Setting & Character
The Outer Marina and Wellington Dock sit in the Western Docks, under the cliffs and the castle. The marina has access control to all berthing areas, 24-hour CCTV and the Port of Dover’s own police force. Marina Curve, on the waterfront, hosts events and food stalls.
The BP garage on Limekiln Street, next to the marina, is open 24 hours and sells food, household goods and newspapers, with a cash machine. The St James development in the town centre has an M&S Food and The Food Warehouse.
Arrival by Sea
The Port of Dover publishes a step-by-step arriving procedure for the marina, summarised below.
Permission from Dover VTS on Channel 74 is required before entering or leaving the port. Both entrances carry commercial traffic and are subject to strong currents and swell, and in south-westerly gales a very confused and steep swell can develop off the Western Entrance. Some vessels may be hidden by the harbour walls, so keep a careful watch throughout.
- When two miles off, call Dover VTS on Channel 74 with vessel name, position, intentions, dimensions and any defects.
- If you cannot raise VTS, keep well clear of both entrances and wait for the Harbour Patrol Launch. Without VHF, telephone Dover VTS on 01304 206063 or the marina office on 01304 241669.
- When three red lights show at the entrances, do not proceed without specific permission from Dover VTS.
- Entry under sail should not be attempted. Craft unable to use their engines must tell Dover VTS on Channel 74, and the Harbour Patrol Launch will assist if necessary.
- Keep a continuous listening watch on Channel 74, and call again when 200 metres off for permission to enter.
- Crossing from the Eastern Entrance toward the west, keep well south, close to the Southern Breakwater and clear of the ferry and cruise berths.
- Keep a sharp lookout for port service vessels and other small craft when transiting the outer marina entrance.
- Call Dover VTS again when approaching the south cardinal mark. The Outer Marina entrance is managed by Dover VTS as inbound or outbound convoys, with no two-way traffic, and small craft may have to wait near the south cardinal mark until outbound traffic is clear.
- Once inside the Outer Marina and clear of the entrance, call Dover Marina on Channel 80 for berthing instructions.
- Take care in strong winds at high water springs, and approaching the reception pontoons with less than about two metres height of tide. Keep the two green buoys to starboard, and at low water stay in the main channel until the leading light opens. The light (FW, visible 324°–333° True) is on the quay edge by the second seaward pile of the Crosswall Quay pontoon.
Choosing a Berth
All visitors are berthed in the Outer Marina: 250 berths for vessels up to 30 metres LOA and 3.5 metres draught, accessible at all states of the tide. There is no need to book in advance, and visitors can pre-register with the Port’s QR code to speed up check-in. Vessels over 50 gross tonnes should call the marina on 01304 241663 to make sure a suitable berth is available.
Wellington Dock has 135 berths for vessels up to 24 metres LOA and 2.7 metres draught, reached through a lock. Book lock access with the marina office on Channel 80 or 01304 241663. The Port can also accept vessel deliveries by sea and by road.
Berth costs come from the Port’s online quote calculator or the marina office, and payment is cashless. No vessel may anchor in the port without the Harbour Master’s permission, and an anchored vessel may not be left unattended.
Craft entering the port from non-EU countries, or with crew from non-EU countries, must fly a yellow Q flag until Border Force has boarded. The berthing masters hold C1331 forms, to be completed and given to Border Force if you plan to visit a non-EU country.
Facilities Afloat & Ashore
All berths have 16-amp electricity, with 32-amp supplies on the larger berths. Toilets, showers and baby-changing facilities are open 24 hours in all berthing areas, and laundry is in the Outer Marina South Block and the Wellington Dock ablution block. Wi-Fi is free for berth holders and visitors.
Trolleys are at each security gate and take a refundable £1 coin. Calor and Camping Gaz are sold at the Sharp & Enright chandlery on Snargate Street, the BP garage on Limekiln Street and the marina Fuel Berth.
Fuel is available from the Fuel Berth in the Tidal Harbour, operated by George Hammonds PLC (07971 692504), with payment by cash or any major card. Vessels that have left UK waters with food waste on board should contact the marina office for the disposal procedure.
24- and 48-hour weather forecasts and synoptic charts are available from the marina office.
Marine Services
A 50-tonne hoist with a jib crane for engines and equipment up to one tonne is in Wellington Dock. Book through the Boatyard Office on 01304 240400 extension 4545. The Port publishes these lift rates:
| Boatyard service | Rate |
|---|---|
| Lift out, wash off and lift to quay or transport | £30.95 per metre |
| Lift out (no wash) to quay or transport | £28.90 per metre |
| Lift out, hold 15 minutes, relaunch | £13.30 per metre |
| Lift out, hold 30 minutes, relaunch | £17.60 per metre |
| Lift out, wash off (up to 30 minutes) and relaunch | £18.80 per metre |
Ashore
Dover Castle and the White Cliffs are above the harbour, and the town centre and the St James shops are within walking distance of the marina.
Best For
Dover suits crews ready to work with VTS.
- Staging a Channel crossing under VTS control
- All-tide Outer Marina berths for boats up to 30 metres
- Crew changes by road or rail into Kent and London
Less Suitable For
The port’s rules apply to every leisure craft.
- Arrivals that cannot keep a VHF watch on Channel 74
- Entry under sail alone
- Paying in cash at the marina
Nearby Cruising
Sovereign Harbour and Newhaven lie to the west. Ramsgate is round the South Foreland to the north-east, and the French and Belgian Channel ports are across the Strait.
Skipper's Notes
VTS first, marina second.
- Channel 74 from two miles out, again at 200 metres, and a listening watch throughout.
- Three red lights at the entrance: stop unless Dover VTS gives specific permission.
- Inside the Outer Marina, call Channel 80 for a berth.
- Visitors use the Outer Marina; Wellington Dock lock by booking.
- Cashless marina. Fuel Berth: George Hammonds PLC, 07971 692504.
- Charts: Admiralty 1698 and 1892.
Tides & Weather
Dover is a standard port. Its UKHO tide tables are on BBC Weather and ADMIRALTY EasyTide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first VHF call for Dover?
Dover VTS on Channel 74 when you are two miles off the port.
Which channel is Dover Marina on?
Channel 80, once you are inside the Outer Marina and clear of its entrance.
Do I need to book a visitor berth at Dover?
No advance booking is needed. Visitors are berthed in the Outer Marina and can pre-register by QR code for a quicker check-in.
What size of boat can the Dover Outer Marina take?
Up to 30 metres LOA and 3.5 metres draught, at all states of the tide. Vessels over 50 gross tonnes should call the marina first.
Is Dover Marina cashless?
Yes. Dover Marina is cashless.
Where is fuel at Dover?
At the Fuel Berth in the Tidal Harbour, operated by George Hammonds PLC (07971 692504).
