South Florida earned its reputation as the yachting capital of the world for good reason. With over 50,000 registered vessels and 300 days of boating weather annually, the region offers yacht owners an embarrassment of riches when it comes to marina options. But not all marinas are created equal, and finding the right home for your vessel requires careful consideration of location, amenities, and budget.
Whether you’re relocating a yacht to South Florida or upgrading from your current slip, here’s our guide to the region’s finest marina facilities.
Fort Lauderdale: Ground Zero for Yachting
Bahia Mar Yachting Center
The iconic Bahia Mar sits at the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s yachting scene and hosts the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show annually. The marina accommodates vessels up to 300 feet with modern floating docks, full utilities including 100-amp service, and 24/7 security. The on-site DoubleTree resort means guests have immediate access to restaurants, pools, and hotel amenities. Location on the Intracoastal Waterway provides quick access to both the Atlantic and inland cruising.
Best for: Superyacht owners, social boaters who want resort amenities, show season visitors
Pier Sixty-Six Marina
Recently renovated under new ownership, Pier Sixty-Six has reclaimed its position among South Florida’s premier marina destinations. The facility offers 127 slips accommodating yachts to 300+ feet, a dedicated yacht service area, and the famous rotating Pier Top lounge with panoramic views. The marina sits directly on the Intracoastal with easy ocean access via Port Everglades inlet. Fuel service, pumpout, and concierge provisioning are standard.
Best for: Owners seeking five-star service, corporate entertaining, overnight guests
Las Olas Marina
Nestled along Fort Lauderdale’s most vibrant downtown corridor, Las Olas Marina puts restaurants, shopping, and nightlife steps from your slip. The municipal facility offers competitive rates compared to private marinas while still providing modern amenities including WiFi, cable, and metered electric. Vessels up to 135 feet can berth here. The trade-off is fewer luxury services and a waitlist that can stretch months.
Best for: Budget-conscious owners who prioritize walkable lifestyle, vessels under 80 feet
Miami and Miami Beach
Island Gardens Deep Harbour
The crown jewel of Miami marinas, Island Gardens on Watson Island accommodates superyachts up to 550 feet — one of the few facilities in the Americas capable of hosting the world’s largest private vessels. The marina features a private yacht club, upscale retail, and some of Miami’s finest dining. Full concierge services handle everything from provisioning to arranging crew activities. Location offers stunning views of the Miami skyline with quick Biscayne Bay access.
Best for: Megayacht owners, those seeking ultra-luxury experience, Miami social scene
Miami Beach Marina
Occupying prime real estate in South Beach, Miami Beach Marina offers 400 slips for vessels from 30 to 250 feet. The facility provides easy access to Government Cut and the Atlantic, plus walking distance to Ocean Drive’s famous Art Deco district. Amenities include a ship’s store, fuel dock, and swimming pool. The location attracts a younger, more social crowd than some traditional yacht clubs.
Best for: Sportfish owners, vessels 40-100 feet, owners who want South Beach access
Sunset Harbour Marina
Tucked into a quieter corner of Miami Beach, Sunset Harbour offers a more residential feel than its South Beach neighbors. The boutique marina hosts vessels to 80 feet in a well-protected basin. Walking distance to excellent restaurants and Whole Foods makes provisioning simple. Rates run lower than comparable South Beach locations while maintaining quality service.
Best for: Mid-size yachts, owners seeking quieter atmosphere, longer-term dockage
The Palm Beaches
Rybovich Marina
For sportfishing royalty, Rybovich needs no introduction. This Palm Beach institution has served anglers and yacht owners since 1919 and remains synonymous with quality. The marina offers full-service boatyard capabilities alongside transient and annual dockage. The facility accommodates vessels to 250 feet with deep-water access. Rybovich’s reputation attracts a knowledgeable boating community, and the on-site Jarrett Bay service center handles everything from routine maintenance to major refits.
Best for: Serious sportfishing vessels, owners who want full-service yard access, traditional yacht club atmosphere
Old Port Cove Marina
Palm Beach Gardens’ premier marina offers 325 slips with space for yachts up to 200 feet. The gated facility provides 24-hour security, heated pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant. Location at the north end of Lake Worth Lagoon means less congestion than southern Palm Beach options while maintaining reasonable access to both ocean and Intracoastal. Rates prove more competitive than Palm Beach proper.
Best for: Families, longer-term stays, owners prioritizing security and resort amenities
What Amenities Matter Most?
When evaluating marinas, consider which services align with your boating lifestyle:
Utilities and Infrastructure
- Shore power capacity (50-amp adequate for most vessels under 60 feet; larger yachts need 100-amp or 480V three-phase)
- Water quality and pressure
- WiFi reliability (crucial for remote work)
- Fuel dock with competitive pricing
Security
- Gated access with 24/7 monitoring
- Dock attendants and security patrols
- Camera systems
- Hurricane haul-out agreements
Convenience Services
- On-site maintenance and repair
- Haul-out capabilities
- Provisioning assistance
- Package receiving
- Crew accommodations
Understanding Marina Pricing
South Florida marina rates vary dramatically based on location, vessel size, and amenities:
Daily transient rates: $3-8 per linear foot (premium locations like Miami Beach and Palm Beach command higher rates)
Monthly dockage: $35-75 per linear foot for annual contracts, though superyacht facilities charge $100+ per foot
Additional costs to budget:
- Electric metered separately (can be substantial for air-conditioned yachts)
- Cable/internet ($50-150/month)
- Parking ($100-300/month)
- Liveaboard fees where permitted (typically 25-50% premium)
Most quality marinas require insurance documentation, registration, and deposit before issuing contracts. Waitlists at popular facilities run 6-18 months, so plan ahead if you’re eyeing a specific location.
Making Your Choice
The “best” marina ultimately depends on your priorities. Social yacht owners gravitate toward Bahia Mar and Miami Beach. Serious anglers choose Rybovich. Those with megayachts have limited options, with Island Gardens standing alone for the largest vessels. Budget-conscious owners find value in municipal facilities like Las Olas and secondary locations in Hollywood or Pompano Beach.
Visit your top choices in person, talk to current slip holders, and understand seasonal patterns before committing. South Florida’s maritime community is welcoming — most owners are happy to share their experiences and recommendations over a dock-side drink.
Category: Marine & Boating
Tags: South Florida marinas, yacht dockage, Fort Lauderdale marina, Miami marina, Palm Beach marina, boat slip