Discover the Top Marinas on the East Coast
Boating along the East Coast offers diverse and unique experiences, from the rugged coastline of Maine to the warm tropical waters of Florida. Whether you’re seeking serene landscapes, bustling harbors, or historic towns, the East Coast has it all. Here is a list we compiled of some of our favorite marinas that offer the best of what the Eastern Seaboard has to offer.
We based our top picks of the marinas that we have been to ourselves, ones that are the easiest to get in and out of by water and by land with transportation in mind. This list is just a sampling of the marinas that we often transport boats and yachts in and out of. In this list that we have put together here you can expect that each one of these marinas can handle boats and yachts from small to large, basically if it can be transported by land any one of these marinas on this list can accept in incoming delivery or an outbound transport. We provide a detailed look at a few of the best marinas in each state, including what makes them special and the attractions nearby. If you have any marinas that you would like to add to the list, please feel free to comment below and let us know.
Front Street Shipyard
Maine
Maine’s coastline is known for its picturesque harbors, historic lighthouses, and beautiful waters of the North Atlantic. Did someone say lobster? From the dock to your plate boaters can enjoy fresh local seafood, visit beautiful coastal towns, and a relaxed atmosphere. Although the boating season in Maine tends to be a little short, only running from about late May to early September so plan your trips accordingly.
Marinas:
Port Harbor Marine, South Portland
- Features: Wet and dry storage, boat rentals, and full-service repair facilities, the largest travel lift in the Northeast capable of lifting 480 tons, easy for water transport and navigation, ample space for hauling, loading, and transport boats and yachts of all sizes both in and out by truck.
- Nearby Attractions: Old Port district with shops and restaurants, Portland Head Light, Bug Light Park.
- Restaurants: DiMillo’s On the Water, J’s Oyster, The Porthole Restaurant & Pub.
207-767-3254
Front Street Shipyard, Belfast
- Features: Extensive repair services, indoor and outdoor storage, and transient boat and yacht dockage, easy for water transport and navigation, ample space for hauling, loading, and transport boats and yachts of all sizes both in and out by truck.
- Nearby Attractions: Belfast City Park, Penobscot Marine Museum.
- Restaurants: Nautilus Seafood & Grill, Young’s Lobster Pound, Delvino’s Grill & Pasta House.
207-930-3740
Macdougals Marina
Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers a mix of bustling urban harbors and serene, historic towns. The rich history in these areas is always our favorite part of the region. Boaters can explore Boston, Plymouth, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket. Massachusetts is one of those regions of the country that makes boat and yacht transport very challenging, these marinas here are picked out as some of the easiest to get in and out of, especially for larger vessels.
Marinas:
MacDougalls’ Cape Cod Marine Service, Falmouth
- Features: Full-service boatyard, transient slips, and yacht brokerage.
- Nearby Attractions: Martha’s Vineyard ferry, Shining Sea Bikeway.
- Restaurants: The Clam Shack, La Cucina Sul Mare, Quicks Hole Tavern.
508-548-3146
MarineMax Boston, Quincy
- Features: Sales, service, and storage facilities with access to Boston Harbor.
- Nearby Attractions: Boston Harbor Islands, New England Aquarium, Freedom Trail.
- Restaurants: Legal Harborside, Chart House, Yankee Lobster Co.
617-288-1000
Safe Harbor Shipyard
Rhode Island
Rhode Island, known as the Ocean State, offers excellent sailing conditions and numerous bays and inlets. Newport is a major boating hub with a rich maritime history. This region is one of the better areas to get larger vessels in and out of whether it is by land or by sea.
Marinas:
Safe Harbor Cowessett, Warwick
- Features: Comprehensive amenities including wet slips, repair services, and recreational facilities. This facility is easy to get in and out of with our larger boat transports, they can accommodate boats of all sizes here.
- Nearby Attractions: Goddard Memorial State Park, East Greenwich Historic District.
- Restaurants: Finn’s Harborside, BLU on the Water, The Shanty.
401-884-0544
Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, Newport
- Features: Over 3,500 linear feet of dock space, accommodates yachts up to 300+ feet, comprehensive refit and repair services, Belle’s Café, fitness center, and more. This marina is easy for water transport and navigation, ample space for hauling, loading, and transport boats and yachts of all sizes both in and out by even our largest trucks.
- Nearby Attractions: Newport Mansions, Fort Adams State Park, International Tennis Hall of Fame.
- Restaurants: Belle’s Café, The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar, Midtown Oyster Bar.
401-846-6000
Norwalk Cove Marina
Connecticut
Connecticut’s coastline features a mix of quaint New England towns and vibrant cities. The Long Island Sound offers sheltered waters ideal for boating. Connecticut is a great area to get vessels in and out of when other areas are inaccessible. Don’t miss a chance to grab some great seafood while in this area!
Marinas:
Norwalk Cove Marina, Norwalk
- Features: Full-service marina with repair, maintenance, and storage. This marina is a convenient alternative for boat owners located on the North side of Long Island wanting to save money and time for their overland transport.
