Setting & Character
MDL lists 850 marina berths and 280 dry-stack berths, making Cobbs Quay one of Poole Harbours largest marina complexes. It sits in Hamworthy, inside Holes Bay.
Arrival by Sea
MDL directs boats into Poole Harbour by the Swash Channel or, when suitable, the shallower East Looe route, then up-harbour by North Channel or Middle Ship Channel. Pass Poole Quay, transit the lifting bridges and follow the buoyed channel to the marina.
Berthing Experience
Visitor and short-stay berthing are offered. Call Cobbs Quay on VHF Channel 80 or telephone before arrival to confirm availability and instructions.
Facilities
The official visitor guide lists petrol and diesel fuel, gas, 40-ton boat hoist, storage ashore, slipway, repairs, chandlery, convenience store, laundry, restaurant, brokerage, new-boat sales, jet-ski pods, MDL WiFi and 24/7 storage.
Ashore
The marina has its own restaurant and convenience services, while Poole town centre is farther away than from the Town Quay marinas.
Best For
Boats needing a comprehensive marina and boatyard base, dry-stack options or practical servicing during a Poole stay.
Less Suitable For
Crews wanting immediate access to Poole Old Town, or those who do not want to plan around lifting-bridge transits.
Nearby Cruising
The marina opens onto Holes Bay and the wider harbour, with Poole Quay, Brownsea Island and the outer harbour reached back through the marked channels.
Skipper's Notes
Bridge Control uses VHF Channel 12. Check the current PHC bridge timetable and Local Notices to Mariners before arrival, then call Cobbs Quay on Channel 80.
Information checked against official sources
Approach, VHF, berthing and facilities were checked against current MDL Marina information and PHC harbour regulations.
Approach and arrival
Enter by the main Swash Channel or, only when suitable under current PHC guidance, the shallower East Looe route.
Proceed via North Channel or Middle Ship Channel, pass Poole Quay and transit the lifting bridges.
Call BRIDGE CONTROL on Channel 12 for bridge transit and Cobbs Quay on Channel 80 for marina arrival.
Tidal information
Bridge timing and inner-harbour water levels should be checked before arrival; consult PHC tide and bridge information.
Hazards and cautions
Two lifting bridges before the marina.
Commercial and leisure traffic in Pooles inner channels.
6-knot limit applies in Holes Bay.
Practical notes
Check current bridge lift times and call the marina before entering Holes Bay.
Old Sea Dogs View
Cobbs Quay is the practical end of Poole Harbour cruising: big, well-equipped and able to support far more than an overnight stop. The bridges add a planning step, but once inside it is a useful place to deal with fuel, lifting, repairs and the jobs that a simple visitor pontoon cannot handle.
Warnings
Use the latest Poole Harbour Commissioners Harbour Guide, Local Notices to Mariners, shipping movements, tide information and marina instructions before arrival.