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Top 10 Superyacht Marinas in the United States

Best marinas to dock your boat..

Marine, marina, harbor, yacht club, port — not exactly synonyms, but close. A marina provides safe dockage for vessels of all sizes, often offering supplies, repair, and other facilities to those who rent a slip. A quick (but unreliable) Google search told us that there at about 12,000 marinas in the United States.

Whether that’s true or not, that’s a lot to sift through. But we did it — we found the top 10 superyacht marinas in the U.S.

1. Yacht Haven Grande | Miami, Florida

“Welcome to Miami” is the vibe when you step off the yacht and into Yacht Haven Grande by Island Gardens. This marina is nothing short of flash and accommodates some of the largest superyachts in the world. 

This Miami marina was specifically designed to host mega yachts reaching 500+ feet in length, plus accommodation for smaller tenders. Onsite amenities include a luxury lounge, conference room, mail and package delivery, concierge service, BBQ area for crew, and water taxi to select Miami waterfronts. Yacht Haven Grande is a true marina destination, and one of the finest in the world.

Bonus: Denison’s Miami office is nearby to help you with your new yacht search.

Max boat length: 500+ feet

2. Gurney’s Star Island Marina | Montauk, New York

All the way at the End of the World (as Montauk, NY is so often referred to), is Gurney’s Star Island Marina . It’s part of a larger resort and therefore offers plenty of amenities for boat owners who book a slip. Despite a sense of exclusivity, Gurney’s Star Island Marina does not require a membership. 

The marina can accommodate yachts up to 220 feet with a maximum draft of 12 feet. Boat guests have full access to Gurney’s Star Island facilities and amenities, including laundry services, a private beach, a fitness center, heated pools, tennis courts, and waterfront dining options. It’s a welcome land excursion for yacht charters in New England . 

Max boat length: 220 feet

3. Bahia Mar Yachting Center | Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Smack dab in the heart of Fort Lauderdale is the Bahia Mar Resort and Yachting Center (also home to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show ). It’s all about the amenities when you dock at Bahia Mar, which includes access to a swimming pool, fitness center, entertainment concierge, diving and sailing tours, and dining options. Oh, and the beach is right across the street. 

The marina is separated into the South Basin and the North Basin, with the resort, parking, shops, and restaurants conveniently in the middle. Bahia Mar holds 250 slips and can accommodate vessels up to 300 feet in length. Facilities include fueling, free WiFi, cable television, and pump out. Best to book ahead of time — about 90% of the slips are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Stop by Denison’s Fort Lauderdale office to speak with a superyacht specialist. 

Max boat length: 300 feet

4. Safe Harbor Charleston City | Charleston, South Carolina

Safe Harbor has locations all over the west and east coasts, but its marina in Charleston , South Carolina is one of the best superyacht marinas in the United States. It’s home to the Mega Dock (dun, dun duunn), which hosts some of the most prestigious yachts in the world.

Charleston is a premier boating destination , and the marina’s state-of-the-art facilities and southern hospitality are a welcome respite after a big day on the water. Yachts that book a slip at Safe Harbor receive complimentary wifi, shore power hookups, freshwater hookups, and cable TV hookups. They also have a full marine service, fuel dock, and waterfront restaurant. While membership is not required to dock at this marina, you can become a member of Safe Harbor to gain access to an entire network of premium locations, amenities, and events.

Stop by Denison’s Charleston office to learn more about yachts for sale. 

Max boat length: 455 feet

5. Marina del Rey Marina | Los Angeles, California

Marina del Rey hosts one of the largest marinas in the U.S. It can accommodate vessels up to 150 feet in length and up to 5,000 yachts year-round. Californians do things big — the marina has hotel rooms, restaurants, a Denison office , a movie theater, paddleboard rentals, and a shopping center (among other amenities ). It’s a short drive to/from Santa Monica for the beach or LAX to catch a flight. When you book a slip at Marina del Rey Marina, you’ll get security, fresh water, power, ice delivery, wash and fold delivery, and dockside shuttle service.

Max boat length: 150 feet

6. Farley State Marina | Atlantic City, New Jersey

Dock the yacht and head for the slots. Farley State Marina is part of the Golden Nugget Casino in Atlantic City. This protected marina offers 630 floating slips and dockage for vessels up to 300 feet in length. When you rent a boat slip at Farley State, you get exclusive resort amenities including access to the H20 Rooftop Pool and Bar. Spend a day on the water then enjoy the award-winning restaurants, shows, casino games, and nightlife at the Golden Nugget.

7. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina | San Diego, California

The Marriott Marquis and Marina in San Deigo offers a prime waterfront location for your yacht or boat. The Marina District is ideally located downtown with easy access to catch a Padres game, tour the USS Midway Museum, or bar hop in the Gaslamp Quarter.

This 450-slip marina accommodates vessels from 25 to 125 feet. Because this marina is part of the Marriott, guests can order room service to their boat, gain access to the pool, or use the fitness center. Say hello to the Denison San Diego team while you’re there. 

