Ultimate Guide to Marinas in America

---

Whether you are a Great Loop enthusiast, a weekend angler, or a luxury yacht owner, finding the right marina is about more than just a slip, it’s about amenities, safety, and community. From the rugged coastline of Maine to the tropical waters of the Florida Keys and the deep blue of the Pacific Northwest, America offers some of the finest maritime infrastructure in the world.

At Suncoast Boat Haulers, we move vessels to every corner of the country. Here is our curated guide to the top marina hubs in America.

The East Coast is steeped in maritime history. Marinas here range from historic Newport docks to the massive protected basins of the Chesapeake Bay.

• Newport Shipyard (Newport, RI): Known as the epicenter of New England yachting, capable of handling the world’s largest superyachts.

• Safe Harbor Wentworth by the Sea (New Castle, NH): A premier destination for those cruising the northern Atlantic waters.

• Liberty Landing Marina (Jersey City, NJ): Offering the most iconic views of the Manhattan skyline and easy access to NY Harbor.

• Annapolis Yacht Basin (Annapolis, MD): Located in the "Sailing Capital of the World," this is a must-stop for anyone navigating the Chesapeake.

• Coinjock Marina (Coinjock, NC): A legendary stop on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) famous for its hospitality and prime rib.

Florida is the boating capital of the world, boasting the highest concentration of marinas in the United States.

• Bahia Mar Yachting Center (Fort Lauderdale, FL):Home to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

• Miami Beach Marina (Miami, FL): Located at the gateway to the Atlantic with 400+ slips and world-class dining.

• Conch Republic Marine Yacht Club (Key West, FL): The southernmost professional marina facility in the continental U.S.

• Marina Jack (Sarasota, FL): The crown jewel of Florida’s Gulf Coast, offering deep-water access and a vibrant downtown atmosphere.

• Pompano Beach Marine Center (Pompano Beach, FL): A hub for serious sportfishing rigs.

The Gulf Coast offers protected bayous, deep-sea fishing access, and some of the most resilient marina facilities in the country.

• The Wharf Marina (Orange Beach, AL): A premier resort-style marina with shopping, dining, and an amphitheater.

• Orleans Marina (New Orleans, LA): Historic slips located right on Lake Pontchartrain.

• Galveston Yacht Basin (Galveston, TX): The premier Texas destination for offshore anglers and transient cruisers.

• Palacios Marine Center (Palacios, TX): A key service hub for vessels traveling the western Gulf.

The Great Lakes offer a "freshwater ocean" experience with massive, state-of-the-art facilities that rival any coastal salt-water port.

• DuSable Harbor (Chicago, IL): Located in the heart of downtown Chicago on Lake Michigan.

• Mackinac Island State Harbor (Mackinac Island, MI): One of the most scenic and sought-after slips in the country (reservations required months in advance).

• Grosse Pointe Yacht Club (Grosse Pointe Shores, MI): Often ranked as one of the top yacht clubs in America.

• Erie Basin Marina (Buffalo, NY): Providing a gateway from Lake Erie to the Niagara River.

From the high-tech docks of San Francisco to the rugged, forested inlets of Washington, the West Coast offers a diverse boating experience.

• Safe Harbor Shelter Island (San Diego, CA): A major hub for sailors preparing for Mexican or Pacific crossings.

• Marina del Rey (Los Angeles, CA): The world's largest man-made small-craft harbor with over 4,000 slips.

• South Beach Harbor (San Francisco, CA):Located right next to Oracle Park—perfect for "Splash Hits" during Giants games.

• Elliott Bay Marina (Seattle, WA): A world-class facility with incredible views of the Space Needle and Mt. Rainier.

• Roche Harbor Resort (San Juan Islands, WA): A boutique destination known for its historic charm and sunset colors ceremony.

Not all docks are created equal. When selecting your home port or a transient stop, consider the following "Suncoast Call-outs":

1. MLW (Mean Low Water) Depth: Ensure the marina can accommodate your draft during low tide, especially in the Chesapeake or parts of Florida.

2. Power Requirements: Does the marina offer 30-amp, 50-amp, or 100-amp service? High-end yachts need reliable shore power.

3. Protection: Look for "hurricane holes" or marinas with substantial breakwaters to protect your vessel from surge and heavy chop.

4. On-Site Services: Is there a fuel dock (gas/diesel), a pump-out station, and a ship store?

5. Haul-Out Capabilities: Does the marina have a Travelift or a ramp? This is crucial if you need emergency repairs or are scheduling a pick-up with Suncoast Boat Haulers.

Moving a boat between these major hubs requires professional coordination. At Suncoast Boat Haulers, we specialize in cross-country marine logistics. We handle the permits, the route planning, and the air-ride transport to ensure your boat arrives at its new slip in pristine condition.