Arriving in Looe by boat

For anyone arriving in Looe by sea, the town has a distinctive banjo-shaped pier to mark the harbour entrance.

The harbour caters for a fishing fleet and various pleasure craft and is a drying, land-locked harbour, formed by the tidal East and West Looe Rivers. The two rivers join just beyond a magnificent seven arched stone bridge which limits access to the rest of the river by larger boats. For smaller craft the river is navigable at high water for up to 2 miles.

Looe is packed with useful shops, restaurants and facilities including the Looe Chandlery which sells a range of items for the yachtsman.

St. George’s Island lies 300 metres from the harbour entrance but it does not affect access to the harbour which is straight forward.

Moorings

Commercial activities by fishing trawlers and other boats preclude anchorage in the middle of the harbour.

Quayside berths can be found on the port-hand side. They are marked yellow. Small boats can be catered for upriver beyond the bridge.

Harbour Commissioners: 01503 262839
VHF via Coastguard in an emergency.

Useful information

There are rocks to the port side of the harbour entrance and to the west side of beaches. These are marked by a flashing light at night. Nailzee Rock which is close under cliffs is submerged at high tide but is also marked.

  • Fuel – diesel from Marine Engineers, East Looe, opposite visitor berth; petrol in containers from Riverside Garage, above bridge.
  • Looe Harbour Chandlers, East Looe quay.
  • Numerous taps on quays, both East and West Looe.
  • Public toilets are available in East and West Looe and showers are available by arrangement with Looe Sailing Club in East Looe.
  • Post office and telephone facilities are available in Looe.
  • Slipways for trailer launches are available in West Looe from the Millpool car park.
  • Drying-out facilities available in West Looe

Just to reiterate – Looe harbour is a basically a tidal river which dries out twice a day. This therefore prevents access to the harbour at low tide, so please check your tide times.

  • Looe Sailing Club is in Buller Street – 01503 262559.