7 September 2026

Winter Marina Berthing opens for business at TARBERT HARBOUR with the promise of sheltered protection, modern pontoons, first-class amenities and attractions, and a vibrant village life

TARBERT HARBOUR has officially opened its Winter Marina Berthing 2026 bookings for both leisure and commercial vessels, with an expanded offering that is strong on appeal and competitive on cost.

Enviably positioned in the heart of this heritage fishing village on Lower Loch Fyne, Tarbert Harbour is the gateway to the wider Cowal Peninsula, Firth of Clyde, Kintyre Peninsula, Sound of Jura via the famous Crinan Canal, and the wild beauty of The Inner and Outer Hebrides.

Central to the village, the Harbour’s gleaming Marina complex – a TYHA Gold Anchor Marina which is open 365 days a year - has undergone substantial upgrades in recent times, earning it a well-deserved reputation as one of the country’s finest winter berthing destinations. Steering the Marina’s competitive edge is its remarkably sheltered berthing throughout the winter season, well protected from occasional stormy weather, and accessible at all states of the tide.

The Marina’s facilities have been stepped up to attract new members of the winter berthing community. A slick and modern toilet and shower block, disabled access improvements, pristine baby changing facilities, and bright and fresh laundry area are all elevating the Marina’s impressive offering, along with a warm and welcoming Chandlery and retail shop selling essentials for sailing and yachting needs.

Top quality pontoons with round-the-clock operational and safety support by an experienced Marina team is in place for winter 2026. This support includes fresh water on all pontoons, competitive electricity rates, and all boating needs - everything from maintenance, servicing, and repairs, to full winter preparation – conveniently taken care of by Shipshape Marine right on site, with preferential rates for berthers.

With an emphasis on the winterisation of vessels and regular check-ups, Shipshape’s excellent Winter Marine Maintenance Packages can include:

• Comprehensive vessel inspection – engines, machinery and all other onboard systems.
• Servicing and preventative maintenance to address issues before they develop.
• Fuel condition analysis and treatment to help prevent fuel-related problems.
• Battery testing and electrical system inspection.
• Corrosion prevention and protection.
• Identification of potential faults before they become costly failures or breakdowns.
• Winterisation and lay-up support where required.
• Detailed condition reporting, with recommendations for any further work.
• Vessel interior valeting.
• Ongoing winter monitoring and preservation of critical systems and components.

Additionally, winter berthers will enjoy free Wi-Fi, video updates on request after severe weather and storms, a topsides cleaning service on request, fuel available on weekdays between 9am and 8pm, and complementary electric usage watch list options whereby Harbour staff ensure boat electricity is kept topped up – useful when customers live far away from their boat, is also on offer for winter berthing customers. Soft services including car hire, further complement the strong Tarbert Harbour Winter Marina Berthing proposition.

In a major boost for Tarbert Harbour, a £2.2m Marina Slipway Project currently under way will see the creation of a new slipway, increased car parking and vessel hard standing space, and is scheduled to commence lifting operations in Spring 2027.

Tarbert’s reputation as a friendly, welcoming place is renowned, and the village takes on a quiet magical charm in winter with golden hour sunsets, glassy waters, and legendary aurora watching: winter berthing, with its minimal light pollution off the water, provides front-row access to these high-latitude dark sky blockbuster spectacles!

Complementing the tranquillity is a vibrant village life with all-ages appeal. From world-class seafood, local pubs, and a passionate maritime community waiting right on the waterfront, to a wealth of leisure, health, and wellbeing activities within easy reach including woodland and shore walks, West Loch Wellness, and of course The Kintyre Way to name a few. Winter berth holders can enjoy a game of golf at Tarbert Golf Club with magnificent views across to Kintyre and clubs available to borrow at the Marina office, 50% off annual membership at the new Tarbert Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGA) where tennis, basketball, football and other sports can be enjoyed, 50% off annual membership at Tarbert Bowling Club, and the village hall can be hired out for pickleball and badminton.

There is a big focus on family-friendly facilities at Tarbert Harbour Marina, and its play park and state-of-the-art trampoline park is a gold standard attraction to keep younger generations well occupied and happy throughout winter. 

Also, in place for winter 2026 is a Refer a Friend Reward Scheme aimed at attracting new winter berth holders to Tarbert Harbour. The scheme offers attractive ‘introduce a friend’ incentive payments for berth holders. Payments of between £100 and £200, depending on boat size, and with no limit on the number of introductions, can be made.

Tarbert is blessed to be located on Loch Fyne – the village natural larder. Being directly water side brings a delicious advantage for winter berthers. There is flexibility to dine on board vessels with ingredients purchased from local artisan suppliers – including from the Silver Darlings and Rolling Pizza food trucks which pop up on the Marina Quay - or the option to eat out in the village hotel restaurants and cafes including Café Cadora, Corranbuie, Cicchetti, Marine Bistro, The Anchor, The Gather, The Red Herring, and The Salt Shed; the stunning views matched with the guarantee of impressive Scottish gastronomy. Many of Tarbert’s visitors enjoy purchasing fresh seafood from Prentice’s down by the ferry slip that is landed locally by the hard-working TT fishing fleet.

Speaking about the launch of the Winter Berthing season,

We are pleased to announce the last remaining Winter Marina Berthing slots for 2026, and continuing to offer our Refer a Friend Reward scheme which has been proving popular. Tarbert is a wonderful place to berth all year round, but it possesses a particularly magical quality in winter, when the authenticity, charm and welcoming appeal of the village really comes into focus.

Image: Darren Mair, Senior Port Manager / Harbour Master at Tarbert (Loch Fyne) Harbour Authority.

Image: Tarbert Harbour Winter Berthers Chris and Louise Welfare with dog Beau on their boat Athos.

The onshore facilities at Tarbert Harbour are excellent, and the scenery around the sheltered Marina is lovely and ever changing with lots of lovely walks. We appreciate the staff who are friendly, helpful and always have a ready smile.  There are numerous good eating places in the village and an excellent take away facility at the marina. What’s more, the village always has a real buzz – it offers a good range of clubs, has an excellent library, and some terrific events through the winter and spring months which the Marina team organise. One of our recommendations for berthing in winter would be to invest in a router and smart tv, for when the days are shorter.

Willie and Flora MacDonald Berth holders for four years on their boat Sea Spray and visiting the village for over 20 years

One of the main reasons for us berthing at Tarbert is the sheltered Marina; the winter storms have little or no effect on the boat and because of the orientation of Loch Fyne, the prevailing wind allows for sailing all year round. Also, the generous space of the berths makes for easier manoeuvring. We love the hiking opportunities in the area plus of course the wonderful wildlife (how many harbours have a seal colony!).

Chris and Louise Welfare (and dog Beau) Berth holders for a year on their boat Athos

Image: Tarbert Harbour Winter Berthers Willie and Flora MacDonald on their boat Sea Spray.

TARBERT HARBOUR WINTER BERTHING RATES 2026

• £146 per metre

 
ABOUT TARBERT HARBOUR WINTER BERTHING REFER A FRIEND SCHEME

• New customer boat length up to 11m / Introducer reward - £100
• New customer boat length above 11m / Introducer reward - £200

*Inclusive of VAT 

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