UK & Ireland — Solent & South England

Salcombe

50°14.3'N 003°46.6'W · Salcombe (harbour) (0nm)

2–6m

Depth

Good

Holding

80m

Alarm radius

Very Busy

Crowd level

Salcombe is one of England's most beautiful natural harbours — a drowned river valley (ria) cutting inland through spectacular South Devon countryside, with a mild microclimate that supports palm trees and sub-tropical plants. The town of Salcombe is a glamorous, upmarket sailing destination known as the 'Salcombe Riviera' — excellent restaurants, independent shops and a vibrant sailing scene. The harbour authority manages extensive mooring fields and visitor moorings. The notorious Salcombe Bar at the harbour entrance requires careful timing in SW swell — it has claimed several vessels over the years. The Kingsbridge Estuary above Salcombe offers outstanding upper estuary cruising by dinghy or shoal-draft yacht.

Best Months

JuneJulyAugustSeptember

Anchor Zones

Main harbour — anchorage off the town quay

Good

2–6m · Alarm: 80m

Anchor in 2–5m (CD) in the main harbour south of the town, clear of the mooring field. Mud and sand over a clay substratum — good holding for all anchor types. The harbour provides excellent shelter from all directions except a direct westerly. Tidal range approximately 4.5m springs (SW England tides). The bar at the harbour entrance (Salcombe Bar) can be dangerous in SW swell on the ebb — entry timing is critical in any onshore swell. Harbour dues collected by Harbour Authority patrol boat.

The Bag — upper estuary anchorage

Excellent

2–4m · Alarm: 70m

Anchor in 2–4m (CD) in the upper estuary ('The Bag') north of Salcombe town. Mud throughout — outstanding holding. Almost complete all-round shelter. More peaceful than the main harbour. Access requires passing through the town anchorage — follow the marked channel.

Setting Your Anchor Alarm

80m radius for the main harbour anchorage. Tidal range 4.5m springs — actual depths at HW are 6.5–10.5m; ensure scope is sufficient. The main westerly exposure can create an uncomfortable roll if a strong westerly is blowing — move to The Bag (upper estuary) for better protection in this scenario.

Recommended radius: 80m

Hazards & Warnings

  • !Salcombe Bar — a sandbar at the harbour entrance that is dangerous in SW swell on the ebb; ALWAYS consult Harbour Master (VHF Ch 14) before entry in any onshore swell; the bar has claimed several vessels
  • !Very busy in July–August — the harbour fills completely; book visitor moorings in advance (Salcombe Harbour Authority)
  • !Tidal range 4.5m springs — significant; plan scope for HW depths; the estuary dries extensively at LW springs
  • !Harbour dues are actively collected — do not anchor and leave the boat unattended without checking in with the Harbour Authority
  • !Fast RIBs and water taxis operate in the main channel — maintain watch at all times

Skipper's Tips

  • ✓ALWAYS call Salcombe Harbour on VHF Ch 14 before entering in any SW swell — the bar conditions can change rapidly and the Harbour Master will advise
  • ✓Anchor in 'The Bag' (upper estuary) for the most sheltered and peaceful anchorage — beautiful surroundings and less traffic than the main harbour
  • ✓The Winking Prawn restaurant at North Sands is an institution — arrive by dinghy at HW and enjoy some of Devon's finest seafood
  • ✓South Sands Beach (accessible by ferry from Salcombe) is stunning — one of the best beaches on the South Devon coast
  • ✓Book visitor mooring well in advance for July and August — the harbour is almost always at capacity in peak season

Facilities

WaterFuelRestaurantProvisionsWiFi

Anchoring Rules

Permit:
Not required
Fee:
Harbour dues approx. £15–22/night (2025). Harbour Authority patrol boat collects. Contact Salcombe Harbour on VHF Ch 14.
Restrictions:
Harbour Authority by-laws apply. Keep clear of the main fairway and mooring fields. Speed limit 6 knots in the harbour. Salcombe Bar — extreme caution in any SW swell on the ebb; consult Harbour Master or Harbour Notice boards for current bar conditions before entry.

Sleep Safely at Salcombe

Set your anchor alarm to 80m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.

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