Island Harbour

The marina lies in a green valley near Binfield, with countryside and waterside development replacing the regatta energy of lower Medina. The sense of enclosure is part of its charm.

Navigate the River Medina using current Cowes Harbour and marina information, then call Island Harbour on VHF Channel 80. Lock timing and sill clearance must be agreed for the actual vessel and tide.

More than 200 berths are published. Deep-draught craft need specific confirmation because the limiting question is not only berth depth but safe passage over the lock sill.

A 50-tonne hoist gives the marina significant handling capability. Booking still depends on dimensions, hull form, access and the work planned.

The valley setting, riverside routes and access towards Newport make the shore experience quieter and more rural than lower Cowes. It has a great club house called the Cockle that is open to all. Its get busy so booking in advance is advised. Call : 01983 533388. You can also see the original Spice Bus that is based there.

Crews seeking shelter, a longer Medina exploration and an Isle of Wight base away from the busiest harbour frontage.

A spontaneous deep-draught arrival or crews unwilling to plan a controlled lock transit.

The site developed around a former tidal mill landscape, and the enclosed water still gives Island Harbour a character unlike the open marinas of the Solent shore.

Cowes lies back downriver, while the central Solent opens towards the Hamble, Beaulieu and Portsmouth once clear of the Medina.

Get the current lock information from the marina, state the boats true draft and allow a margin. A memorable destination is not improved by scraping the plan too fine.

The practical information in this Guide was checked against the official source record below on 6 August 2026. Operational details can change.