See Chichester Harbour by Boat

Our luxury dog-friendly holiday cottages and bed and breakfast are a pebble’s throw from Chichester Harbour, which is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and provides a wealth of important natural habitats for flora and fauna.

One of the best ways to explore Chichester Harbour is by boat and there are a number of options available including an eco-friendly catamaran that runs year-round and a beauitful wooden oyster boat that provides trips throughout the summer from Emsworth.

Solar Heritage catamaran

Chichester Harbour Conservancy boasts an innovative solar powered catamaran whose engines are free from CO2 emissions and run silent so you can explore our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – and the wildlife that make it their home – undisturbed, all year. The catamaran’s green-credentials don’t stop there, twin hull configuration means no wash and reduced erosion of the salt marshes and estuary banks, which are crucial part of Chichester Harbour’s eco-system.

Solar Heritage runs a full programme of trips leaving Itchenor and Emsworth, January to December, that allow Chichester Harbour’s visitors to get up close to birds,, seals and their habitats. Each voyage features an experienced guide to provide insight into the area and its history.

With disabled access, a spacious level deck that has room for 60 passengers (although the boat is licensed to carry 50) and refreshments available for a charity donation, solar Heritage is a wonderful way for all to explore thee wonder of Chichester Harbour.

From Itchenor – Bookings close three hours before sailing. Park in the pay and display car park by the Ship Inn (PO20 7AE). Meet on the viewing platform in front of the Harbour Office 15 minutes before departure time. The boat will depart from the public jetty. Here are examples of different trips run throughout the year:

  • Harbour Discovery: Adult: £10, child (up to 16 years) £5 (duration 1 1/2 hours)
  • Bird Watching: Adult: £13, child: £5 (duration up to 2 hours)
  • Bird Roosts at High Tide: Adult: £13, child: £5 (duration up to 2 hours)
  • Wildlife Discovery: Adult: £18, child: £7 (duration 3 hours)
  • Family Cruise: Adult £10, child: £5 (duration 1 1/2 hours)
  • Itchenor to Emsworth: Adult: £18, child: £7 (duration up to 3 hours)

From Emsworth – Bookings in advance is advised although some tickets may be available to buy on the boat (cash and cheques only). Park in the pay and display car park in South Street (PO10 7EH). Meet on the sea wall at the top of the public jetty 15 minutes before departure time and wait at the ‘Queue here until called’ sign. Here are examples of different trips run throughout the year.

  • Harbour Discovery: Adult: £10, child: (up to 16 years) £5 (duration 1 hour)
  • Afternoon Cruise/Evening Cruise/ Sunset Cruise with Music: Adult: £12, child £7 (duration 1 hour)
  • Emsworth to Itchenor: Adult: £18, child £7 (up to 3 hours)

For more information and access to a timetable of all scheduled trips please visit the Chichester Harbour Conservancy website.

Terror oyster sailing boat

Running May – September only, the restored Victorian sailing boat Terror – the last remaining oyster transfer boat from Emsworth’s historic flourishing fleet – is available for skippered leisure trips around Chichester Harbour.

For around two and half hours per trip courtesy of the Friends of Chichester Harbour, up to six passengers can enjoy the sights and sounds of Emsworth and the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty from the comfort of a stunning vintage working wooden vessel that’s been sailing these waters since 1890.

For more information and booking please visit the Oyster boat Terror website.

Push the boat out and book a luxury holiday cottage

Quay quarters is the perfect place to stay when exploring beautiful Chichester Harbour. Not only will we provide you with a delicious square meal each morning when you stay at our luxury bed and breakfast but our comfortable rooms in idyllic settings will see your Chichester Harbour break starts on an even keel. Our 5-star holiday cottages, fully equipped with coffee machines and wood-burning stoves, are all ship-shape and Hunky Dory too!

We’re located less than 10-minutes’ walk from Dell Quay in Chichester Harbour and around 15 minutes by car from Itchenor and Emsworth. Go on, push the boat out and book a stay at Quay Quarters today!