Max boat length: 125 feet

8. DiMillo’s Marina | Portland, Maine

In the heart of Portland’s Old Port is DiMillo’s Marina , an iconic neighborhood staple. It’s a two-minute walk to Portland’s historic downtown area with plenty of bars and restaurants, plus provision and marine services. DiMillos offers summer, winter, year-round, and transient dockage with amenities such as a gated facility, wifi, electricity, sewer, and fuel. 

Max boat length: 250 feet

9. Stock Island Yacht Club And Marina | Key West, Florida

Stock Island Marina is one of the best marinas in the Florida Keys. It provides guests with excellent amenities including a waterfront pool, waterfront restaurant, event space, and fitness center; the unrivaled location is an ideal haven for boating, sailing, scuba diving, and sportfishing. Stock Island Marina can accommodate vessels up to 101 feet, with a max draft of 7 feet. By land, it’s about four miles from Key West International Airport and 10 minutes from the bars and restaurants on Duval Street.

Max boat length: 101 feet

10. Tidewater Yacht Marina | Portsmouth, Virginia

At mile marker zero on the Intercoastal Waterway is Tidewater Yacht Marina in Portsmouth, Virginia. It’s the halfway point between Florida and New York, a perfect pit stop for yachts traveling up and down the east coast. Tidewater Yacht Marina offers 300 slips — transient slips can accommodate boats as small as 20′ to yachts over 150’ in length. The marina offers restrooms, showers, laundry, and free wifi for guests. 

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The best superyacht marinas in Miami

One island park.

In Miami, everyone wants a piece of the waterfront. Condos, restaurants and private homes all try to stake claim on the ever-disappearing property by bay (and sea). Luckily, in a water-centric city like Miami, marinas take up a good portion of this prime real estate .

With dockage available in every waterfront neighbourhood, you can decide what amenities you seek, how much privacy you desire and which part of Miami you’d like to be based to explore this exciting city .

1. One Island Park

The One Island Park compound opened in Miami Beach in November last year and is designed solely for superyachts and is able to accommodate yachts measuring up to 244 metres in its deep water berths.

Visitors to One Island Park will enjoy a vast range of VIP concierge services, as well as a high level of exclusivity. The new compound was designed to showcase both the area and the best standards of service, meaning it will become an extremely popular spot for private owners, while its location means that clients can enjoy the thriving art scene, the beaches and the nightlife of Miami.

Picture courtesy of Facebook.com / One Island Park

Island Gardens

The new superyacht marina Island Gardens Deep Harbour is situated on Watson Island and is capable of berthing 50 superyachts measuring up to 167 metres. The retail and residential aspects of the marina are not expected to be completed for the next two years, but the marina is fully operational with 1,524 linear metres of capacity with drafts of 5.4-6.4 metres deep.

Picture courtesy of Romain Maurice Photography

Coconut Grove

Home to the U.S. Sailing Center and multiple yacht clubs, Coconut Grove is a hotbed for yachting activity. The 582-slip Dinner Key Marina, which survived the worst of the hurricane damage in September, sits right in the centre, and only steps away from the shops and restaurants of “The Grove.” The protected marina hosts yachts up to 38 metres with two metres of draft.

Sea Isle Marina

The Sea Isle Marina and Yachting Centre is a great place for yachts up to 42 metres to tie-up and be in close distance to what downtown has to offer with the Adrienne Arsht Center for the performing arts and the arena where the Miami Heat play right around the corner. There are also great restaurants right on site, as well as fuel and a ship’s store.

picture: Paz Global Real Estate

Miamarina at Bayside

Surrounded by shops, dining and even an outdoor auditorium, the Miamarina at Bayside is a lively marina. The marina has 130 slips and hosts yachts up to 60 metres and offers easy access to both the Atlantic through Government Cut and to Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys to the south.

Picture courtesy of Shutterstock.com

Epic Marina

Epic Marina is surely one of the plushest in Miami and despite being hit hard during Hurricane Irma, is once again capable of hosting superyachts up to 95 metres. In the shadow of Miami’s luxe Epic Residences & Hotel, the marina isn’t short on high-end amenities. Guests can enjoy sumptuous meals at on site restaurants Area 31 and Zuma.

Picture courtesy of Facebook.com / Epic Marina

Sunset Harbour Yacht Club

Set off the Venetian Causeway on Biscayne Bay, Sunset Harbour Yacht Club offers ample dockage outside of the hubbub of the Miami Beach scene. Catering to yachts up to 45 metres with 125 deepwater slips, the designated “clean marina”, an initiative started by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, has some great amenities including a pool and fitness centre. Fuel can be delivered and it is loacated right around the corner from a large Publix supermarket for easy provisioning.

