With so many marinas in the world, how do you know which ones to visit?
You’re in luck! We put together the top 30 marinas you absolutely must visit if you have the chance. We started with marinas close to home and gradually circled out to more luxurious and exotic marinas.
If you were to follow this article to the letter, you could end up as far away as Dubai!
Ready? Let’s get started with our journey.
#1 - Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi
Gorgeous white sand beaches, incredible sportfishing, and astonishingly warm waters make the Gulf of Mexico an ideal place for boaters. Unfortunately, due to the often shallow depths, arriving by boat can be somewhat difficult.
This challenging reality makes the Beau Rivage Resort an ideal location. As one of the few full-service destinations in the area that can accommodate large yachts, it can handle up to 200 feet LOA with 12-foot draft. And, of course, tying up at the Beau Rivage Marina gives full access to incredible amenities, including the casino, fitness and spa facilities. The dockside room service is the cherry on top.
#2 - Brewer Capri Marina, Port Washington, New York
Comprised of two adjoining facilities - Capri East and Capri West - Brewer Capri Marina offers nearly 350 berths for boats up to 150 feet in length. A marine service team comprised of certified mechanics, world-class riggers, qualified electronics technicians, and experienced finish specialists, is able to provide outstanding service for your boat.
Visitors can enjoy the picturesque village with gorgeous views of Manhasset Bay, a local theater, wonderful restaurants, and a variety shops. Visitors can also enjoy the annual Harborfest and summer concert series.
#3 - Charleston City Marina, Charleston, South Carolina
Southern hospitality is the name of the game at Charleston City Marina. Named the 2005 National Marina of the Year by Marina Dock Age Magazine, the spacious Charleston City Marina covers 40 acres of water. The marina is conveniently located close to Historic Downtown Charleston.
The marina has a MegaDock measuring 1,530 feet long, making it the longest free-standing floating fuel dock in the Southeast. Staffed by a competent team working to make every visitor feel welcome, this is a premier travel and boating location on the East Coast.
#4 - DiMillo’s Marina, Portland, Maine
Head up the East Coast and enjoy the beautiful Maine coastline! With slips available for both sailboats and powerboats up to 250 feet long, DiMillo’s Marina is the place to go when you’re in Maine. The port receives priority service at Maine's largest travel lift and volume discounts are available for both gas and diesel.
If you need any service work done, this active fishing and shipping port is ideal. Full yacht provisioning services and experienced marine-service personnel are just a short distance away. The quaint town of Portland, Maine is easily accessible, allowing you to enjoy a great selection of bars and restaurants (lobster roll anyone?).
#5 - Harbor Town Yacht Basin, Hilton Head, South Carolina
If you find yourself near Hilton Head Island, make sure to stop by this award winning marina. Located next to the gorgeous Sea Pines Resort, the Harbor Town Yacht Basin has been welcoming visitors for 40 years. Located at Calibogue Sound, the Harbour Town Yacht Basin is a premier yachting destination on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.
The full-service marina is open year-round and offers slip rentals and sales, fuel, marine supplies and apparel, professional yacht sales and brokerage dealer, as well as a friendly, experienced staff.
#6 - Haven Harbour Marina, Rock Hall, Maryland
Haven Harbour Marina is a perfect place to visit if you find yourself out on the Chesapeake Bay. Located in the beautiful harbor town of Rock Hall, this marina is known for its access to deep water. The boatyard and inn serve families and boating enthusiasts alike. From it’s location in the cove of The Haven on Swan Creek, Haven Harbour is close to several major ports, including Annapolis, Baltimore, and St. Michaels.
The marina has over fifty slips available to rent, as well as a variety of yacht repair services. Visitors can enjoy several pools, the Passages bar and grill, the marina store, a customer lounge, fitness rooms, laundry facilities, and a host of other amenities.
#7 - Hawk's Cay, Duck Key, Florida
With an 85-slip marina, Hawk’s Cay on Duck Key is one of, if not the most accommodating alternative to the more popular boating destinations of Islamorada and Key West. Duck Key is an absolute paradise for sportsman, with five islands interconnected by canals, as well as plenty of fishing and diving opportunities.
The marina and resort also conduct a variety of dolphin program for guests where they can feed, swim with, and help train the dolphins. And, of course, there are loads of dining and fitness activities available as well.
#8 - Inner Harbor, Baltimore, Maryland
You may be tempted to cruise by Baltimore’s Inner Harbor in favor of more remote or exotic locations. But don’t overlook this one just because it’s familiar. Sometimes the best places are closest to home.
