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Entrance to Poole Harbour

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Poole Harbour

Harbour Information

Poole is Europe's largest natural harbour and a stunning location for all types of watersports fringed with unspoilt woodland and coastal walks. The harbour is a site of nature conservation, a wetland teeming with wading birds with many international protections in place. It is a Ramsar site which recognises wetlands of international importance particularly for wildfoul. It is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) which recognises the country's most spectacular and beautiful habitats and a Special Protection Area (SPA).

Just outside Poole Harbour, one mile from the beaches in Poole Bay is Poole Marine Conservation Area. The four square kilometers of sea bed features 10 different types of habitat and is home to more than 360 different marine species. The designation provides protection from damaging activities allowing marine wildlife and habitat to thrive.

Poole Harbour is a thriving mecca for watersports enthusiasts. With over a dozen yacht clubs and marinas, the harbour is alive with all types of craft and the appeal of safe sailing attracts all ages and abilities keen to get on the water.

A booklet "Poole Harbour Guide" containing all facilities and services is available from Poole Tourist Information.

Harbour dues are payable by all resident and visiting craft in Poole Harbour - details from Poole Harbour Commissioners, Berthing Office, The Quay. Contact 01202 440200. Email: pooleharbourcommissioners@phc.co.uk

Emergencies
In case of any emergency in the harbour please contact the Harbour Control Officer using VHF Channel 14 (or 16), Call Sign “Poole Harbour Control”, Tel: 01202 440230 email: harbourcontrol@phc.co.uk

Customs and Excise
HMRC, New Harbour Road South, Poole BH15 4AJ
National Customs and Excise Advice Services line – 0300 200 3700

Public Slipway Harbourside Park

Car park and boat launching site
For those wishing to launch boats or watersports equipment throughout the year, an annual ticket is available for Harbourside 1 Car Park to use the slipway facility for launching. The season ticket covers the boat launch fee and parking for a car and trailer. Further information on parking permits and fees can be found on the Borough of Poole's website.

Weather Information & Tide Timetables
BBC Radio Solent on 96.1FM and 103.8FM
BBC Weather for Poole (BH Postcode)
http://www.windguru.com/
www.metoffice.gov.uk

Poole Harbour Safety Regulations
Permits and other information Poole Harbour
In order to allow all harbour users to enjoy the water safely, to minimise conflict and to protect the rich variety of wildlife, the Harbour has been zoned for various activities. Please respect the Quiet Areas where the speed limit is 6 knots.

Your attention is drawn to the following summary of the Bylaws, which are enforced for your safety:

Safe Navigation:
You must navigate with care throughout the Harbour. Stay clear of shipping and adhere to instruction given by the Harbour Master patrol officers.

Harbour Entrance:
This is a potentially hazardous area. Please navigate with extreme caution. Use your engine if you have one fitted. The Harbour Entrance is only 300 metres wide, with very strong tidal streams particularly at spring tides. Slow moving chain ferry operates at its narrowest point which has right of way. Think ahead and pass well clear astern of it.

Speed Limit:
There is a speed limit of 10 knots throughout, except in the Quiet Areas, Little Channel and Holes Bay where the speed limit is 6 knots.

Waterskiing & Wakeboarding :
A permit is required for waterskiing inside the harbour. This can be obtained from the Harbour Office or the Poole Harbour website. The designated water ski area is in the Wareham Channel and is approximately 2000 metres long and varies in width between 300 metres and 600 metres. The area is marked by blue and white stakes, yellow buoys and notice boards. Water skiers are exempt from the speed limit when operating within this area. Launch at Rockley, Harbourside Park or Cobbs Quay.

Personal Water Craft (Jetskis & Waterbikes):
A permit is required for use of Personal Watercraft inside the harbour. This can be obtained from the Harbour Office or the Poole Harbour website: Use of a Personal Watercraft in excess of the speed limit is only allowed in the designated area to the north of Brownsea Island. Speed limits must be observed in all other areas. Personal Watercraft are not allowed in the quiet area to the south of Brownsea Island.