Picture courtesy of Facebook.com / Sunset Harbour Yacht Club

Indian Creek Marina

Across from Miami’s iconic and historic Fountainbleau Resort on Collins Avenue, Indian Creek Marina at the Fountainbleau Resort (home to one of the best hotel spas to visit in Miami ) can host yachts up to 76 metres. In February, this waterway is lined with yachts during the Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show. The rest of the year, it’s open to transiting yachts and makes a great destination marina that is in close distance to Miami’s finest spas and eateries, as it's located right across from the beach.

Miami Beach Marina

In the south end of Miami Beach, the full-service Miami Beach Marina has 400 slips for yachts up to 76 metres. The marina offers direct access to Government Cut, a manmade shipping channel between Miami Beach and Fisher Island, which allows better access to the Port of Miami. Likewise, it’s only moments to the best of what South Beach has to offer; the beach and the best restaurants, nightlife and spas are just steps away.

Private Marinas

Yachtsmen seeking a private marina experience while in Miami should look no further than these havens:

The exclusive private island community of Fisher Island Club, across from Miami Beach, is ‘members only’, but sponsorship (from a member or the dockmaster) allows temporary membership for yachts up to 76.2 metres in length to tie up in the marina. And their owners can enjoy all the perks of the club, including the beach club, spa, tennis centre, hotel, restaurants and PB Dye-designed golf course.

Midway between Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Aventura, Turnberry Isle Marina Yacht Club accommodates 117 yachts up to 45-metres. Amenities include 24-hour security, a private ocean club, pool, spa, several restaurants, and two 18-hole Raymond Floyd-designed championship golf courses.

Picture courtesy of Facebook.com / Fisher Island Club

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What Marina Visitors Are Saying

FABULOUS marina for your boat! The staff and services are great. We live quite far away, but wanted a quick ride to Catalina. Nelson N.

I have kept my boat moored at Cabrillo Marina for the past 14 years. All and all it has been a great experience. Jefferson A.

A touch of heaven on earth! This place is like a backdrop for a movie, at night the lights sparkle on the san Pedro hillside. Robert R.

The staff are very friendly and extremely helpful in all areas of the boating life. It is evident that they care about their tenants. Pearl K.

This marina seems to be one of the better ones for the area. With my slip fees here, I also have access to other marinas in So Cal at no additional cost. Steve S.

Awesome friendly staff. With some of the greatest resident appreciation parties ever!!! Joseph P.

Super friendly management. Spotless showers and bathrooms. They have a nice store with good selection of food beer wine and boating hardware. This is the very best deal in the LA harbor. Tina F.

This marina is beautiful. The marina tenants are nice and friendly. The dock staff here are also friendly and pleasant. Security guards are around also, which is a plus. Angel S.

Love this marina! Everything is super clean, the staff is so helpful and friendly and the galley is a great place for drinks and dinner. Live music on the weekends too! Molly O.

Great marina and great value. Beautifully landscaped and close to two parks. Not to mention friendly staff and good restaurants. Jared C.

Resort like atmosphere. Staff are friendly. Parking is close by, right next to the marina, you can't get any closer. 2 restaurants on site with great bars. Great Park nearby as well. Jonas F.

I contacted club for membership information. They promptly returned my call. Very friendly and welcoming club. We are still checking out others but will definitely be stopping back here to visit them in person. Eric H.

I've had my boat in this marina for three years, it is clean, well kept, secure and extremely convenient; you are literally a few minutes from open ocean, restaurants, LAX, Redondo Beach pier and a host of other amenities. Ken O.

Get the Most Out of Boat Ownership

Anchored in the Heart of Palm Beach

State-of-the-Art Superyacht Slips.

The Town of Palm Beach Marina is the one and only public marina and world-class yacht center in Palm Beach welcoming vessels from 60 to 294 feet.

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Elevated amenities..

• ✦ State-of-the-Art Engineering
• ✦ Bellingham Concrete Floating Dock System
• ✦ Wider and Deeper Slips to Facilitate Superyachts
• ✦ Expanded Shore Power with up to 480V 3 phases, 200 amps
• ✦ High-Capacity, In-Slip Pump-Out
• ✦ 14' Wide Main Pier with Extra Wide Finger Piers
• ✦ High Speed Wi-Fi
• ✦ Stable, High Freeboard

• ✦ Cart and Porter Concierge Services
• ✦ Gated Docks with Access Control System
• ✦ State-of-the-Art Lighting
• ✦ Security Cameras Throughout
• ✦ Environmentally Sustainable Operations
• ✦ New Marina Office
• ✦ Three New Mediterranean Style Amenity Buildings
• ✦ Shower Facilities and Lounge

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Front-Row Access to Timeless Palm Beach.

Just north of the Everglades Golf Course, the Town Marina is centrally located and only a short bridge away from West Palm Beach, which has a multitude of fine restaurants, bars, and shops. Our island location places you within walking distance of the world-famous Worth Avenue, and world class eateries and shops abound in Palm Beach. 

