10 Top Destinations for Day Sailing Around Macduff

Macduff, though a working harbour, is an ideal base for day sailing along Scotland’s northeast coastline. With a marina in nearby Banff, calm bays, rugged cliffs and charming fishing villages, the Moray Firth offers plenty to explore for sailors of all levels. Whether you’re after wildlife spotting, historic harbours or delicious local food, our guide highlights some of the best spots for day sails from Macduff, with a few essential reminders about navigation and safety equipment.

Sailing west from MacDuff …

Banff Bay

A short sail west from Macduff, Banff Bay offers a gentle introduction to coastal cruising. The bay’s sandy beaches and calm waters suit beginners or anyone looking for an easy day out. 

Banff is a picturesque town with beautiful Georgian architecture and friendly locals. Visitors can explore Duff House or take riverside trails through Wrack Woods. Wildlife enthusiasts often spot seals and seabirds in the bay.

Safety Note: Banff Marina has low water times so if you are in a yacht with a keel, do check your arrival time. There is talk of dredging it again soon.

Where to eat: Located in the centre of Banff, the Broken Fiddle Café is a cosy family-run business that serves freshly-made homecooked food. The ‘Famous’ Spotty Bag Shop also has an excellent café, then there is the Castle Garden Café and – not to be forgotten – the Knowes Hotel in Macduff itself.

Portsoy

Portsoy’s historic 17th-century harbour is a highlight, known for its sturdy piers and charming atmosphere. The town has galleries and craft shops showcasing local talent, as well as The Salmon Bothy (museum and community space), plenty to explore after mooring.

If your timing’s right, the annual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival takes place in June, celebrating the north east’s maritime heritage with music and dance entertainment, Scottish delicacies and handmade gifts.  

Where to eat: From haggis to locally caught seafood, Station Hotel offers an extensive a-la-carte menu with all dishes cooked to order; the Aspire restaurant also has regular great reviews from customers.  Family-run Portsoy Ice Cream makes a huge range of homemade artisan ice creams and sorbets in the shop, as well as hot and cold drinks and waffles.

Cullen

Cullen is a picturesque town with a sheltered bay, a beautiful beach, and great mooring for a leisurely day sail. Its famous viaduct looks even more impressive from the water. 

Where to eat: Cullen Skink, a creamy smoked haddock soup, originated here and is a must-try, ideally from the Cullen Bay Hotel where it was originally produced. Don’t miss the Cullen Ice Cream Shop, known locally for its fantastic range of homemade ice creams – a lovely treat on a sunny day. For a more substantial meal, the Seafield Arms Hotel offers dishes from land and sea made from high quality local produce, as well as an afternoon tea menu.

Findochty

Findochty is a small, colourful harbour village with fishermen’s cottages lining the shore. It’s calm and sheltered, ideal for a peaceful stop. Walking paths offer lovely coastal views and opportunities for birdwatching and photography.

Where to eat: The Admirals Inn is a local favourite for traditional pub grub, Sunday roasts and local dishes.

Hopeman

Hopeman’s harbour and wide sandy beach make it popular for families and sailors. The calm waters are good for windsurfing and paddleboarding on fair days.

Where to eat: With stunning sea views, Bootleggers Bar & Grill serves seafood and salads to share.

Findhorn Bay

Findhorn Bay is a wildlife haven with sheltered waters and a marina for berthing, so is ideal for gentle exploration. The surrounding marshes host many bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

The village of Findhorn has art galleries, cafés and the Findhorn Heritage Centre, providing insight into the area’s fishing and ecological heritage.

Where to eat: Full of character, the Kimberley Inn serves excellent local seafood in an inviting atmosphere.

Bonus: Going Further Afield

More adventurous sailors can head as far as Lossiemouth with its excellent marina and wide selection of eating establishments, or even carry on under the Cromarty bridge into Inverness Marina if making a trip towards the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness.