- Nearby Attractions: Maritime Aquarium, Stepping Stones Museum for Children.
- Restaurants: Harbor Lights, Sunset Grille, Sono Seaport Seafood.
203-838-2326
Bridgeport Boatworks, Bridgeport
- Features: Comprehensive repair services and transient dockage. This is a massive marina that can accommodate large yachts, easy to get in and out of and another great alternative for boat owners in Long Island, NY to bring their vessels to save money on transport costs.
- Nearby Attractions: Beardsley Zoo, Seaside Park.
- Restaurants: Ralph ‘n’ Rich’s, Boca Oyster Bar, Brewport.
860-536-9651
Liberty Landing Marina
New Jersey
New Jersey offers diverse boating experiences, from the bustling marinas near New York City to the tranquil waters of the southern shore. This area is great for fishing both inshore and offshore. New Jersey is usually the cutoff point for the best price breaks for large yacht transports into the Northeastern region of the country due to higher bridges and less complicated traffic patterns.
Marinas:
Stone Harbor Marina Inc, Stone Harbor
- Features: Full-service marina with slips, storage, and repair services. Great access to the South Shore region of NJ and DE.
- Nearby Attractions: Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, Wetlands Institute.
- Restaurants: Quahog’s Seafood Shack, The Watering Hull, Buckets Margarita Bar & Cantina.
609-368-1141
Liberty Landing Marina, Jersey City
- Features: Extensive amenities including fuel docks, boat services, and waterfront dining. This is a great location to launch larger boats and yachts that are going to points North, whether to the Long Island Region or other New England locations, this puts you right in range.
- Nearby Attractions: Liberty State Park, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty.
- Restaurants: Liberty House Restaurant, Maritime Parc, Hudson & Co.
201-985-8000
Herrington Harbour North
Maryland
Boating Atmosphere: Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay offers some of the best boating in the country, with numerous rivers, creeks, and coves to explore. Rich in history and culture this region is one of our favorites, and I am not just saying this because I am from the area. Don’t miss your chance to get the best blue crabs and crab cakes in the country. Maryland is another one of those states that is generally considered the cutoff for getting the largest of boats and yachts transported in and out of. This first marina on our list is honestly one of my favorite marinas on the entire East Coast, it is massive, with plenty of room and options to get your boats and yachts moved in and transported out of.
Marinas:
Herrington Harbour North Marina, Tracys Landing
- Features: Beautiful facilities with full-service amenities and recreational options, 3 travel lifts, forklifts, repair, and transient dockage. One of the largest private marinas on the East Coast with some of the highest customer reviews. Clean and safe, easy to load and unload large marine vessels.
- Nearby Attractions: Chesapeake Beach Water Park, North Beach Boardwalk.
- Restaurants: Dockside Restaurant & Sports Bar, The Rod ‘N’ Reel, Abner’s Crab House, Traders Restaurant.
410-867-4343
Bert Jabin Yacht Yard, Annapolis
- Features: Premier facilities with repair, storage, and yacht sales. Large facility with plenty of dockage space and easy transportation to and from the marina.
- Nearby Attractions: United States Naval Academy, Historic Annapolis.
- Restaurants: Boatyard Bar & Grill, Carrol’s Creek Cafe, The Iron Rooster, O’Leary’s Seafood Restaurant.
410-268-9667
Sunset Marina, Ocean City
- Features: Full-service marina with transient slips and on-site amenities. Large travel lift and forklifts to accommodate large boats, close to the Inlet for fast access to the Atlantic.
- Nearby Attractions: Ocean City Boardwalk, Assateague Island.
- Restaurants: Harborside Bar & Grill, The Shark on the Harbor, Sunset Grille, Threshers Boardwalk Fries.
410-213-9600
Cobbs Marina
Virginia
Virginia offers a rich boating experience with historic rivers, the Chesapeake Bay, and access to the Atlantic Ocean. Home to the US Navy’s Atlantic Fleet and our elite Navy Seal Team 6. Virginia is a great destination for a layover while traveling along the Intercoastal Waterways.
Marinas:
Cobbs Marina, Norfolk
- Features: Full-service marina with repair services and transient dockage, large travel lift for getting larger boats loaded and unloaded.
- Nearby Attractions: Norfolk Botanical Garden, Nauticus & Battleship Wisconsin.
- Restaurants: Aberdeen Barn Steakhouse, Freemason Abbey Restaurant, Saltine, Stripers Waterside.
757-588-5401
Safe Harbor Jarrett Bay
North Carolina
North Carolina’s coast is known for its barrier islands, scenic waterways, and maritime history. These waters off of the Carolina Coastline are known as The Graveyard of The Atlantic, named for the number of shipwrecks that have been documents off of these coastlines. Popular destination for scuba divers wanting to visit wrecks or search for megalodon teeth and other fossils. The Outer Banks and Cape Fear are popular boating destinations which offer something for all ages.
Marinas:
Safe Harbor Jarrett Bay, Beaufort
- Features: Extensive marine services including repair, maintenance, and storage. This is one of the larges marinas in the region, capable of a full range of services. Easy destination transporting, pickup and delivery of large vessels.
