UK & Ireland — West Scotland

Portree

57°24.8'N 006°11.8'W · Portree (Skye capital) (0nm)

3–8m

Depth

Good

Holding

85m

Alarm radius

Moderate

Crowd level

Portree is the capital of Skye and its main hub for visiting sailors — a colourful harbour town nestled in a sheltered bay with excellent provisions, restaurants and all yacht services. The town's name derives from 'Port Rìgh' (King's Port), commemorating a visit by James V in 1540. The famous Cuillins are visible on a clear day from the anchorage. Portree is the provisioning base for exploring the entire north and east coast of Skye including the Trotternish peninsula, Loch Snizort and the Sound of Raasay. Full chandlery and fuel available — rare on Skye.

Best Months

JuneJulyAugustSeptember

Anchor Zones

Portree Bay — main anchorage

Good

3–8m · Alarm: 85m

Anchor in 3–7m (CD) in the wide bay north of the pier. Mud and sand — good holding. The bay is partially sheltered by the surrounding hills and the Loch Portree headlands from most directions. Exposed to the W/NW. Tidal range approximately 4.0–4.5m springs. Portree is an active tourist and commercial hub — passenger ferries and water taxis operate frequently. Harbour Master on VHF Ch 16. Visitor moorings occasionally available.

Setting Your Anchor Alarm

85m radius for the open bay. With 4.5m tidal range at springs, actual depths at HW reach 7.5–12.5m — ensure adequate scope. The W/NW exposure is the main vulnerability; in a sustained westerly the anchorage is rolly but rarely dangerous given the mud holding. Reduce to 70m in neap tides.

Recommended radius: 85m

Hazards & Warnings

  • !Tourist ferry and water taxi traffic — busy in summer; monitor VHF Ch 16
  • !W/NW exposure creates uncomfortable roll in westerlies; anchor as far into the SE corner as depths allow
  • !Tidal range 4.0–4.5m springs — plan scope for HW depth
  • !Midges June–August in calm conditions at anchor — keep companionway screens closed

Skipper's Tips

  • ✓Portree is the best provisioning stop on Skye — stock up here before heading north into the more remote lochs
  • ✓The old harbour area (Somerled Square) has the best restaurants on Skye — book ahead in July and August
  • ✓From Portree, Loch Snizort (7nm NW) offers excellent island anchorages with outstanding birdlife
  • ✓The Trotternish Ridge walk (Old Man of Storr, Quiraing) starts from the road above Portree — one of Scotland's finest ridge walks

Facilities

WaterFuelRestaurantProvisionsWiFi

Anchoring Rules

Permit:
Not required
Fee:
Free to anchor. Visitor moorings contact Harbour Master VHF Ch 16. Harbour dues may apply.
Restrictions:
CalMac ferry traffic and tourist ferries operate continuously in season — keep clear. Keep well clear of the pier approach. Scottish right to anchor applies.

Sleep Safely at Portree

Set your anchor alarm to 85m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.

Download Safe Anchor Alarm — Free
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