Sailing east from MacDuff …

Tarlair and Troup Head

Tarlair Swimming Pool, an atmospheric 1930s art deco lido built into the base of a sea cliff, is a striking landmark to sail past. Its tiered pools against the sea make for great photos. If mooring in Macduff, it’s definitely worth a visit to the recently refurbished art deco building there which hosts a community run café with excellent lunchtime options, or come at weekends to watch the model boats on the main pool. Check the Friends of Tarlair Facebook page for opening times or more information.

Troup Head is a must for wildlife lovers. This RSPB reserve hosts one of the UK’s few mainland gannet colonies, along with guillemots, razorbills and puffins. The soaring cliffs offer breathtaking views from sea and shore. You may even be lucky enough to spot dolphins or minke whales!  

Safety note: Weather can change quickly here – ensure your GPS, VHF radio and other navigation gear are all working properly.

Gardenstown and Crovie

East from Macduff, Gardenstown and Crovie sit beneath towering cliffs, offering dramatic and memorable scenery. Gardenstown’s harbour is best for experienced sailors due to tides and winds but the stunning views make it worth the effort.

Crovie is one of Scotland’s smallest fishing villages with a single street of cottages right on the shore. From the sea, these villages seem frozen in time with traditional boats bobbing in the harbours.

Where to eat: Just a stone’s throw from the coast, The Garden Arms in Gardenstown is a traditional pub offering hearty pub classics – ideal for refuelling after a day on the water.

Pennan

Pennan, famous for the 1983 film Local Hero starring Burt Lancaster, is a tiny village nestled beneath dramatic cliffs. From the water, its row of whitewashed cottages makes a striking impression. The red phone box, which featured prominently in the film, still stands proudly near the harbour and remains a popular photo spot for visitors.

The harbour is small and best suited to calm conditions and smaller boats but it’s a peaceful and atmospheric stop for sailors seeking a bit of movie magic.

Where to eat: Pennan is limited for places to eat but Coastal Cuppie (shut on Thursdays) serves tea, coffee and cake from a small cabin on the pier with breathtaking views of the North Sea.  

Stonehaven

A longer sail from Macduff, Stonehaven features a bustling harbour, great facilities and rich history. It’s the gateway to Dunnottar Castle, dramatically perched atop a 160-foot rock and visible from the water. Stonehaven itself is lively with shops and cafés full of maritime character.

Where to eat: The Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant offers exquisite seafood and a fine dining experience. The Marine Hotel is highly recommended for food, handy for the marina, and serves beers from its in-house Six° North Brewery. And, of course, mustn’t forget the world famous fish and chip shop, The Carron Fish Bar, birthplace of the deep fried Mars Bar!

Bonus: Moray West Windfarm

For the more adventurous, the Moray West windfarm area is a popular challenge. Local racing sailors use it for practice, navigating open water and testing their skills.

Navigation tip: offshore sailing demands fully functional navigation and safety gear – make sure your VHF radio, chart plotter, lifejackets and flares are in top condition before heading out. Buccaneer can supply all your essential equipment. 

Safety and Equipment Reminders

Day sailing along the Moray coast offers incredible rewards but also requires preparation. Weather can be unpredictable, tides are strong in some areas and some harbours are exposed.  

Always:

• check weather and tide forecasts before sailing
• carry up-to-date charts and GPS navigation devices
• ensure your VHF radio is operational
• wear appropriate lifejackets and have safety gear like flares on board
• let someone know your planned route

At Buccaneer, we stock a full range of navigation and safety equipment to keep you sailing confidently and safely.

Visit Buccaneer in Macduff!

With so many fantastic destinations within easy reach of Macduff, day sails can be tailored to suit any interest – wildlife watching, historic towns, stunning coastal walks or sampling fresh local cuisine.

If you have questions about sailing in the area, want recommendations for places to visit or need advice on navigation and safety equipment, pop by our chandlery in Macduff or contact our knowledgeable team. We’re here to help you make the most of your sailing adventures along the beautiful Moray coast! Or pop in to pick up your FREE copy of “The Ports of Scotland Yearbook” with lots of useful information on sailing into harbours around Scotland.