A favourite destination for those sailing to the Isle of Lewis and exploring the Western Isles by boat, is Stornoway (Steornabhagh) is the largest harbour in the Outer Hebrides.
Stornoway harbour is well sheltered and easy to enter at all states of the tide for vessels of up to 6.5m draft in all weather conditions. Deeper drafted vessels are able to enter only under certain tidal conditions.
Mooring at Stornoway Marina
The 80 berth marina at Stornoway provides a safe haven and a jumping off spot for Hebridean island hoppers and day sailors. Wifi access, power and water are available on the pontoons at Stornoway, just a short walk from the town centre with all the facilities you would expect busy settlement. To compliment this a newly installed 75 berth marina at Newton opened in 2021 and is just around the harbour at Goat Island.
The harbour is within cruising reach of several wilderness areas, including Loch Erisort (Loch Eireasort), Loch Mariveg (Mharabhig), Loch Shell (Sealg), Loch Bhrollum and Loch Claidh and the dramatic geology and puffin colonies of The Shiants (Na H-Eileanan Mora).
Stornoway Services and Facilities
There is a wide selection of places to stay ashore in Stornoway for crew changes or for other members of your family or group as well as many bars, cafes and restaurants in Stornoway. The town also offers everything from gift shops to delis with local retailers selling the best Hebridean food and produce around.
Technical repair services can be accessed here and it is easy to buy fuel in Stornoway. Medical services are also available to sailors mooring at Stornoway marina.
Crews sailing round the Outer Hebrides might enjoy a night out at the An Lanntair art centre with cinema, bar and coffee shop or one of the other live music venues close by. The multi-award winning Heb Celt festival is held in the Castle Grounds beside the marina each July, showcasing the music of Celtic cultures tinged with contemporary traditional, rock, indie-folk and world influences and the Lews Castle Museum brings the history and heritage of the islands to life.
There is much to be gained from making use of one of the guided tours or activity specialists we have on the islands, or if you prefer you can hire a car or a bike in Lewis and tour independently.
Stornoway Transport
The ferry terminal in town and Stornoway airport only ten minutes drive out of town, give easy access to the mainland, with regular services from both. Excellent local bus services around Stornoway give access to all parts of the island making Stornoway the perfect mooring sport for crews sailing the Western Isles and wanting to explore more.
Dubh Tòbh Pontoon, Great Bernera
On the West Coast of Lewis, the newly opened pontoon located at Kirkibost, Bernera, Dubh Tòbh (pronounced ‘Doo Hob’ and translated as Black Bay) is the only pontoon on the west coast of Lewis and is perfectly situated for those who want to explore this beautiful coastline.
Pontoon Facilities include 12/14 berths, fresh water, free Wi-Fi, an onshore public toilet and basin, and free parking facilities for pontoon users.
The pontoon is located in a small inlet at the south-east of Kirkibost Pier, and to the west of the small island of Vacasay in East Loch Roag. It lies on the east side of Bernera, an island renowned for its natural beauty, Bosta beach and historic sites.
