With good reason, Fort Lauderdale is often referred to as “Venice of America.” You may spend days on your yacht without ever having to set foot on dry ground since there are over 165 miles of waterways and canals in the area, as well as excellent boating weather all year long. If you want to live in the “Yachting Capital of the World” and have a dock, here is the place for you. In this article, we are planning to share all useful information that you need to know about best marinas in Fort Lauderdale.
1. Bahia Mar Resort and Yachting Center
This resort, which is in the center of Fort Lauderdale, has a total of 300 ships that can accommodate boats up to 300 feet long. Bahia Mar also includes a 3,000-foot parallel pier and 5,000 feet of floating docks. The fact that it hosts the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show comes as no surprise.
Bahia Mar has a security patrol and cutting-edge surveillance cameras, making it a secure location to moor your boat. You may take use of laundry facilities, cable TV, phone, and wi-fi services if you decide to spend some time living aboard your yacht.
The Bahia Mar resort is adjacent to facilities including a fitness center, golf course, and tennis courts and is situated on a lovely beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Bahia Mar is a convenient place to park your boat if you need to go somewhere else; it is just 4.5 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
The Bahia Mar Yachting Center guarantees a special experience whether you book a boat space for the day or want to spend a long at the opulent resort. The majority of the floating docks and boat slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A 5,000-foot floating pier, pump-out services, 30, 50, and 100 amps in addition to 110, 220, 240, and 480-volt availability, ice, a fuel dock, and on-site gasoline and diesel fuel are just a few of the center’s facilities.
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2. Los Angeles Marina
One of the many marinas along the Intracoastal Waterway is called Las Olas, and it has a total of 60 berths made for boats of different sizes. Additionally, it provides two little docks and a variety of temporary anchorages marked by numbered buoys. The rebuilt Fort Lauderdale beach will be right next to you if you choose to dock at Las Olas.
A few features include vacuum sewage pumps, public phones, wi-fi, safe dockside parking, and gated security. If you decide to moor your boat, you’ll be near to public transit, making it simple to explore the neighborhood.
3. Marina Bay
Only five miles separate this four-star luxury marina from New River, which serves as a gateway to Fort Lauderdale’s stunning beaches. There are 168 boat slots available in total, and it is quickly rising to the top of the list of locations to live and dock in the area. When boat owners opt to drop anchor and wait for warmer climates throughout the winter, it is extremely in style.
If you decide to stay at Marina Bay, you may take advantage of first-rate tennis and exercise facilities, a business center, a private theater, and other amenities. Its proprietors claim that “it’s more than simply a marina. Get comfortable, unwind, and get to know your fellow boat enthusiasts since it’s a lifestyle with country club amenities.
The opulent resort and marina, which are both located on the New River, provide a number of facilities and services to make any time spent at the marina more enjoyable. There are 168 deep-water slips that can accommodate boats from 18 to 140 feet that are available for yearly, seasonal, and short-term leases. Boaters may reach a marine hardware shop with boating clothing, supplies, and fishing equipment in five minutes from the marina.
4. Royale Palm Yacht Basin
A family-run marina, Royale Palm has been in business since 1966. With a total of 60 berths, it has a reputation for being one of South Florida’s greatest marinas in terms of facilities. You may easily stroll to Dania Beach, the casino, and other entertainment options if you choose to dock here.
There are no permanent bridges at the Marina, which is just two miles from the Port Everglades entrance. Although most of the slips carry boats in the 40 to 60 foot range, it can handle yachts up to 80 feet long. A full-service boatyard is also present. Yachts up to 145 feet in length may be accommodated by the Royale Palm’s in-water service. Numerous top-notch pubs and eateries can be found nearby, and the airport is just a few miles away.
5. Harbour Towne Marina
Near Dania Beach, there is a full-service marina called Harbour Towne with 243 spots. Additionally, it has more than 600 dry storage areas for boats that are not longer than 50 feet. The wet slips can hold boats up to 200 feet long and provide 24-hour security, full marine maintenance facilities, and many other amenities.
The Green Boatyard Award, Emerald Award, and Clean Marina Award are just a few of the accolades the Harbour Towne Marina has received from the state of Florida. With no bridges, it is relatively simple to get there and is just three miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Dock your boat at Harbour Towne Marina to see everything that Fort Lauderdale has to offer; the marina’s website describes it as “the beginning point to all destiny of fun and adventure.”
6. Las Olas Marina
The Suntex Marinas-built Las Olas Marina is located right in the middle of Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway. The adaptable marina has 60 berths that can accommodate mega yachts and provide docking and boater services. Boatsetter and Suntex have collaborated, granting access to more than 20,000 boat slips at 70 different sites for their boat owners.
This marina is a component of the yearly in-water boat exhibition and is close to Fort Lauderdale Beach. Take a walk along the public waterfront promenade to enjoy exquisite eating establishments, a variety of retail stores, and breathtaking vistas, all located on Las Olas Boulevard.