Within the Inner Harbor, there are several specific marinas available to you, with each one having access to a number of specific local activities. In addition to the numerous restaurants at the Inner Harbor, you’ll find a number of historically significant locations as well, including the Civil War vessel USS Constellation, the Baltimore Maritime Museum and the National Aquarium, among others.
#9 - Marina Del Rey, Del Rey, California
Marina del Rey is the largest man-made harbor in North America. The coast of California doesn’t have many naturally occurring spots with the calm waters you need to park a boat. Hence the need for a massive man-made marina.
Marina Del Rey can accommodate nearly 5,000 yachts and has over 1,000 hotel rooms for those who want to stretch their land legs. The marina also has around 30 restaurants, a movie theater, shopping center, 12 acres of beach, and transportation to nearby Los Angeles.
#10 - Montauk Yacht Club, Montauk, New York
Want to feel like you’re part of an exclusive club? Head over to the Montauk Yacht Club, which lies just beyond the Hamptons. Despite a sense of exclusivity, the Montauk Yacht Club doesn’t require membership for mariners to enjoy slip space and the facilities.
The 232-slip marina can accommodate yachts of 175 feet, and berths can be rented on a nightly basis or for the entire season. In addition to facilities and adjacent guest rooms, there are some extras things for you to enjoy, including a cigar bar, lighted tennis courts, a sauna, and three pools.
#11 - Farley State Marina, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Farley State Marina (formerly Trump Marina) is currently managed by Golden Nugget. Don’t hate it because of its former association with the Donald. Farley State Marina is a convenient East Coast destination that will probably deliver more than you'd expect.
Even though the 630-slip marina is owned by the New Jersey division of Parks and Forestry, it is managed by Golden Nugget, which is directly across from the marina. The marina can accommodate ships up to 300 feet long, has laundry, shower, and restroom facilities, provides access to wifi and wine at the business center, as well as access to a pool and bar. The Golden Nugget has 728 guests rooms available, eight restaurants, exercise facilities and, of course, gambling at the casinos.
#12 - Westin Key West Resort & Marina, Key West, Florida
The Westin Key Marina is the place to go if you want an outstanding marina combined with old time charm. This 37-slip marina is located on the waterfront in Old Town, and can accommodate vessels from 25 to 200 feet. The slips come complete with electrical and water hook-ups.
The beauty of the Westin Key West Marina is that it’s only steps away from shops, restaurants, and the charming architecture of Old Town. Get out, stretch your legs, and enjoy the beauty of Key West.
#13 - Westport Marina, Port of Grays Harbor, Washington
Located in the gorgeous Northwest, the Westport Marina is the Pacific Northwest’s largest coastal marina, and as such, can accommodate 600 vessels of up to 200 feet with a water depth of 16 feet.
At the full-service Westport Marina, visitors can enjoy the outstanding fishing pier and boardwalk, the Westport Maritime Museum, plus the stunning views from Grays Harbor Bar or the marina’s viewing platform.
#14 - Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, Waikiki, Hawaii
Ahh, Hawaii. Land of sun, volcanoes, and gorgeous beaches. If you find yourself near Waikiki, make sure to stop off at the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. The harbor, which is close to the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki & Golf Club, can accommodate vessels up to 85 feet with their 699 berths and 85 mooring spaces.
And, of course, since you’re in Hawaii, you’re going to want to explore the surrounding area. Visitors can walk to the beaches and parks at Ala Moana, shop at the Ala Moana Center, or take advantage of the absolutely stunning photo ops of Diamond Head.
# 15 - Tidewater Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, Virginia
Every year, thousands of visitors flock to Portsmouth to see this award winning marina. It’s central location between Florida and New York makes it a convenient stopping off point, which is why it’s not uncommon for over 4,000 people to visit it in any given year.
Once you’ve secured your birth, you’re going to want to stretch your legs and check out the surrounding area. The marina’s convenient location in Olde Towne means that it’s an easy walk to museums, an art gallery, and the Old Harbor Market.
#16 - Bahia Mar Beach Resort & Yachting Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
If you want to see some seriously large water vessels, it’s hard to beat this marina! The Bahia Mar Beach Resort & Yachting Center is a vast marina, covering 40 acres and offering 250 slips for boats, including slips for 100 mega yachts, which can accommodate boats up to 250 feet in length.
And don’t forget to check out the area surrounding the marina! Once you’ve departed from your vessel, you’re only steps away from the resort’s beach, restaurants, and heated outdoor swimming pool.
