By popular request (especially by people who are based in Jersey), we have included Portbail (or Port-Bail).

Although the harbour looks like a marina at high water, with pontoons etc, it does not have a gate and does dry out. You have been warned.

Navigation

From the safe water red/white marker buoy (1 mile out), head towards the green Starboard channel buoy. If approaching 1 hr before HW or later beware a strong Northerly tide. On Spring tides it is advisable to enter on HW or 1/2 hour after to get slack water. On spring tides 1 1/2 hr before HW there can be a strong tide in the harbour, 3-4 knots. Boats must be able to take the ground. On departure, best not head towards the red Port marker buoy as there is a large sand bank which can catch you out, especially a yacht. Best steer mid-ships between the red and green buoys.

Work on about 2 hours either side of HW on anything over 9m jersey tide. Neaps can be a bit shallow. Toilets not great. Long visitor pontoon. Dries out, leave longish lines on first drop to ensure enough slack to match height of pontoon.

Best tell the harbour master of your visit plans, many local boats on the visitor pontoon.

Douane forms

The port does not have Douane and so you can enter and exit by sending your form in advance

The form is located on this site ports-manche.com/ports/port-bail under immigration form

Portbail and Dielette work closely together.

Portbail is a very nice town. An interesting bridge to the centre and a number of shops and restaurants. There is a regular tourist train which goes from Carteret to Portbail. By regular I mean it goes something like once a week!

Tuesday market day fantastic!

Tide times: maree.info/39

Great video

Train information – www.train-touristique-du-cotentin.com/