For those looking to leave their yacht and travel further afield, the marina is closely located to main transport links including I-95 and the Palm Beach International Airport, and railways to Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

• Walking distance from the World-Famous Worth Avenue
• Centrally Located
• Minutes from all major highways, railways and airports
• World-Class Eateries

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We are located in the heart of Palm Beach at: ‍ 500 Australian Ave, Palm Beach, FL 33480.  Longitude - 80 02. 66' W Latitude - 26 42. 18' N

17th Street Yacht Basin

Fort Lauderdale’s Closest Marina to Port Everglades with  850 feet of Parallel Superyacht FaceDock directly on the Intracoastal Waterway

Welcome To 17th Street Yacht Basin

We are located at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina on 17th Street in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

An iconic location known by the yachting world.

• the closest marina to the Port Everglades Inlet
• direct ocean access with 17.5’ mlw
• 850 feet of Parallel Superyacht FaceDock directly on the Intracoastal Waterway
• 30 interior slips for boats up to 70′
• protected hurricane hole
• access to all the amenities offered to all Hilton guests
• fabulous marina in the heart of Ft. Lauderdale
•  90% of the boat slips at this facility are available for rent to the public on a first come, first serve basis

Located at Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina

The Hilton hotel on 17th Street in Fort Lauderdale is an iconic property located in the center of it all, with convenient access to the beach, Las Olas, restaurants, shops and entertainment.

Access to Hilton Hotel Amenities

As a guest of the marina, you have access to the Hilton hotel amenities, including a rooftop restaurant, waterfront bar, coffee shop, pool, fitness center with Peloton, and parking.

Direct Ocean Access

Located directly on the Intracoastal Waterway and the 17 th  Street drawbridge, you have 16’ of draft and a direct course to the Port Everglades inlet. Stay for the night or stay for the season.

Restaurant, pool bar on site

After a day of work on the yacht, relax at the pool bar or head to the rooftop Olive & Sea to enjoy delicious food with stunning views. There are many additional options within a 5-minute walk from the marina.

US Marina Group has the best skilled and knowledgeable marina staff to assist you as you enter the Yacht Basin. We will make your stay easy and enjoyable.

Ample Power

17thstreetyachtbasin

We`re proud to be one of the locations @flibsofficial - If you`re at the convention center, pop over for a drink, a bite, and a look around. . #yachtingcapitaloftheworld #fortlauderdalemarina #superyachtmarina #resortmarina #flibs2023 ...

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Welcome to the #yachtingcapitaloftheworld ...

Great poolside sunset. ...

Epic #fishingcharters start here. @hookedup_sportfishing #fortlauderdalemarina ...

We’re the 1st superyacht facedock on your left as you enter the Yachting Capital. 📽️ @mickey.superyachts ...

The new on-site restaurant is now open. @oliveandseaftl a modern eastern Mediterranean restaurant ...

Welcome to the Yachting Capital. #fortlauderdalemarina #superyachtmarina #yachtingcapitaloftheworld 🎥 @mickey.superyachts ...

Our facedock is directly on the Intracoastal, next door to Port Everglades. #fortlauderdalemarina ...

Launched in 2017 by Heesen Yachts, 49.8m superyacht Home (ex. Project Nova) is the world`s first Fast Displacement Hull Form motor yacht with a hybrid propulsion system. Van Oossanen Naval Architects worked on Home`s innovative hull and naval architecture, while Omega Architects designed the exterior. 📸 @mickey.superyachts #superyachtmarina #resortmarinas #yachtingcapitaloftheworld #fortlauderdalemarina #yachtcaptain ...

Our new superyacht facedock has never looked better 📸: @mickey.superyachts . . . #HiltonMarina #Florida #FortLauderdale #VisitLauderdale #MarinaLife #superyachtmarina #fortlauderdalemarina #yachtingcapitaloftheworld ...

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Managed by US Marina Group, providing comprehensive marina management and advisory services in the US and abroad.  [email protected]  |  www.usmarinagroup.com  +  1-561-346-9580  or  1-954-873-3157

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10 Famous Yacht Marinas In The World

Yachting began in the 16th century when lightweight and easily manoeuvrable boats were built to evade pirates. Slowly, their designs and use evolved, and after the end of major world wars, they were mainly used for recreation as pleasure crafts.

In today’s world, yachts participate in regattas and several other competitions held around the world. Rich owners go on sea holidays on their comfortable and luxurious yachts, endowed with the most advanced features.

Additionally, the upkeep of the yacht requires substantial money and time. Hence, owners want their yachts to berth at the best yacht marinas with all the amenities to safely handle their prized possessions.

There are many famous yacht marinas in the world, which are both charming and offer excellent facilities. Ten such popular marinas are discussed in this article.

Table of Contents

1. Porto Montenegro

Montenegro is a famous tourist destination, with over 300,000 tourists visiting the southeastern European country in summer. It is a much-liked yachting destination and home to the biggest marina in the world in terms of size and capacity.