7. New River Downtown Docks
The New River setting is attractive, with brick-paved pathways surrounded by natural vegetation, and it is situated in the center of downtown right off Las Olas Boulevard. Warm cafés and intriguing stores are strollable from the waterfront. 100 slips with complete amenities, including power, sewage, water, and phone, are available for you to dock your boat in. You don’t have to get out of the water to get anything to eat or drink. Visit these beachfront eateries:
8. Hall of Fame Marina
The greatest things in life are offered to visitors at the Hall of Fame Marina. For renters and tourists all year long, the marina provides two amenities. Twenty yacht slips at the north facility can accommodate vessels up to 135 feet.
Twenty spaces in the south facility can accommodate boats up to 70 feet. Additional features include a sanitary pump-out station, 30/50 amp, and 100 amp single or three phase, recycling choices, and more.
What to Consider When Selecting a Marina
One of the most crucial choices you’ll make as a boat owner, next to selecting the ideal boat, is selecting the ideal marina. Some novice boaters fail to anticipate how their marina may affect their overall pleasure of boating and wind up moving later. You will, however, have a fantastic home base for your boating trips if you do your homework and pay attention to some of the advice in this article.
- Take a look at the level of protection available
While being near to the open ocean makes it easier to exit the port quickly, you should make sure that the marina you select has suitable protection from the wind and waves. It might be challenging to dock and uncomfortable to remain on your yacht if your slip is overly exposed to the elements.
It’s preferable to be at a marina with calm water if you want to start the day with friends and beverages on board your boat so you and your visitors can enjoy the day without too much rocking. Additionally, if your boat is constantly being buffeted by wind and surge, your equipment is placed under greater stress, and lines, fenders, and the side of your boat may sustain damage and chafing much more quickly than in a quiet port.
If possible, speak with nearby boats to learn about the current winds, the potential for surge, and the strength of the waves. Being out of the path of oncoming boats is another benefit of a sheltered marina position. It might be a bit challenging to leave your slip on the weekend or a holiday if there are a lot of boats waiting behind you. If at all feasible, choose a marina that is off the main canal.
- Tide and currents
Some marina slips may not be appropriate for all sizes and kinds of boats depending on water levels. When the tide recedes in certain ports, boats will be lying on the bottom. Additionally, although this could be OK for a small vessel, it might harm a larger one, which would prevent you from taking your boat out.
Additionally, you should check to make sure that using your boat from that marina is not subject to any tide-related limitations. When the tide is too high or low, respectively, some port passageways that traverse under bridges or over shallow terrain become inaccessible. If you disregard the tidal limitations, not only might this be hazardous to you and your boat, but it also restricts when you can leave and return to your slip. Ask the marina personnel if there are any local restrictions on passage.
Additionally, from port to harbor, the speed of the current caused by a rising or falling tide varies. Make sure your possible marina area doesn’t have too much current since it may make landing and departing your boat more difficult, especially if you’re a novice boater.
- Size and space available
Slips often have a maximum vessel size restriction. A little extra space is always a bonus, so make sure your boat doesn’t exceed the acceptable size limit. If your dock is longer than necessary, you may use it to tie up your dinghy or to accommodate guests.
Additionally, if there is movement from wind and waves, you’ll want to make sure your slip is wide enough to accommodate fenders and prevent your boat from constantly rubbing against the pier. Additionally, having a little additional breathing space makes landings easier.
Pay attention to the pathway that leads to your slide as well. Do you have more space to move if necessary? Is there a boat nearby? Play it safe and stay away from slips that will be difficult to access and exit in less-than-ideal circumstances, considering the size of your vessel and your degree of comfort.
- Location of the marina
Do you like venturing out into the water to fish and search for dolphins and whales? Or do you like leisurely harbor sailing with nice company and delectable fare?
Make sure the marina and harbor are near enough to the activity, whatever it is that you like doing on your boat. Do the harbor’s eateries and bars meet high standards? Will you have to go across the water for a distance before you can anchor where you want? For a brief visit, these items may not be a problem, but over the course of a longer stay, they might significantly impact your satisfaction.
It matters whether a marina is twenty minutes closer to the ocean than another in certain major ports, particularly if you use your boat often. Paying more for convenience might sometimes be the difference between wanting to use your boat often and not using it at all.
- Parking and land access
A pleasurable sailing experience requires simple land access. You want to have a quick and simple travel to your boat as well as ample parking for visitors when you have many guests, water toys, and food to load. On weekends and during holidays, having a reserved parking area for you and your visitors at certain marinas may save you a lot of time and hassle.
Whether your marina has gates, check to see if they are open early and late enough to not interfere with your boating plans or access to your vessel.
- Docking facilities
It is essential to have access to water and electricity, especially for a bigger vessel. Connecting your boat to shore power when you dock it is one of the first things you should do. This not only keeps your batteries charged but also enables you to keep equipment like air conditioning and lights going for whatever long you wish to remain onboard without using your generator. Verify that the electrical source on the dock has the voltage that your sailboat needs.
After saltwater adventures, cleaning off the boat is sped up by easy access to external water. There is a hose directly on the dock at top-notch marinas.
After a fulfilling day in the sun, you can remain connected and unwind on the lake with your favorite program thanks to the Wi-Fi that some marinas even provide. If you like the concept of having a second office on the water, you may also go down to the boat to work.
Final words
Now you know how to find the best marinas in Fort Lauderdale. You may keep these options in mind and proceed with visiting the best marina out there.
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