Anchoring Zones

Falmouth Harbour has 2 distinct anchoring zones.

Zone 1: Carrick Roads — main anchorage south of harbour

Depth: 4–10m (Chart Datum)
Bottom: mud
Holding: Excellent
Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, NW
Exposed to: S, SW, W
Alarm radius: 100m

Anchor in 4–9m (CD) in the open roadstead south of Falmouth town quay, keeping clear of the ferry channel and commercial vessel approaches. Excellent soft mud holding throughout Carrick Roads — the anchor buries readily and holds even in strong breezes. The harbour is one of the world's deepest natural harbours with over 17km of navigable water. No permit required; anchor south of the harbour. Tidal range 4.8m springs — actual depths at HW are 8.8–14.8m; ensure ample rode. The Falmouth VTS operates on VHF Ch 12 — call on arrival and monitor for commercial traffic advisories. Harbour patrol launches collect dues (approx £10–15/night) for anchored vessels within harbour limits.

Zone 2: Flushing — north Penryn River anchorage

Depth: 2–5m (Chart Datum)
Bottom: mud
Holding: Excellent
Protected from: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW
Exposed to: W, NW
Alarm radius: 80m

Quieter anchorage off the village of Flushing on the N bank of Penryn River. Soft mud — outstanding holding. More sheltered from the SW than the main Roads. Anchor in 2–4m (CD) off the village waterfront, clear of the mooring trots. Dinghy ashore to the excellent Flushing village pub (the Seven Stars). Tidal range 4.8m springs.

Setting Your Anchor

Check the current tidal height using UKHO Admiralty TotalTide or EasyTide before anchoring — with 4.8m springs at Falmouth (and up to 4.9m at Newlyn), the actual depth at HW is considerably greater than Chart Datum. Add the current tidal height to the CD depth shown on your chart to find the actual depth at your chosen spot.

Bottom at Falmouth Harbour: primarily mud. Deploy 7:1 scope minimum (70m at 10m CD — allow for HW tidal addition). Motor astern firmly to set the anchor before relying on it.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 100m radius before sleeping. Atlantic swell watch: even in settled conditions, check the MetOffice SW England inshore forecast and NAVTEX before turning in — fronts can arrive with 6–8 hours' notice and swell builds quickly in exposed anchorages.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Delta, Bruce.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Set GPS anchor alarm to 100m radius. 100m radius is appropriate for the open Carrick Roads anchorage. With a 4.8m spring tidal range, actual depths at HW reach 8.8–14.8m in the primary zone — ensure your rode allows at least 7:1 scope at HW (minimum 62–104m of chain/rope). The anchorage swings significantly with wind and tide; on spring flood/ebb transitions, boats can sheer across a wide arc. In settled conditions reduce to 80m; in strong SW or W winds the outer Roads can be uncomfortable — move to Flushing or up the Penryn River for better shelter.

Falmouth is accessible year-round as an all-weather refuge — it is used as a port of refuge by Atlantic passage-makers in winter. The main cruising season is May–September. July and August are busy with racing, Tall Ships visits, and holiday boats. The Falmouth Regatta Week (August) draws several hundred yachts and mooring space is at a premium — book ahead or anchor out in the Roads.

Navigation Hazards

Commercial shipping and tanker traffic in Carrick Roads — monitor Falmouth VTS on VHF Ch 12 at all times; large vessels have right of way in the main channel
Ferry traffic between Falmouth, Flushing, and St Mawes operates continuously in season — cross ferry routes quickly and predictably
Tidal range 4.8m springs — actual depths at HW considerably greater than CD; plan rode for HW spring conditions
Entrance shoals at Black Rock (port hand) and The Manacles reef (3nm SE of St Mawes) — confirm position with chart on approach from E
SW groundswell from the Atlantic wraps into the outer harbour in sustained SW winds — the inner Roads and Flushing anchorage provide better shelter

Rules & Regulations

Permit: No special permit required
Anchoring fee: Harbour dues approx £10–15/night (2025) within Falmouth Harbour limits. Contact Falmouth Harbour VHF Ch 12 on arrival.
Mooring buoys: Available — fee may apply; contact harbour authority
Restrictions: Contact Falmouth VTS (VHF Ch 12) on arrival — they will advise on anchorage areas and commercial traffic movements. Keep clear of the main channel, ferry routes, and tanker anchorage area marked on Admiralty Chart 28. No anchoring within the designated Special Anchorage (tanker) area. Penryn River upper reaches have speed limit 5 knots.
Tidal predictions: UKHO Admiralty TotalTide / EasyTide (ukho.gov.uk) for Chart Datum tidal heights at this port.
Coastguard: HMCG Falmouth MRCC — VHF Ch 16 at all times; safety broadcasts every 4 hours on Ch 16.

Facilities

Fresh water: Available
Fuel: Available
Restaurant: Numerous excellent restaurants in Falmouth town — Rick Stein's, The Chain Locker, Working Boat pub. Full provisioning from Tesco, Sainsbury's and independent fishmongers on the quay.
Provisions: Available nearby
Wi-Fi: Available

Skipper's Tips

Call Falmouth Harbour on VHF Ch 12 on approach — they are helpful and will advise on the best anchorage for conditions; harbour dues are reasonable for the facilities
The Flushing anchorage (north bank of Penryn River) is quieter than the main Roads and better protected from SW — row ashore to the Seven Stars pub for an outstanding Cornish evening
The Penryn River (above Flushing) dries progressively — stay in the main channel on the flood; excellent bilge-keel anchorage in the upper river pools
Falmouth Boat Company on the waterfront is the best chandlery in SW England — stocks everything from EPIRB batteries to antifouling
The Helford River (8nm east by SE) is one of the most beautiful anchorages in Cornwall — make it a day's sail with lunch in the Shipwrights Arms at Helford Passage

Falmouth Harbour Anchorage Guide

Quick Reference