Porto Montenegro lies in Kotor Bay, which is a UNESCO-protected site. The yacht marina is perfect for luxury seekers as it offers high-end services, shopping stores and social events.

Visitors can choose leisure activities in its yachting club or relax in the waterfront luxury villas. It is the recipient of many awards and was named the Best Superyacht Marina in 2021. It has evolved into the most popular yachting marina in the Adriatic and the most modern and well-equipped one in the Mediterranean region.

It has 450 berths spanning 12-180 meters. Many facilities, such as yacht repair and maintenance, water sports, and cultural activities like music events, fashion shows and art exhibitions, can be enjoyed by visitors.

The waterfront has many multicuisine restaurants, spas, boutiques and the Naval Heritage Museum and Lido Mar- a big pool and bar constructed in the Venetian architectural style. Many exciting sailing regattas are also organised at the marina annually.

2. Dubai Harbour, UAE

Situated at the confluence of the grand Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters, Dubai Harbour is a top-class marina in the UAE. It boasts a modern yet elegant cruise terminal that syncs with the gulf’s longstanding seafaring traditions.

The marinas of the Dubai Harbour cement the city’s position as a prominent maritime hub. It has 1100 berthing facilities and 3 bays that accommodate yachts measuring 160 metres or less.

It has an expansive shopping complex, a yacht club and also helipads. It is the perfect stopover point for luxury yachts and superyachts.

It is close to the international airport and has picturesque waterfront residences. The harbour is easily accessible from attractions like the Burj-al-Arab. The authorities offer VIP facilities to guests and ensure people can explore Dubai in a unique manner in its waters.

The cruise terminal covers 120,000 m2 and is an iconic entry point to Dubai. The two terminals can welcome the biggest cruise ships and are endowed with many entertainment facilities, leisure activities and retail offers.

3. Marina Grande, Capri

One of the oldest fishing settlements in Italy, Marina Grande on the island of Capri is the most expensive marina in the world, which redefines luxury and comfort. One can find congregations of yachts and superyachts owned by the world’s wealthiest in its berths.

Securing a berth is not easy, and one has to book several months in advance to visit this exotic marina with colourful houses, beautiful cliffs and lush hills. It is located below the main town and is enclosed by world-class restaurants and 5-star hotels offering breathtaking views.

The marina has more than 300 berths that welcome superyachts measuring up to 60 m or 197 feet. It is also the departure point for boats going to Blue Grotto.

While cruising in the adjacent waters, one can expect to see medieval villages, bungalows on rocky ridges, white sandy and pebbled beaches of Capri and the beautiful scenery as if it were a painting. Capri also has many nightclubs where people can party their hearts out.

It is the only port on the island and a busy one too. It handles yachts along with ferries. The harbour is well-linked to famous tourist spots such as the Piazetta. A bus stop is close to the port, and one can also take the traditional open-air taxis.

4. Port of Hercule, Monaco

Monaco is a luxury tourist destination, and the Hercule port is an extension of its affluent image. Lying in a natural bay at the end of an ancestral rock, Hercule is a deepwater harbour. It is enclosed by five-star hotels, resorts, casinos, pubs and clubs.

The yacht marina has 700 berths, including 30 visitor berths capable of accommodating yachts measuring 120 m and more. All are endowed with fresh water and electricity supply, public telephones, a self-service laundrette, and a garbage collection unit. There is wifi, a television and fuel service too.

The port was once used for trade by the Greeks and Romans; however, it was not well-sheltered from easterly winds. Hence, two piers were erected in the 20th century to solve this issue.

Port Hercule is filled with yachts when the Monaco Grand Prix is organised in May. Guests can enjoy the show from their yachts. Many yacht owners also participate in the grand Monaco Yacht Show held in September.

5. Limassol Marina, Cyprus

Cyprus is world’s one of the most famous and easily accessible islands. It is directly connected to many European and Gulf countries via Airways. Cyprus has kept up with the times, infusing modernity while retaining its age-old charm and natural beauty.

The island has peaceful coves, bays, streams and coastal resorts, all close to the Limassol Marina, which acts as a base to explore the island of Cyprus and enjoy its beauty. Apart from this, guests can go for watersports, especially scuba diving.

The modern marina has a team which round the clock to provide excellent hospitality to its guests and residents. It is operated by Francoudi & Stephanou Marinas.

The marina offers 650 berths for yachts measuring 110 metres or less. It also has 162 luxury apartments and 74 seaside villas. Not only this, but it also has many private berths that can be rented and direct beach access. The marina has several dining and shopping areas, a beauty and wellness centre etc.

It has a boatyard offering repairs and maintenance through its hundred-ton travel life, a 50-tonne trailer and a slipway. There is also a chandlery shop to meet all yachting needs.

