Poole & Portland Cruising Guide

The dramatic coastline stretching from Poole Harbour to Portland is a popular destination for cruising yachts and powerboats all year round. Located on the South Coast, there are many beautiful bays to discover and it’s a great base for trips heading west to Devon or cross-channel passages to France and the Channel Islands.

Here we give you an insight into some of the most popular places to visit by boat in and around Poole and Portland.

Discover Poole Harbour

Poole Harbour is the largest natural harbour in Europe. Well protected, it’s a watersports mecca, with yachtsmen, kitesurfers, windsurfers, kayakers and paddle boarders all enjoying its maritime splendour. With a pleasant microclimate and some of the warmest seas in the UK, as well as a large variety of wildlife, it’s no wonder it’s a hot spot for cruising and racing alike.

Brownsea Island

Positioned in the centre of Poole Harbour, Brownsea is the largest of the harbour’s five islands. A National Trust nature reserve, this spectacular island offers a unique haven for wildlife and is even home to the rare red squirrel.

The main anchorage is found off Pottery Pier to the west of the island. For shallow draft vessels, quieter anchorages can be found to the south at Blood Alley Lake (rich in smuggling history and pirate legend).

Shipstal Point

Wonderfully sheltered, Shipstal Point is nestled up a little creek just off the Arne Peninsula. The water is shallow here and space minimal, so access is generally limited to smaller vessels. As such, this is a calm and tranquil spot in which you can, quite easily, have only the myriad of birds and wildlife of the RSPB Arne Nature Reserve for company.

Shipstal Beach offers a small stretch of sand and shingle, and from here you can access paths leading you through ancient woodland and heathland to Arne village. Views of the Purbeck Hills, Poole Harbour and the nearby islands create a stunning backdrop to this little secluded gem.

River Frome to Wareham

Seven nautical miles from Poole Quay, the historic Georgian town of Wareham is a pretty little market town tucked away on the banks of the meandering River Frome. Some navigational care is required due to shallow waters, but boats with a small draft will benefit from a lovely river cruise passing through beautiful Dorset countryside. In Wareham itself you will find a good selection of shops, bars and restaurants, or if you fancy an extra special treat, book yourself into the Priory Hotel for lunch or afternoon tea on the riverside terrace.

Explore The Jurassic Coast

The Isle of Purbeck is famous for its Jurassic Coast and world heritage status. Stretching from Studland Bay to Exmouth, the Jurassic Coast boasts an extraordinary display of natural grandeur with coastal erosion uncovering 185 million years of geological history. Plus, not only is this area a place of historical significance, it’s also incredibly beautiful too, with brilliant white chalk cliffs towering over azure blue waters and golden sandy beaches.

Studland Bay

Having just been named one of ‘Britain’s 40 Best Beaches’ by The Telegraph, Studland Bay is a very popular destination for sun worshipers, water sports enthusiasts and yachtsmen alike. Four miles of white sandy beaches stretch around the bay, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. At one end of the bay, Handfast Point offers a magnificent display of chalk formations including Old Harry Rocks and The Pinnacles – pass them by on a clear sunny day and you’ll see them glistening against the sapphire blue sea and sky from miles around.

Lulworth Cove

A magnificent, naturally formed circular bay, Lulworth Cove is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, turquoise sea, unique rock formations and a diverse array of flora and fauna. The shallow water warms in the summer to make it the perfect place for a spot of swimming, or you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the wonderful view of towering chalk cliffs topped with lush green fields and wild flowers.

Durdle Door

Just west of Lulworth Cove you’ll find the small open bay of Durdle Door. One of the Jurassic Coast’s most famous landmarks, Durdle Door is an iconic sea arch, eroded out of the cliff-face. On a fair weather day, this is a lovely anchorage for a day visit and the turquoise blue waters are beautifully clear. You may also want to explore near-by Man O’War Bay which has a pretty shingle beach.

Escape to Portland

Portland is a tiny limestone island spanning just four miles long and 1.7 miles wide. Connected to the mainland by a slither of shingle called Chesil Beach, Portland is a unique, unspoiled haven for visiting yachtsmen.

Having been quarried for many centuries to provide limestone to the UK’s building industry, the Isle of Portland is now home to a wide variety of flora and fauna and Sites of Specific Scientific Interest. Take in the popular sights via the 13 mile walk around the island featuring Portland Castle, a Henrecian fort, Church Ope Cove, Portland Bill Lighthouse and some spectacular views into Lyme Bay.

Chesil Beach

Chesil Beach is a 29km shingle beach that stretches between the Isle of Portland and the mainland. It is one of only three shingle structures in the UK and is a unique sight. On one side of the beach, an area of shallow water called Fleet Lagoon means that the beach is separated from the land for much of its length. Many areas of the beach and lagoon are protected wildlife sanctuaries but there is plenty of space to take a walk along this wonderous natural barrier and enjoy the magnificent views on either side of its banks.

Plan Your Cruising Trip to Poole

Overall, Poole, and its surrounding coastline, offers huge diversity for boat owners, with something for everyone to enjoy from history buffs, nature enthusiasts and sun worshippers. Whether you’re visiting by sailing yacht, motorboat, or exploring the local area in your RIB, there’s plenty to explore.