#17 - Marina del Ray, Madisonville, Louisiana
If you’re in a cajun mood, don’t miss Marina del Ray. Boasting as ‘the largest marina in Louisiana,’ Marina del Ray is set within a gloriously spacious resort community of 121 acres. Lake Pontchartrain is a quick boat ride down river from the Marina’s boat launch if you are looking for open waters.
Offering floating docks, transient bathrooms and shower, covered slips, a fun barge with a pool, and dry docking, Marina del Ray is tucked in an historic harbour on the Tchefuncte River.
#18 - Nonantum Inn and Resort, Kennebunkport, Maine
If you find yourself far up the East Coast, make sure to swing by the Nonantum Inn and Resort. Since 1883, the Nonantum Inn and Resort has been drawing visitors to the southern coast of Maine.
With 15 slips plus an additional 20 spots for dinghies, the Nonantum Inn and Resort can accommodate boats up to 40 feet. The marina features casually elegant accommodations, award-winning dining, on-site activities, boat and trolley tours, and an ideal location close to the shops and galleries of Dock Square, and the beaches.
#19 - Harbor View Hotel & Resort, Edgartown, MA
If you find yourself near Martha’s Vineyard, you absolutely must stop by this marina. The small marina was named the ‘Best Hotel on Martha’s Vineyard’ by Cape Cod Magazine, and offers a 100 foot pier with only 6 berths for transient docking (advance reservations are recommended).
After docking, you can take time to explore the beauty of the surrounding island, including golf courses, bike paths, bird watching, an outdoor heated pool, art galleries, and beautiful beaches.
#20 - Grand Bay Hotel and Marina, Bahia Navidad, Mexico
The Bahia Navidad is cozily nestled between Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta is. Until recently, this bay, which was discovered on Christmas in 1540, was relatively overlooked.
The Bahia Navidad finally drew attention when the Grand Bay Hotel and Marina, which is managed by the Wyndham hotel chain, were constructed. Now visitors can come and enjoy a 27-hole Gold Medal golf course, excellent fishing, a private beach, pools, tennis courts, a freshwater lagoon, restaurants, and more. The Barrio de Navidad is also accessible by local water taxi.
#21 - Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands. A gorgeous retreat in the Caribbean. If you’re there, you don’t want to miss Yacht Haven Grande, especially if you’re a fan of superyachts. Many see it as the premier marina in the Caribbean for superyachts. Located along the Charlotte Amalie Harbor, it offers side-to berthing for yachts more than 450 feet long and has 48 slips and 5.5-meter concrete docks and piers.
The facilities are also outstanding, and include catering, laundry, chandlery and even a florist. If you’re in the shopping mood, you’ll find everything you need at the shopping mall with 80,000 square feet of retail spaces, which includes variety of eating, entertainment and recreational options. You’ll also discover gorgeous seaside residences in the area.
#22 - Port de Gustavia, Saint Barths
It’s difficult to beat Port de Gustavia in Saint Barths. During the high season, it‘s one of the most select marinas on earth, due to the absolutely gorgeous location and wonderful climate during the winter period. It’s especially in-demand during the winter season and Christmas and New Year. This is when the rich and famous come in to ring in the New Year.
Port de Gustavia is not a particularly large marina, with only a small number of berths for large superyachts. This makes it very difficult to get a reservation during the winter season. However, if you can get into the marina, you’ll discover gorgeous white sand beaches, incredible restaurants, and an enthusiastic nightlife.
#23 - Marina Grande, Capri, Italy
If you’ve got money to spend, you’re going to want to check out Marina Grande on the island of Capri. The marina has been reported to be on average the most expensive marina in the world. With over 300 berths in total, the facility can accommodate superyachts of up to 200 feet LOA.
This marina is absolutely gorgeous. The marina is encompassed by a number of luxury hotels and restaurants with spectacular views. Obviously, these luxuries mean the island has a unique draw for the rich and famous.
If you secure a berth at the marina, you can enjoy shopping in some of the world’s most luxurious boutiques, relaxing on one of Capri’s gorgeous beaches, or enjoying one of the city’s many restaurants or exclusive nightclubs.
#24 - Marina di Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy
Marina di Porto is another place to visit if you’ve got the money to spend. Second only to Marina Grande in terms of expense, Marina di Porto Cervo is located on the northern tip of Sardinia. With daily berthing fees over 2,500 euros during the high season, this isn’t a place for those looking to scrimp and save. The marina can accommodate up to 60 superyachts.
