Conwy Bay lies between Puffin Island and Great Orme Head, both of which are easily recognisable. The first stage involves finding and identifying the red-and-white fairway buoy, (LFl.10s), the co-ordinates of which are given in the data. The bar is shown drying at CD, but even at MLWS it will have about half a metre, and more at MLWN. Another drying patch at CD is The Scabs, which is adjacent to the red can buoy C6. In practice this makes the channel usable for most boats about four hours either side of high water.
For entry purposes, bear in mind that at half ebb during springs the tidal outflows in the narrow parts of the channel can reach 7 kn. For a first-time visitor, the ideal time to enter would be a couple of hours before high water, and never to leave it later than high water. Bear in mind entry to the marina is only possible a maximum of three hours either side of high water. Pushing further into the Conwy estuary, Beacons Jetty will be seen and is left off on your starboard side. Conwy Marina entrance is to starboard.
There is a speed limit within the estuary of 10 knots between the Perch Light and Cymryd Point. A Dead Slow speed limit with no excessive wash is in operation within the confines of the marinas.
Caution! Buoy positions should not be used as waypoints. Doing this puts you at risk of colliding with the buoy in poor visibility.
