For visiting boats
Kirkwall Marina sits in the harbour of Orkney's main town, a few minutes' walk from the cathedral, shops and the Highland Park and Scapa distilleries. It is run by Orkney Marinas, a Scottish charity that also runs the marinas at Stromness and Westray. A berth ticket is a rover ticket, valid at all three marinas and at the council's piers and moorings across the islands. The marina has 95 pontoon berths, 30 of them for visitors, takes boats up to 20 m, and offers power, water, diesel, showers and free Wi-Fi. Orkney Sailing Club across the harbour welcomes visiting crews.
- Guest berths
- Kirkwall Marina lies inside Kirkwall harbour, close to the town centre. It is open all year and can be entered at all states of tide, with 1–2.7 m depth. Book in advance if you can. On arrival, tie up on the visitor berths on the outside of the marina. The marina has no VHF of its own, so call Orkney Harbours on VHF 14 and the marina office by phone. Bring your own hose. Red diesel is sold when staff attend. Showers take £1 coins. The gate code is shown in the gatehouse, and there is an honesty box if you miss the staff.
- Berths
- 95
- Limits
- length up to 20 m
- Radio
- VHF channel 14 · emergency VHF 16
- Position
- 58°59.24′ N 2°57.48′ W (58.98728, -2.95800)
- Fuel
- Fuel on site: diesel
- Office
- Office Mon–Thu 08:30–14:15, Fri 08:30–13:30. Staff at the marina 09:00–10:00 and 17:00–18:00 daily June–August, 09:00–10:00 in May and September; winter cover by volunteers
checked 19 Oct 2026 - Phone
- +44 1856 871313
Prices
| Visitor berth, per night per metre LOA, rounded up to the next whole metre; incl. VAT and Orkney Islands Council harbour dues; rover ticket valid at Kirkwall, Stromness, Westray and all council piers and moorings | £2.87 per m / day |
|---|---|
| Minimum charge boats up to 6 m | £17.22 / night |
| Electricity all Orkney marinas | £5 / day |
Included in the berth price: water and wifi. Price list (PDF) → · checked 19 Oct 2026 – prices may change
Services and facilities
© OpenStreetMap · OpenSeaMap — sea marks for the approach
Sailing here? Take VesselSOS with you.
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreHere Shetland Coastguard – the app switches centre as you move, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Frequently asked
Does Kirkwall Marina have guest berths?
Yes — 30 guest berths. A berth costs from £5 / day (price list, checked 19 Oct 2026).
Which VHF channel does the marina use?
VHF channel 14. In an emergency use channel 16.
Is there fuel at Kirkwall Marina?
Yes, there is fuel at the marina.
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: Shetland Coastguard 999. Or call 112. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.