Kitesurfing/Windsurfing:
A permit is required for kitesurfing inside the harbour. This can be obtained from the Harbour Office or the Poole Harbour Poole Harbour is one of the best board sailing venues on the South Coast. There is a dedicated board sailing area in Whitley Lake at Sandbanks, which is shallow and safe, but dries out at low water. It is ideal for novices and the area is next to the road and a sandy beach and is very convenient for unloading and rigging. Wind Surfing is not allowed in the Harbour entrance or shipping channels.

Parascending:
May only take place inside the Harbour with the permission of the Harbour Master.

See Local Notices for Mariners for specific restrictions that apply throughout the harbour.

If you have any questions please contact info@pooletourism.com or Poole Harbour Commissioners

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Greenslade Pleasure Boats

Poole

Board a Greenslade boat & see the wonderful Poole Harbour, take a trip up the Wareham river or visit Brownsea Island.

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63 reviews
City Cruises Poole

Poole

Boat cruises, Jurassic Coast & Sea Train Adventures from Poole Quay.

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235 reviews
Great Dorset Steam Fair

Blandford

If you are looking for an excellent fun and action packed day out for all the family, you’ll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair!

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Price £8.00 to £22.00 Per person per day

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Poole Stadium Greyhound Racing

Poole

Let's Go Racing... A great night out for all the family, enjoy your evening & cheer your winners past the post.

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230 reviews
Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

Poole

Farmer Palmer’s is the fabulous Farm Park where young adventurers can frankly ‘let their hair down’ without older children around to stifle their enjoyment!

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Price Free to £38.00 Per Ticket

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The Watersports Academy

Poole

Ideally located on the world-famous Sandbanks Peninsula, The Watersports Academy is the South Coast’s leading water sports activity centre.

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RNLI College

Poole

The RNLI College is the home of the RNLI. Crew members from across the UK and Ireland come here to train to be lifesavers.

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Price £2.50 Per person per day to £7.50 Per Ticket

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212 reviews
Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts

Poole

Experience, explore, discover and join in with the arts at Lighthouse.

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Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre

Wareham

Enjoy a fun-filled, fascinating day out for all ages at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre! As seen on TV’s ‘Monkey Life’ & ‘Monkey Business’ a sanctuary for primates from all over the world.

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Price Free to £42.00 Per Ticket

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Beaulieu National Motor Museum

New Forest

Beaulieu is an award winning family attraction set within the heart of the New Forest. Over 800 years of heritage can be seen on the Beaulieu Estate & has been owned by the Montagu family for over four centuries.

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Price £9.50 to £49.00 Per Ticket

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Adventure Wonderland

Christchurch

Dorset’s multi award-winning family theme park, Adventure Wonderland, with its great range of rides and attractions is the perfect spot for an unforgettable day out.

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Price Free to £52.00 Per Ticket

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Swanage Railway

Swanage

A unique chance to experience one of the best steam rides ever!

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Paultons Park

Romsey

Paultons Family Theme Park has over 70 wonderful rides and attractions. Paultons is of course home to the world’s first & UK exclusive Peppa Pig World!

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6939 reviews
Yellow Buses

Bournemouth

Let the bus take the strain and sit back and enjoy the view by taking a trip with Yellow Buses.

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Sea Fishing Poole

Poole

Sea Fishing Poole, book a fishing trip, buy your equipment or charter a boat - have a day's adventure.

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Condor Ferries

Poole

Take a day trip from Poole and sail high speed to the Channel Island of Guernsey.

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RockReef Activity Centre & Pier Zip

Bournemouth

RockReef is an all year, all weather fun activity attraction for all ages with the awesome Pier Zip outside!

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Poole Museum & Scaplen's Court

Poole

Discover the story of Poole - Harbour, Town & People from prehistory to the 21st century.

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300 reviews

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