Preston Marina sits on the River Ribble within Preston's redeveloped docklands, accessed through a tidal lock.

The lock gates can open from one hour before to two hours after High Water (Liverpool), meaning the river is navigable for roughly two and a half hours around high tide.

Vessels should call "Riversway" on VHF Channel 16; the marina itself operates on VHF Channel 80. Once through the lock and swing bridge, the marina lies immediately to port.

Heading downstream (west) offers the most navigable stretch of the Ribble toward Lytham and the sea, while upstream travel is limited to around three-quarters of a mile before low bridges and shallow water become obstacles.

Onward access to the wider canal network — via the Rufford Branch of the Leeds–Liverpool Canal at Tarleton or the Ribble Link to the Lancaster Canal — requires pre-arrangement with the Canal & River Trust.

Preston is well connected by road and rail, with the M6 passing close by and Preston Railway Station on the West Coast Main Line a short distance from the marina.