List of harbours in the Isle of Man

The Isle of Man is an island located in the middle of the northern Irish Sea, almost equidistant from England to the east, Northern Ireland to the west and Scotland (closest) to the north, while Wales to the south is almost the distance of the Republic of Ireland to the southwest. It is 52 kilometres (32 mi) long and, at its widest point, 22 kilometres (14 mi) wide. It has an area of around 572 square kilometres (221 sq mi).

The Isle of Man has a number of harbours, with busy commercial ports, fishing havens, marinas and small traditional harbours. The principal port is Douglas.

Douglas Harbour

Douglas Harbour from Douglas Head

The city of Douglas lies halfway down the east coast and is the main port for passenger ferries, SeaCats, and cargo vessels. Situated at the south end of the city at the mouth of the River Douglas, Douglas Harbour comprises a large Outer Harbour for ships and a smaller Inner Harbour for smaller vessels such as yachts and commercial fishing boats. Since the creation of a half tide dock in 2001, the Inner Harbour has been officially renamed Douglas Marina.

Laxey Harbour

Old Laxey harbour

Laxey lies about 8 miles north of Douglas, at the mouth of the Laxey River. It has a shallow protected harbour, suitable only for small boats and yachts.

Ramsey Harbour

Ramsey harbour entrance

Ramsey lies about 17 miles north of Douglas, and ranks as the second port after Douglas. The harbour is at the mouth of the Sulby River. In Victorian times, passenger ferries could moor at the end of the Queen's Pier, but although the pier remains, ships no longer call. The harbour is approached between two piers, after which the harbour opens out to the town centre. The upper reaches of the harbour dry at low tide. The harbour is used by fishing boats, small commercial craft and pleasure vessels. A large steel swing bridge straddles the port. The harbour abuts the extensive Mooragh Park Lake, but there is no canal connection to the lake.

Peel Harbour & Marina

Peel Marina

Peel lies about 10 mile north west of Douglas. Peel Harbour was a large drying harbour which was converted into a half tide dock in 2005, thereby creating Peel marina. Though successful in providing many more berths and avoiding drying out, there have been issues with silting and toxic contamination. Outside the flap gate, Peel has a large bay protected by a breakwater pier extending from St Patrick's Island (which is itself connected to the Island by a causeway). Large fishing vessels moor alongside this pier, which also serves as an emergency haven should seas be too rough for ferries to enter Douglas harbour.