Navigation

Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Littlehampton Harbour.

As one of the South Coast’s most distinctive tidal harbours, the River Arun offers a unique and rewarding place to navigate — but its fast-flowing currents and ever-changing conditions mean preparation and awareness are essential.

The Littlehampton Harbour Board works hard to maintain safe navigation, manage moorings, and provide clear guidance for all users — from paddleboarders and leisure sailors to fishing boats and commercial operators.

Our aim: to make sure everyone can enjoy the harbour safely, responsibly, and with confidence.

You’ll find detailed information here to help you plan your time on the water, including:

  • Safe Navigation advice and checklists

  • Information on safe entry to Littlehampton Harbour

  • Important contacts for Navigational advice

Entering Littlehampton Harbour

On a first visit to Littlehampton Harbour it’s best to arrive from high water -2 to +1 hour. The visiting sailor should be aware that in the Narrows at the entrance the spring ebb stream can reach six knots.

The level of Littlehampton bar – which extends 600 metres Southwards from the end of the West Pier – is 0.9 metres above Chart Datum. The depth of water covering the bar can be calculated by subtracting 0.9 metres from the height of water indicated on the tide boards situated within the harbour. Tide boards are metric, marked in units of 20 centimetres, and coloured white (at the whole metre), red, black, red, black. The height is read from the bottom of the marked sector.

When approaching the harbour, the tide board on the East Beacon can be read from seaward with the use of binoculars. Consideration should be given to the sea state and allowance made for swell over the bar to ensure sufficient under-keel clearance.

From 1½ hours before, until 4 hours after High Water, an East-to-West stream runs outside the harbour entrance. A West-to-East stream takes over 2 hours before Low Water until 2 hours before High Water.

On closing the harbour from seaward, a safe approach can be made by bringing the leading lights on the pier and the lighthouse into line on a bearing of 346° True. From abeam the West Pier head, a course favouring the East side of the fairway should be made to take advantage

of the deeper water and, on the flood tide, to allow for the effect of a strong East to West set across the East Pier head which lasts until around HW +1 hour. Once past the East Pier head, keep the flashing green light on Fisherman’s Quay (by the slipway) ahead while keeping to the starboard side of the mid-channel.

Tide Times

Littlehampton

↓↑↓↑
TODAY Low Water of 0.86 metres, at 06:32.High Water of 5.6 metres, at 00:33.Low Water of 0.67 metres, at 18:52.High Water of 5.58 metres, at 12:42.
THU 22 JAN Low Water of 0.82 metres, at 07:07.High Water of 5.65 metres, at 01:07.Low Water of 0.65 metres, at 19:25.High Water of 5.6 metres, at 13:18.
FRI 23 JAN Low Water of 0.81 metres, at 07:42.High Water of 5.67 metres, at 01:44.Low Water of 0.68 metres, at 20:00.High Water of 5.57 metres, at 13:56.
SAT 24 JAN Low Water of 0.85 metres, at 08:21.High Water of 5.63 metres, at 02:22.Low Water of 0.78 metres, at 20:41.High Water of 5.48 metres, at 14:37.
SUN 25 JAN Low Water of 0.99 metres, at 09:05.High Water of 5.5 metres, at 03:04.Low Water of 0.99 metres, at 21:26.High Water of 5.27 metres, at 15:22.
MON 26 JAN Low Water of 1.21 metres, at 09:58.High Water of 5.27 metres, at 03:53.Low Water of 1.28 metres, at 22:22.High Water of 4.98 metres, at 16:16.
TUE 27 JAN Low Water of 1.45 metres, at 11:05.High Water of 4.98 metres, at 04:51.Low Water of 1.56 metres, at 23:37.High Water of 4.66 metres, at 17:25.

Tidal Curve

Data provided by Admiralty Tides API via UK Hydrographic Office. Always refer to instruments when entering or exiting the harbour and double check tide data from other sources.

Before You Sail – Safety Checklist

A little preparation goes a long way. Before leaving your berth or slipway, please make sure you:

✅ Check the latest Local Notices to Mariners (LNtMs) for updates on navigation, dredging, or restrictions.
✅ Review tide times and weather conditions – the Arun’s tidal stream can exceed 5 knots on springs.
✅ Ensure your lifejackets and safety gear are serviceable and ready to use.
✅ Confirm your engine, steering, and fuel are in good working order.
✅ Let someone ashore know your planned route and return time.
✅ Have your VHF radio tuned to Channel 71 – “Littlehampton Harbour ”
✅ Avoid entering or leaving the harbour in darkness or on a falling tide unless you’re confident and familiar with the conditions.

Tip: If in doubt, call us on VHF before departure. Our Harbour Team is always happy to offer advice.

Communication and Navigation Aids

The harbour channel is marked with buoys, beacons, and lights maintained by the Harbour Board — but conditions can change, especially after storms or dredging.

  • Keep a listening watch on VHF Channel 71 (Call sign: “Littlehampton Harbour”).

  • Always carry an up-to-date chart and check the latest Local Notices to Mariners.

  • If visibility is poor, reduce speed and sound appropriate signals.

Need advice? Our Harbour Office is available during daylight hours — we’re here to help you navigate safely.

Sharing The Water

Littlehampton Harbour is home to all kinds of users — sailors, anglers, paddleboarders, rowers, and commercial vessels.
To keep things safe and enjoyable for everyone:

  • Maintain a proper lookout at all times.

  • Follow the Collision Regulations (COLREGs).

  • Give commercial and working vessels plenty of room — they may have restricted manoeuvrability.

  • Always be ready to slow down or alter course to avoid conflict.

A little courtesy goes a long way on the water.

The harbour’s speed limit is 6.5 knots throughout.
Please travel at a safe speed for the conditions and always minimise wash.
Excessive wash can damage moorings, disturb wildlife, and unsettle smaller craft or swimmers.

Remember:
If your wash is rocking another vessel or pontoon — you’re going too fast.