Getting safely through Great Yarmouth

Getting through Great Yarmouth means crossing Breydon Water which can be rough in high winds.

This means planning ahead and crossing at the right times at low water. Don't attempt to cross in fog.

You'll need to cross Breydon Water if you want to cruise between the northern rivers (Bure, Ant and Thurne) and the southern rivers (Yare, Chet and Waveney).

If in doubt whether it's safe to cross, call Broads Control on 01603 756056 or Great Yarmouth Yacht Station on 01493 842794.

• Time your arrival in Great Yarmouth to coincide with low water levels. The best time to arrive is around one hour after low water, when the tidal flow is at is slowest, known as slack water. At slack/low water the current is weaker so it's easier to moor and there is more room under bridges.
• If you try to cross at high water, you may not get under bridges and there is nowhere safe to wait for the tide to drop if you are on Breydon side. To find out when low water is at Great Yarmouth Yacht Station check the tide tables.
• It will take about 2¼ hours to get to Great Yarmouth from Acle and about 2 hours from Reedham or St Olaves.
• Stay within posts - there is shallow water outside the posted channel.
• Everyone should wear a life jacket, but especially when crossing Breydon Water.
• Make sure your mobile phone is charged.

You can download a Download a map and instructions (PDF) here.

Ranger patrols on Breydon

Regular Ranger patrols are made to coincide with high tide at Great Yarmouth Yacht Station during the summer and updates are passed regularly to the Yacht Station and Broads Control. If in doubt, check with Great Yarmouth Yacht Station 01493 842794. Passage should not be attempted in fog.

You'll find additional information from rangers in our Breydon navigation notes.

Breydon Water byelaws

Broads Authority Speed Limit Byelaws apply on Breydon Water although there are no speed limits. All vessels must exercise care navigating this stretch under the Broads Authority Navigation Byelaws.