- Nearby Attractions: Beaufort Historic Site, North Carolina Maritime Museum.
- Restaurants: Aqua Restaurant, Front Street Grill at Stillwater, The Spouter Inn.
252-728-2690
Safe Harbor Charleston City Boat Yard
South Carolina
South Carolina offers beautiful coastal waters, historic ports, and charming southern towns. Rich in culture and a great town to visit for any foodie. Charleston is a major hub for boating and a great destination to layover for an extended period of time.
Marinas:
Safe Harbor City Boat Yard, Charleston
- Features: Complete array of services including repair, maintenance, and storage. This is one of the larger marinas in the region capable of lifting, loading, and unloading of large vessels that we transport into the area.
- Nearby Attractions: The Battery, Fort Sumter, Charleston Historic District.
- Restaurants: Fleet Landing, Galao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, High Cotton, Husk.
843-884-3000
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Brunswick Landing Marina
Georgia
Georgia’s coastline is relatively short but offers scenic beauty and historic charm, particularly around the Golden Isles. Savannah and Brunswick are great locations to stop over and visit while on any trip thru these waters.
Marinas:
Brunswick Landing Marina, Brunswick
- Features: Full-service marina with wet slips, repair services, and amenities. One of the best marinas for transporting boats in and out of.
- Nearby Attractions: St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island.
- Restaurants: Indigo Coastal Shanty, Tipsy McSway’s, Marshside Grill.
www.brunswicklandingmarina.com
912-262-9264
Smitty’s Haulin’, Inc at Cracker Boy Boat Works, Riviera Beach, FL
Florida
It should come as no surprise that Florida is a boater’s paradise and known as the Boating Capitol of the World. With its extensive coastline totaling of more than 1,350 miles, tropical blue waters, and numerous islands, and plenty of coastal cities to see. The boating season is all-year-round, and the state offers some of the best marinas in the country. The majority of our boat and yacht transport customers come from or go to Florida. This is the location that Smitty’s Haulin’, Inc. now calls home for the last 12yrs. The coastline is so vast that we had to list marinas in various areas of the state to give boaters options no matter what region you may be in.
Marinas:
Cracker Boy Boatworks, Riviera Beach
- Features: Pristine blue waters near shore. Offering a DIY boat yard with repair and maintenance services, and a 150-ton travel lift. Ease of access from the Bahamas and other South Florida locations. This is one of our top marinas on the Atlantic side of FL to haul boats in and out of.
- Nearby Attractions: Peanut Island, Rapids Water Park.
- Restaurants: Two Drunken Goats, Guakamoles Mexican Grille & Cafe, The Catch.
561-845-0357
Pensacola Marine Center, Pensacola
- Features: Full-service marina with repair and maintenance facilities, wet slips and a larger area for on land storage, larger travel lifts, easy access from any Central Gulf location.
- Nearby Attractions: Pensacola Beach, Historic Pensacola Village.
- Restaurants: The Fish House, Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille, McGuire’s Irish Pub.
850-439-1451
Marker 21 Marina, Ft Walton Beach
- Features: Small marina with boat slips, fuel, and basic marine services. Even though the marina is small they have a large travel lift capable of pulling large boats and smaller yachts as well as prepping for transport.
- Nearby Attractions: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Okaloosa Island.
- Restaurants: The Crab Trap, Old Bay Steamer, Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill.
850-226-7066
Ryco Marine, Ft Myers
- Features: State-of-the-art repair and maintenance facility, large travel lift and storage yard with capabilities to lift and load large boats and yachts. One of the larger lifts along the Southwest Florida coastline.
- Nearby Attractions: Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Sanibel Island.
- Restaurants: Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Pinchers, The Veranda.
239-463-6166
Marathon Boat Yard, Marathon, Florida Keys
- Features: Full-service marina with repair, maintenance, and storage facility. Features large forklift and travel lift to accommodate larger vessels. The marina is tight to get big trucks in and out of but it is one of the best marinas in the Keys to get anything of size ready for transport and delivery.
- Nearby Attractions: Sombrero Beach, The Turtle Hospital.
- Restaurants: Lazy Days South, Keys Fisheries, Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar.
305-735-4594
Conclusion
The East Coast offers a rich tapestry of boating experiences, with each state providing unique attractions and marinas. Although this list isn’t complete, we strived to give you the boater our take on the best mix from each region along the Eastern Seaboard. From the historic harbors of New England to the tropical waters of Florida, there’s something for every boater to enjoy. Explore these marinas and the surrounding areas for an unforgettable boating adventure. Take your time if you get the opportunity to travel thru or to any of these places, take in the culture, take in the history, and take in the best food these regions have to offer.
Please feel free to comment on this article and tell us what your favorite marinas along the East Coast are. If you are interested in transporting your boat or yacht to or from any of these areas feel free to contact us to see if we can be the right fit for your needs. Whether it is by water or by land, Smitty’s Haulin’ is ready to move you on your next transport!. Contact Us today