6. Vilamoura Marina, Portugal

Vilamoura is the biggest marina in Portugal and has been voted the best year after year. It has 1300 berths and offers an array of services to its clients. The marina has grown steadily and is endowed with the latest technology to provide a seamless experience.

It is the key attraction of Vilamoura and has emerged as a true marine destination providing mooring to day cruisers and luxurious superyachts. It is a popular shopping hub featuring local craft shops to big brand stores. It is close to an environmental park, golden sand beaches, clubs and casinos.

It also has a boatyard with a slipway, a 60-tonne capacity crane, two lifts, forklifts, and stacks. Services like repair and maintenance, hull cleaning and towing are offered.

About 200 boats can be kept in its land storage area. Chandlers can be found in the reception areas and also several quays.

Guests can enjoy water sports like parasailing and jet skiing or charter a boat. There are golf courses, tennis courts and an equestrian centre too.

7. Port de Gustavia, Saint Barts

Saint-Barthelemy island is an exotic location in the Carribean Sea. The island’s famous port of Gustavia is one of the world’s most scenic and iconic natural harbours. It comprises two facilities: a marina for boats and yachts and a commercial trading port.

Its marina can accommodate 152 boats and superyachts measuring 152 m or less. It is easily accessible and close to the island’s airport. Customers can avail of many services, such as fuel supply, fresh water and electricity, free wifi etc. Fuel is available for small yachts and tenders at the commercial pier.

Its mesmerising location makes this marina special despite its limited number of berths. It is nestled between lofty hills, lush greenery and turquoise blue waters. It is almost impossible to make a reservation here during peak season when the rich flock here to relax and enjoy a perfect weekend. During Christmas, the firework show is also a sight to behold.

Near the marina are several boutiques, white sandy beaches, palm trees, cabanas, restaurants and an enchanting view.

8. Yalıkavak Marina, Turkey

One of the most famous marinas worldwide, the Yalikavak marina holds several titles and awards, such as Best Superyacht Marina Award in 2022. It is also a part of the British Yacht Harbour Association’s five gold anchors rating.

Yalikavak marina has 620 berthing facilities and offers excellent services through its well-trained and professional staff. Yachts having a maximum LOA of 140 metres are welcome here. Over a hundred superyachts visit the marina annually, including the iconic Eclipse, Saluzi, Heritage and many others.

The shopping alley is lined with numerous brand stores and boutiques. There is also a beach hotel and a fitness centre.

The marina is a part of the UNICEF platinum wings initiative, which helps disadvantaged children get their basic human rights.

About 1000 professionals are employed at the marina, which receives over 2 million guests from 120 nations. It promotes the image of Turkey as a prominent maritime tourism destination.

9. Marina Flisvos, Greece

Flisvos Marina lies in Paleo Faliro, just six km from Athens. It is the premier Greek Marina that offers mooring and other facilities for mega yachts. It has 303 berths, of which 50% are reserved for luxury yachts measuring more than 35 m.

It is the perfect leisure spot on the Athenian Riviera and covers over 6000 m2. The promenade is lined with trees, coffee shops, bakeries and dining spaces. Special events are also organised in the commercial complex every year and can be enjoyed by guests and visitors.

Other infrastructure includes a control tower for ensuring the safe movement of yachts, a helicopter landing area and two parking lots to accommodate 310 vehicles. One can go shopping and leave their children engaged at the famous children’s playland.

10. OneOcean Port Vell, Barcelona, Spain

The OneOcean Port Vell is a luxurious marina to accommodate huge yachts. It is ideally located at the heart of the city centre, close to the neighbourhood of Barceloneta and other attractive destinations such as the Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter and Camp Nou.

It was initially constructed for the 1992 Olympic games and has been upgraded since then. It has 148 mooring facilities or berths with a 9 to 14 m depth to welcome 190 m long superyachts. Work is underway to construct eight additional berths to welcome yachts between 30 to 8 metres.

The marina has a gymnasium, a cocktail bar and a famous restaurant with live music. The renowned club lies amidst Espanya and Barceloneta quay and can be entered from the Maremagnum recreation complex. There are also several shops to rent water sports equipment.

You might also like to read-

• Top 10 Most Expensive Private Yachts In The World
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• Introduction To Different Types Of Yachts

Disclaimer:  The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used in the article, have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendations on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

About Author

Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.

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Official Opening of Moscow Boat Show 2013 on March 12

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Written by Zuzana Bednarova

March 12 at 01:00 p.m. saw the official opening ceremony of the largest exhibition of boats as well as yachts, the  Moscow Boat Show , taking place in the lobby of the third pavilion Crocus Expo IEC.

Official Opening Ceremony of Moscow Boat Show 2013

Moscow Boat Show is rightfully called the main event in the Russian world of boats and yachts. The largest in Russia event has for the sixth time already incorporated the most impressive representatives of the yachting world and fans of this spectacular sport!

Last year the exhibition was granted the status of “UFI Approved Event” and it was listed in the calendar of International Boat Industry (IBI), which includes all exhibition events of international level in the yachting industry.