Many celebrities have been spotted in Porto Cervo, including the likes of Kate Moss to Denzel Washington. With extravagant parties and nightlife, this is clearly a place for the rich and famous, and even includes a “Billionaire Nightclub”. And, of course, you can enjoy the astonishing natural beauty, high-end boutiques, and high-class nightclubs.
#25 - Marina di Portofino, Genova, Italy
Marina di Portofino isn’t necessarily easy to get into. It only has 14 berths for superyachts, and the average berthing price of well over 2,000 euros. These factors contribute to Marina di Portofino being one of the most, if not the most, discrete ports in the world. The distinct lack of berths mean that reservations will need to be made many months in advance.
Because the marina is only accessible by one road, most people come to the marina via boat. This creates a secluded and highly exclusive atmosphere. Of course, if you do secure a berth there, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the gorgeous scenery and the beautiful surrounding village.
#26 - Ibiza Magna, Ibiza, Spain
While many marinas are renowned for their incredible scenery, Ibiza Magna offers something a little different. With a limited number of superyacht berths, the marina creates a sense of both luxury and exclusiveness.
The marina itself is only minutes away from casinos and nightclubs, which is perfect for the many young, rich people who make their way to this marina. There are berths for yachts up to 200 here. Larger vessels can must anchor outside of the main harbour. September is when Ibiza hosts the dance parties which signify the closing of the summer season, making this the most expensive time to visit.
#27 - Puerto Banús, Marbella, Spain
Puerto Banus is a must-see location, especially if you have are wealthy enough to have a luxury yacht. Founded by Jose Banús, who was a property developer, it was built in 1970, and it has since become something of a playground for the wealthy.
This massive marina has over 900 berths in total, and a total surface area of 150,000 square metres. Beach space can be found either side of the marina. It’s not cheap though. It can easily cost over 2,400 euros per day to berth in the marina. The marina itself is under the shadow of the Sierra de Marbella mountain range, and is surrounded by numerous shops, restaurants, and luxury homes.
#28 - Port de Saint Tropez, France
Who wouldn’t want to visit the French Riviera? Port de Saint Tropez is one of the most famous ports around the world, and has space for over 700 berths for boats with an area covering 22 acres. The marina can accommodate yachts up to 230 feet long, with larger vessels anchoring further out.
This glamorous port has become a popular destination for celebrities, models, millionaires and superstars. The sophisticated marina offers luxury restaurants, shops, and expensive clubs, while still keeping a quaint charm and classic feel. The marina also has a thriving nightlife.
#29 - Port Hercule, Monaco
Monaco. The destination for the rich and famous. A place to find luxury, wealth, extravagance, superyachts, incredibly restaurants, and casinos. Those who can afford a berth at Port Hercule can enjoy the Monaco Grand Prix in May and the Monaco Yacht Show in September.
The hills surrounding Port Hercule provide beautiful scenery, and the port’s access to nearby attractions is extremely convenient. The views of the marina and town at night, when the twinkling lights of boats and buildings combine to create a truly spectacular sight.
#30 - Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi
Might as well go big or go home, right? Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi is the premier Middle Eastern destination for superyachts. This sprawling 227-berth marina can accommodate superyachts up to 500 feet (yes, that big) LOA. Visitors get access to gorgeous coastlines, deserted islands and the nearby cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
At the marina you’ll find vibrant dining, as well as lifestyle, fitness and entertainment centers. Visitors can also visit the Yas Marina Circuit, which is home to the annual Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as well as numerous other motorsport experiences. As the port continues to be developed, visitors can expect a Ferrari theme park, a water park, and residential areas with houses, hotels and private beaches.
...and Bonus Marina!
#31 - Orange Beach Marina, Orange Beach, Alabama
The Gulf Of Mexico is known for it’s gorgeous beaches, balmy waters, and outstanding sport fishing, and Orange Beach Marina is no exception. A full-service marina in a fully protected harbor, Orange Beach is located near prime fishing waters, anglers can expect to catch snapper, ling, mackerel, grouper, mahi mahi, and even tuna. The marina offers engine and yacht repair, boat and yacht sales, electronics service, fishing charters, and delightful water sports.
The dining experience at Orange Beach is out of this world, with Fisher’s being named a top 100 eatery in the South by Southern Living. In addition to Fishers, there are numerous other eateries nearby, as well as 8 premier golf courses. And if you need to travel, there is a full service private airport just minutes away.