Kirkwall Marina
A well-equipped marina offering easy access to Kirkwall's charm, with friendly staff and scenic waterfront views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Kirkwall Marina
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A well-equipped marina offering easy access to Kirkwall's charm, with friendly staff and scenic waterfront views.
"Great facility to have in Orkney, location ideal for sailors to wander into the centre of Kirkwall."
Friendly Marina Staff
Staff are very friendly and helpful with berth access and information. :handshake:
Snack Break by the Water
Grab a jam and cream puff from Rendall's Bakery for a delightful marina snack. :croissant:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kirkwall Marina Boats
Kirkwall Marina
Admire a diverse collection of boats, from small yachts to larger vessels, creating a picturesque harbor scene.
Waterfront Stroll
Kirkwall Marina promenade
Enjoy a refreshing walk along the marina, taking in sea air and views of the harbor and surrounding hills.
Local Wildlife Spotting
Marina waters and surrounding areas
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including geese and otters, often spotted near the water's edge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Marina Access & Amenities
Exploring Kirkwall
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Friendly Marina Staff
Staff are very friendly and helpful with berth access and information. :handshake:
Snack Break by the Water
Grab a jam and cream puff from Rendall's Bakery for a delightful marina snack. :croissant:
Central Location
Ideal spot to wander into Kirkwall for shops, restaurants, and bars. :city_sunrise:
Watch for Otters
You might spot otters and their pups fishing near the marina. :otter:
Tips
from all over the internet
Friendly Marina Staff
Staff are very friendly and helpful with berth access and information. :handshake:
Snack Break by the Water
Grab a jam and cream puff from Rendall's Bakery for a delightful marina snack. :croissant:
Central Location
Ideal spot to wander into Kirkwall for shops, restaurants, and bars. :city_sunrise:
Watch for Otters
You might spot otters and their pups fishing near the marina. :otter:
Car Traffic on Road
Be aware that cars use the road around the marina, it's not pedestrian-only. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kirkwall Marina is consistently praised for its friendly staff and excellent facilities, making it an ideal base for sailors and visitors alike. Its prime location offers easy access to Kirkwall's shops and restaurants, with many enjoying the scenic waterfront and potential wildlife sightings. While the road is shared with cars, the overall atmosphere is calm and pleasant.
"nice marina with nice boats, clean road, calm environment, with benches, however the road is not passangers only, its used by cars, not crowdy, big stones all around, they seem to be natural, not concrete artificially made, we wathed a goose on the water level"
solaris solaris
"Nice marina, very friendly staff.
We were here last yearwith the North Sea Triangle, with 15 Dutch yachts.
This year we are on our own. After a few days rest, refuelling and some shopping, we will continue to Faroer.
It was a real pleasure to be back again on the Orkneys!"
Erik Hardonk
"Great facility to have in Orkney, location ideal for sailors to wander into the centre of Kirkwall for restaurants, bars, or shopping. Picturesque sunsets over Wideford hill"
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kirkwall Marina is centrally located within Kirkwall, making it easily accessible on foot from the town center. If arriving by car, follow signs for the harbor. For sailors, it's a well-equipped marina with berth access.
Yes, Kirkwall Marina is well-equipped and run by @orkneymarinas, with staff like @leesa_guthrie available for berth access and information. It's a popular stop for sailors exploring Orkney.
While the marina road is used by cars, there are typically parking areas available in Kirkwall town center, a short walk from the marina.
Yes, Kirkwall has an airport (Kirkwall Airport - KOI) with connections to mainland Scotland. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to reach the marina.
The promenade offers a pleasant walk, but some areas might have uneven surfaces. It's advisable to check with marina staff for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting Kirkwall Marina and walking along the promenade is free and open to the public.
The marina itself is operational 24/7 for visiting vessels. The surrounding promenade and town access are also generally accessible at all times.
There are no fees for walking around the public areas of Kirkwall Marina.
Yes, you can contact @orkneymarinas for berth access and booking information.
Entry to view the boats from the public areas is free. Access to individual boats is at the discretion of the boat owners.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a waterfront stroll, admire the boats, spot local wildlife like otters and geese, and easily access Kirkwall town for shopping and dining. +1
Yes, there are benches along the promenade, offering spots to rest and enjoy the views.
The marina hosts a variety of vessels, from small yachts to larger sailing ships, reflecting its role as a hub for maritime activity. 
Absolutely! The marina offers picturesque scenes with boats, water, and often beautiful sunsets over Wideford Hill.
While not explicitly stated as a fishing spot, you might see people fishing from the pier or boats. Otters have been seen catching fish here.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Kirkwall Marina is ideally located for easy access to restaurants, bars, and cafes in the center of Kirkwall.
Rendall's Bakery is a local favorite, offering delicious jam and cream puffs perfect for a snack by the marina.
While there might not be direct breakfast spots at the marina itself, many cafes in Kirkwall open early and are just a short walk away.
Yes, Kirkwall town center, easily accessible from the marina, has several pubs and bars.
Look for local bakeries for treats like cream puffs and explore pubs for traditional Scottish fare.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the boats docked in the marina, the reflections on the water, and the scenic views of Wideford Hill, especially during sunset.
Late afternoon and early evening offer beautiful golden hour light and picturesque sunsets.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone over the marina.
The marina itself, with its boats and waterfront, is a key feature. The surrounding historic town of Kirkwall also offers many photographic opportunities.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expanse of the marina and surrounding landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The proximity to Kirkwall town means easy access to amenities like bakeries for treats, making it a convenient spot for a family outing. Remember that the road around the marina is used by cars, so keep a close eye on little ones. ⛵ Sailors and Boaters
🚶♀️ Walkers and Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Sailing and Boating at Kirkwall Marina
The marina's strategic location makes it an ideal stopping point for those undertaking longer voyages, such as the North Sea Triangle, or for those simply wishing to explore the beauty of Orkney. Sailors can expect a pleasant experience, with the marina providing essential facilities for rest, refueling, and provisioning before continuing their journeys.
+1Exploring Kirkwall from the Marina
Local recommendations highlight enjoying a 'jam and cream puff from Rendall's Bakery' as a perfect snack while taking a break by the marina.
This suggests a delightful blend of maritime scenery and local culinary experiences. The marina's location also offers opportunities for 'picturesque sunsets over Wideford hill,' adding to the charm of any visit. Wildlife Encounters at Kirkwall Marina
One notable mention is of 'otters and their pups catching fish like mad' down by the marina, offering a fascinating glimpse into local fauna. These sightings often occur near the water level, making them visible from the marina's edge or nearby piers. Beyond otters, visitors have also observed geese on the water, adding to the natural ambiance of the marina.
It's a reminder of the rich natural environment that surrounds Kirkwall and the Orkney Islands. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit