in a wonderful settingImage: Michael Harpur
From a boating perspective, Chichester Marina is an ideal place to explore the beautiful natural harbour, its picturesque countryside and the wonderful city of Chichester. Likewise, it is an excellent location to come in from the harbour to attend to some repairs, or simply to allow a vessel and its owner to enjoy the full five-star experience.
What facilities are available?
The pontoons provide power and water. All domestic requirements up to and including WiFi can be found within the marina area. A coin-operated launderette is situated behind ‘H’ block ablutions and is open 24 hours a day. Diesel and unleaded petrol are available at the fuel bay, located immediately within the entrance.
Chichester Marina fuel dockImage: Michael Harpur
The fuel dock is open from 0800-2000 in the summer and 0800–1800 in the winter and vessels should contact the marina in advance of coming into the fuel bay. Gas cylinders are also available at the Marina Reception. A post box will be found close to 'H' block ablutions. The marina provides general waste disposal and full recycling facilities. Arrangements can be made for the disposal of waste oil.
Chichester Marina's hard standing areaImage: Michael Harpur
The marina has a fully serviced boatyard that includes two hoists – a 65-tonne hoist located on the south side of the marina and a 35-tonne hoist on the north side. There is a chandler onsite and a wide range of specialist services from rigging services to marine electronics, GRP repairs and cosmetic work and engineering. There are two restaurants, including bars and cafes overlooking the marina.
Chichester Marina's 65-tonne hoistImage: Michael Harpur
Buses operate every twenty minutes between Chichester Bus Station (South Street) located about 3 ½ miles from the marina. Chichester city provides fast trains to London Victoria station. Private aircraft may land at Goodwood Aerodrome five miles away from the marina.
Any security concerns?
The Marina is manned 24 Hours. Access to the marina and its facilities are controlled by key fob. CCTV cameras are located throughout the marina, including car parks and shoreside.With thanks to:
Becky Watts of Chichester Marina, Phil Walker Deputy Harbour Master Chichester Harbour.An excellent Chichester Harbour approach and lock transit overview
A marina overview by its manager Graham Bristowe
A Premier promotional overview that includes aerial views of the marina
A photograph is worth a thousand words. We are always looking for bright sunny photographs that show this haven and its identifiable features at its best. If you have some images that we could use please upload them here. All we need to know is how you would like to be credited for your work and a brief description of the image if it is not readily apparent. If you would like us to add a hyperlink from the image that goes back to your site please include the desired link and we will be delighted to that for you.
Add your review or comment:
Stefan Bartkowiak wrote this review on Jul 12th 2021:
This is a large marina served by a relatively small single lock. The lock can accommodate up to 6 small vessels or one large vessel. At peak times, (summer weekends, bank holidays and school summer holidays) especially on fine weather days, there can be a wait of up to 1.5 hours to lock in or lock out. Departing under these conditions can be tedious, but arriving has more significant issues. The channel between the Birdham and Chichester marks is as shallow in places as the Chichester marina approach channel. If you work on soundings of 0.0m CD you won't be far off. This means that it is possible to ground on a falling tide whilst waiting, and a return to the visitors' pontoons in the Itchenor reach is advisable to wait for the tide to turn to the flood. It is advisable to stay between 1 & 2 boat widths out from the lines joining the Birdham and Chichester SHM marks and the SHM piles in the approach channel to get the best depths. Although there are PHM withies NW of this area, do not approach them as they are in shallows. Another anomaly is the tidal curve for Chichester. There is a stand of up to 45mins whilst the Winner at the entrance covers and uncovers. These stands are followed by a short period of an accelerated rate of rise and fall.
Average Rating: UnratedStefan Bartkowiak wrote this review on Jul 12th 2021:
Currently there is only one public cafe/bar at the marina (The Boathouse,) However Chichester yacht club has a much larger capacity restaurant and bar which welcomes visiting crews. It is advisable to phone ahead 01243 512918 as it can get very busy.
Average Rating: UnratedMichael Harpur wrote this review on Mar 15th 2023:
Thank you Stefan,
That additional information is so good that I incorporated it into the main body of the text. It is a wonderful insight into something an issue that would not be seen until the pinch point occurs and then throws a real spanner in the works.
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