Coastal and Leisure Services

The Swale channel is a worked stretch of water, where traditional barges race and modern shipping continues. There are many ports and harbours along our north Kent coastline:

• Queenborough Harbour is a historic landmark and a working harbour. Sir Francis Drake sailed to Queenborough to reduce the number of his crew and it was invaded by the Dutch in 1667. 2017 was the 350th anniversary of 'The Battle of the Medway' and many maritime visitors were welcomed rather than repelled at Queenborough Harbour. Legend has it that Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton also had a residence in the town. The harbour offers a range of services with moorings available and an all tide landing. Download the Queenborough Harbour Guide (PDF)
• Jetstream Tours operate seasonally from the All Tide Landing and provide an ideal opportunity to explore our coastline.
• Minster Shingle Beach, which is next to Minster Leas is a Shingle Bank stretch of beach, which is popular amongst water sports users, with its launching ramp well marked-out area and free parking.
• Faversham Creek has a strong maritime history in boat building and hosts an annual Nautical Festival .The Faversham Creek Trust (which aims to rebuild the maritime heritage of Faversham) is a great source of information both historical and current with links to many Faversham maritime businesses, groups and sailing organisations. Visit Standard Quay at the far end of Abbey Street which has plenty to offer including shopping, eating, mooring and living history - open seven days a week with free on-site parking. The Iron Wharf Boatyard is essentially a 'do it yourself' boatyard where boat owners can undertake all kinds of work and also offers some mooring alongside the traditional wharf. For moorings on Front Brents Jetty call Faversham Town Council on 01795 594442 or the Jetty Agent 01795 591140. Faversham Town Quay moorings - £9 per night payable to Swale Borough Council in person at the Alexander Centre in Preston Street or by calling Customer Services on 01795 417850 Mon - Thurs 8.45 - 5pm or Fri 8.45am - 4.30pm.
• Swale Marina in Conyer was a crucial link during the Industrial Revolution for barges bringing raw materials and taking finished products back to London, from the local Paper Mills and Brickfields. The marina is now used for leisure crafts amd managed by Swale Marina Services Ltd offering a range of services and moorings. At North Quay Conyer Creek Marina provides maritime services and moorings. Conyer Cruising Club welcomes membership and is based at the head of the creek.
• Oare Creek is also working leisure marina, with internationally important wildlife and bird nesting sites at the Oare Nature Reserve run by the Kent Wildlife Trust. Youngboats offer moorings with over 100 individual pontoon berths for craft up to 30ft. 
• Lower Halstow Yacht Club on the river Medway is a friendly club and welcomes members with a good event programme. The sailing barge Edith May is moored regularly at Lower Halstow and offers a range of trips or activities during the season.
• Medway and Swale Boating Association - membership includes over 30 clubs and other organisations with 4,000 members who regularly use the waters of the Medway and Swale for recreational purposes and their website provides further details about the association and news.
• Medway Swale Operational Rules Published by Peel Ports - pdf
• The busy deep water Port of Sheerness is part of Peel Port’s London Medway Estate and commercially operated with some restrictions on access. However Sheerness does welcome water sports and bathers with three award winning shingle beaches at Minster Leas, Leysdown on Sea and Sheerness Seafront. The Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club on Marine Parade hosts the annual Round the Island Race, a unique spectacle and challenge for sailors in various classes. Sheerness Tide Times
• Ridham Dock is an independently owned port in Sittingbourne’s port having originally been built to serve the paper-marking industry. The Dock started construction in 1913 and was used during the First World War for loading ammunition. The area covers 65 acres (26 hectares) and is a working port serving many local businesses in the area.
• Sheerness RNLI Life Boat Station looks after Medway and Swale making our waters safer for recreational and commercial use, Tel: 01795 664868
• Medway and Swale Estuary Partnership is formed of local and statutory organisations working to enhance and raise awareness of the area's importance both ecologically and historically. More information about the work of the partnership, current projects and some great images can be found on the MSEP website: www.msep.org.uk/ which also provides the following guidance:

           Personal Water Craft - please help to protect the estuary’s natural environment by:

  • Not alighting on the many privately owned islands, which often act as high tide roosts for birds, as this will increase the chances of their nests being abandoned.
  • Keeping your distance when you spot wildlife. Use binoculars to get a close up.
  • Where possible, using only official moorings.
  • Using recognised landing places
  • Observing speed limits, navigation rules and bylaws.
  • Following the Check-Clean-Dry guidance, to help prevent the spread of non-native plants and animals.