Moscow Boat Show provides the perfect platform from which to preview new products, evaluate market trends, and establish long-lasting and commercially profitable partnerships. Despite the dynamic changes taking place in Russia and the rapid growth of the yachting sector, the show continues to complement and reflect the industry’s demand and is a promotional opportunity not to be missed!

The exposition space has increased up to 45 000 sq m in 2013. More than 350 companies from Great Britain , Germany , Holland , Greece , Spain , Italy , Cyprus , China , Latvia , New Zealand , United Arab Emirates , Poland , Slovenia , USA , Sierra Leone, Turkey , Ukraine , Finland , France , Croatia , Montenegro and, of course, Russia (17 regions) participated in the show. The scale of the project confirms confident positions of its positive development.

Moscow Boat Show 2013

Arcady Zlotnikov, Deputy Director General ZAO CROCUS INTERNATIONAL, was traditionally the first to take the floor at the official opening ceremony. He greeted warmly exhibitors, guests and visitors of Moscow Boat Show 2013 and presented high ranking guests of the ceremony.

Nikolay Krjuchek, Deputy Chief of the State Inspectorate for Small Vessels (SISV) of the Ministry for Emergency Situations of Russia, congratulated everybody with the opening of the show, noted it high status, significance and perfect prospects of development.

Vladimir Silkin, President of the Russian Yachting Federation (VFPS), joined the previous speaker and added that the show had become the major event in the Russian world of boats and yachts.

Ekaterina Grishechkina, Director of exhibition Moscow Boat Show, spoke about organizer’s work and expressed her gratitude to all participants of the show.

All speakers noted dynamic development of the branch which leads to the intensive growth of the exhibition.

Having wished to exhibitors and visitors productive work and conclusion of new contracts, guests of honor of the Moscow Boat Show 2013 cut red ribbon and invited everybody to the exposition.

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Official Opening of Moscow Boat Show 2013 on March 12".

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• What Life Might Look Like on the World’s Biggest Yacht

On a Tuesday morning in September, a six-foot-long plastic model of a boat sat on the second floor of the Explorers Club, looking a little like a beached Orca, sleek and out of place in the tweedy boardroom. The tiny yacht had traveled to East 70th Street from Los Angeles and, before that, made stops in Monaco and Zurich, Cannes, and West Palm Beach — a prop to entice buyers who can spend $10 million on a cabin in the world’s biggest yacht. If it gets made. The boat will be called the Ulyssia and it’s the passion project of Frank Binder, a billionaire from the Merck clan with a thing for boats (he once owned a shipyard in Monaco). Lenny Kravitz, his friend, is onboard to help design interiors. (“He’s a genius.”)

Binder has been doing a world tour to find other buyers — who might be hard to meet. Maintenance hovers around 3 percent a year, or $300,000 for that $10 million one-bedroom. It’s a big ask, especially for a boat that, if he does get recruits, won’t launch until 2028. To help, Binder brought on two former executives from the World , the luxury liner that was the first — and only — to prove rich people want to live … at sea, all year. (It launched in 2002, is still sold out, and has yet to snag on an iceberg or go bankrupt.)

Renato Chizzola , a senior vice-president for the Ulyssia who worked as the general manager of the World for five years, spoke to Curbed about the terrors of elephant seals and why he once hired Israeli snipers to come onboard.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. 

What did your job on the World look like?? 

I was in charge of lifestyle, expedition, everything — even the kitchen. You have a captain who’s the master of the vessel, and he ultimately will have the last word on safety, security, where we go, where we can’t go. But then you also need to have somebody who has grown up in a galley carrying luggage. I’m 60 in October. When I was 27, I said, “Okay, how can I see the world without having money?” So in 1993, I was hired on the Queen Elizabeth II , then went to hotels, cruises, and in 46 years I traveled to 186 countries. I was allowed to live onboard and basically extend any service, any dream that a resident had.

What’s the difference between this superyacht and the World ? 

The World is now 23 years old. She was created in the late ’80s. She looks like a cruise ship. And the  Ulyssia is a yacht — the designer says this is his masterpiece.

We never had many amenities on the World . Here, we have a deli. We have a library with a card and games room. We have a table-tennis room. We have two paddle-tennis courts all inside, a multipurpose sports deck up there where the helicopters are, two hangers, two submarines to go down to the ocean, seven restaurants.

Then, we have this inflatable marina off the back of the boat. Imagine we’re near Bermuda. It’s a beautiful day. The sea is calm. We stop and we inflate this — it takes an hour — and we have tenders. You can go diving right there off the ship. The sea is yours. This marina is something the World could never ever have done, because there’s no space in the boat to keep that. The World was more elderly, a bit elderly retired. This is way younger. Why? Because we have so many amenities and offer adventure. Here, we are offering fewer apartments with more space. The balconies are huge. Luxury, for them, means space, time and getting whatever they wish, whenever, wherever. Freedom.

