An earlier discussion with the Harbour whilst awaiting tide to clear the bar on first visit, led to some misunderstanding and mistakenly berthing in Bembridge Marina (beyond Duver) - this is neither intended for visitors nor recommended! A thoroughly underwhelming experience mooring amongst duck sh*t and filthy shower block. The entire visit was only saved by a very good supper in Barbosa on Foreland Road, after a fair walk to Bembridge village. Had I studied VMH ahead of arrival, I would have been better informed!

Prices adjusted for 2024. Harbour has not been sold yet.

Top price here is now £5 per metre and shore power will cost £6 per night

I've reviewed this entry March 2022. Not much to add. The approach is difficult to edit as the UKHO chart of Bembridge doesn't cover the outer reaches. I've put a chart of the buoyage in the nav images and there's a link to the Bembridge website video of the approach. Navionics has a the buoyage on their charts. Prices have increased to over £4.00 per metre per night in the high season

The harbour's website has the depth over the bar updated in real time. Very useful.

Upgrading continues on Duver Pontoon. Authorities now adding finger pontoons which attract a higher mooring fee. £50 odd for a 37' vs £38 for the standard pontoon. Electricity included. Bookable on line or by phone. Water Taxi £2 pp each way across the harbour, and seemed to be available on demand (this was daytime). Friendly service.
The little shop in the office carries a surprisingly varied selection given its limited space.
The coastal path back from the Bembridge lifeboat station is currently closed but you can walk back along the beach.

No changes apart from their prices which have increased slightly since we wrote in 2018.

There is a footpath to St Helens marked on OS maps and clearly sign posted that is quicker than indicated, basically bear right and then head north rather than take the causeway path, and then take a footbridge over a little creek, no need to go anywhere near the bay watch Cafe on the beach. A pleasant climb through woods will take you to the beginning of the village. Soon you will be at the large village green with the pub, looks good, but not eaten there, Bembridge crab' on the menu, and also a shop which has fresh veg,local pies and general provisions. From there you can walk to Brading, mainly off road.

Not much to change here. Prices have gone up very slightly and the garage has close. The charts have been updated.

The large petrol station in Bembridge village mentioned above is no longer. (It's former site is fast becoming desirable dwellings.) Also, the village itself is full of interesting and useful shops but up a fair hill from the harbour.

I've been into Bembridge only a few times but seen people making a bit of a meal of getting off the pontoon.

My tips would be to look at the forecast and see which way the wind is forecast for your departure since if you call the Harbour Master you may be able to berth on the far side of the pontoon (something I should have done before my last visit at the weekend).

Secondly, if the wind is strong and blowing you beam on to the pontoon then talk your departure through with the Harbour master - these guys see tens of boats leaving every tide and know what works - they are there to help.

Thank you to the Harbour Master on duty on Sunday 6th April 2014 for getting me off first time without a hitch.
Roger (Storm Dragon)

These notes were reviewed April 2014. There have been improvements ashore and afloat at the Dunver Pontoon and prices have been adjusted for the 2014 season

The Bembridge Harbour notes have been updated 7th January 2013. There has been a slight change in the harbour dues (10p a metre) and a major change in the depths alongside the visitors pontoon (now over 2 metres on both sides) which has been extended westwards. It is also understood that the refurbishment of the showers/toilets at the visitors pontoon is now complete.

Having been placed into Administration in April 2011, new owners (Malcolm & Fiona Thorpe) were announced just before Christmas. Although there was disappointment that the Bembridge Harbour Trust had not been successful in securing the harbour for the local communities, Malcolm Thorpe has worked extremely hard to allay local concerns. Meetings with local Stakeholders were set up & the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Bembridge Harbour Advisory Board was held in mid-February. An application for extensive dredging & refurbishment of the pontoons was submitted in late January and some initial dredging is hoped to be possible after Easter. The shore-side facilities at the Duver Marina have been refurbished and additional modern facilities are planned for next year. Communications have been radically improved & actions to implement the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) are in hand. LNTM 1/12 has been issued. The harbour website is in the process of being radically re-built. A great start - do come and visit. Mike (Hon Sec Bembridge Harbour Users Group) - http://bembridgeharbourusergroup.blogspot.com