Freedom , in a contained location — 

Yes, and in a safe environment, completely protected against any danger. If a resident says, “I want to bring my family there, I want to be safe, I want to have no worries,” safety needs to be core to us. They want the freedom to do what they do at home — to run around with suits, jewelry. And if they are smart enough to say, “I want to go and see real scenarios, not luxury hotels,” they can go places where there’s no luxury and see how the world really works. That’s what this community wants.

Sounds like a security nightmare. 

We will hire ex-Mossad physically, to be on the ship. On the World , we partnered with Marine Guard, one of the world’s best safety and security companies . It provides technical and physical support. And whenever we went to critical places — for example, when we went through the Gulf of Aden, I brought in Israeli snipers to come on the boat. Nobody, no pirate on earth can come in past them. Then on shore excursions, we have every form of security that you can imagine. Satellite images. Images underwater, over water. When we went to Antarctica, to the Northwest Passage — meeting with the Inuits, the Aborigines — you need people who know them. You need people who safeguard you. In the Antarctic, you are only allowed to go with Zodiacs to the beaches. You need people who know that, who know the sea lions, the penguins. We bring them onboard — 20 or 25 people who know everything about every area. And when we do expeditions, we bring on EYOS, one of the greatest expedition leaders in the world, which goes to places like the Titanic .

Is this, like the Titanic , experimental in any way?

No, there are similar yachts. But in four years, when she will hopefully leave port, she will be the greenest yacht of this size ever built. And at that time, we may build for whatever is available in terms of fuel, whether it’s methanol or nuclear. There are vessels already going nuclear, military vessels.

But isn’t this all risky? 

It’s the opposite. You will see more and more environments like this at sea. Why? Because you can escape anything! If there’s an outbreak in New York, a big virus, you just won’t go there. If there’s a war there, you just don’t go there. If there’s a storm, you don’t go there.

So this will be a way for the global elite, basically, to pay to avoid any problem.

Is it going to be a one percent community? Yes, obviously, but they need to do good around the world, otherwise they cannot come to the community.

Imagine the following. We will have a medical center onboard. We have MRI machines. We have a dentistry. Our doctors, when we go to the west coast of Africa, to Senegal, we can have our doctors go out and help. And as we go around the world, we will help to map the ocean floor. We’ll have tools available to measure and send these to oceanic institutions that then take this data. So we are helping to make the world a better place. And that’s the legacy.

How are you going to gauge whether the people who want to live here also want to do good? 

There’s a very tough background check before being allowed to buy. So can it be that a Colombian drug lord or a Russian weapons dealer comes and says, “Oh, I’m going to take ten?” No, that can’t happen. We’re not a community for people from mainland China who don’t speak English and want to spit around. Or aggressive Russians. We are not a community for sheikhs from any Arab countries. And I have nothing against the Chinese and Russians. I love everybody. I’ve been everywhere. But they just don’t fit here, and they won’t come. We want like-minded golf players, tennis players, joggers, bikers, F1 drivers.

We will have roughly 30 to 35 percent Europeans, 30 to 35 percent North Americans, including from Canada, possibly a few from Mexico City, a few from São Paulo. Then we have about 20 percent from Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan. Then we expect to have about 10 percent of people from all over, we don’t know where. It could be anywhere.

They’ll need a certain amount of money to get into this boat and I assume, therefore, that you can’t be that picky. 

No, we can’t. But we try to be. It’s a balance. We meet them three, four, five, six times. We invite them, show them something, then they say, “Oh, I trust these people. I believe in them.” It’s a slow process.

Can a buyer get kicked off?

Oh, absolutely.

What’s the justice system?

There’s a board that’s voted in and we have our chairman on the board. Almost all of the members are people who have either been on yachts, have their own yacht, or have led organizations.

If people have their own yachts, why would they sign up for this? 

They might have a beautiful yacht of a hundred meters, but they can’t hire all these education guides, explorers all the time. We have 22 guest suites. Imagine we’re coming to Japan. Blossom season. We bring an ex Japanese prime minister onboard, maybe a three-star Michelin chef. We bring them on, let’s say, three weeks before. And they lecture. We can have experts speak about anything. Volcanoes, health and wellness, food and beverage, politics, archeology.

And they have you, who’s been to 186 countries. 

Exactly. So when I do speak to people who want to buy and invite them for lunch or a coffee, they listen because they know, Oh, this guy has been there. You don’t need to tell them something that you think can happen. You can actually tell them a story. When I went to Antarctica the last time, in 2009, on the way back to the Zodiac, I am walking and these big elephant seals — those are the big guys, like three tons and ten feet long — and all of a sudden, out of nowhere, there’s a big sound like MWUGHOWUGH and a big one came up, out of the sand. I stood there frozen. These are moments when you think, Is this really happening to me? How fortunate, how lucky am I to be able to experience moments like this? And all the wealthy people say the same.

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