If you’re visiting Miami via yacht, boat, or sailboat, you’re in for a real treat. Not only can you enjoy the city’s magnificent waterfront, but you’ll be able to dock at one of Miami’s best marinas and explore the city’s many amazing neighborhoods. Some of these marinas are situated just a short walk from epic stretches like South Beach or Coconut Grove.
Each marina has its own unique character, with some near Miami Beach or downtown and others in more quiet and scenic locations like Key Biscayne. Choosing one will often depend on the facilities and your specific boat, but you’ll also want to consider the location and nearby attractions.
If you’re looking to explore Miami’s many neighborhoods while docked at a marina, you may need to look into a place to store the bags. Luckily, the Bounce luggage storage network has dozens of convenient locations in all the best travel hotspots in Miami.
Here are the best marinas in Miami:
Crandon Marina (Key Biscayne)
If you’ve ever sailed or boated around Miami, you’ll be familiar with the gorgeous Key Biscayne. This lonely island juts out far to the south of Miami, giving it a remote and tranquil feel. The lovely town is sandwiched between two state parks and features a great marina that’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and active travelers.
There’s the Crandon Park Golf Course for hitting the links along a tennis complex. Divers will absolutely love exploring the waters around the island, and there are plenty of trails for running and cycling. One of the most iconic restaurants in Miami, the Rusty Pelican, is ideal for catching that Jimmy Buffet vibe with tropical drinks and grilled seafood. The whole island is essentially one big, gorgeous country club!
Dinner Key Marina (Coconut Grove)
Coconut Grove has quietly become Miami’s best neighborhood for culture, dining, and nightlife. If you’re looking for a bespoke experience away from the boisterous VIP-obsessed Miami Beach, take your boat to this wet slip marina. The facilities are perfectly serviceable, having been updated following the damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017. There’s a restaurant onsite, Monty’s Raw Bar, serving up fresh shellfish and seafood with incredible specialty cocktails.
Indian Creek Club and Marina (North Shore)
Situated in the far north end of Miami Beach, this historic facility is one of the most renowned marinas in the city, which is why it hosts the Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show every February. You’ll find the facilities to be top-notch and access to upscale nightlife and spas to be highly convenient for a lower-key boating trip to Miami.
Island Gardens (Watson Island Park)
This facility is intended for deep-water superyachts that otherwise wouldn’t fit in other marinas, which explains the astoundingly wealthy clientele that take up temporary residence at this Watson Island marina. It’s a full-service facility that comes with light maintenance and plenty of luxury amenities. The Deck is their onsite restaurant and bar and serves up some of the best high-end food in Miami. The location offers immediate access to downtown Miami, and you’ll be able to take smaller vessels out into Biscayne Bay.
Miamarina At Bayside (Downtown Miami)
Downtown doesn’t get the love it deserves, so rent one of the 130 skips at Miamarina at Bayside for access to one of the city’s most underrated districts. There are waterfront restaurants like Hard Rock Cafe, along with popular attractions like the Perez Art Museum of Miami, The Frost Science Museum, Brickell City Centre, Miami Children’s Museum, and the Miami Seaquarium, all within a short walk from Miamarina. You’ll have access to some of the city’s top boat tours, fishing charters, and sailing charters offered through Miamarina. The 90-minute Island Queen Cruises is highly popular for its route past some of Miami’s most lavish mansions.
Miami Beach Marina (Miami Beach)
One of the largest marinas in the city, Miami Beach Marina boasts over 500 slips for yachts up to 250 feet long. It’s a full-service facility with a highly-rated staff and stellar views of the skyline. The location doesn’t get any better than this, with immediate access to Miami Beach’s best dining and nightlife offerings and access to the waters of Government Cut and the Port of Miami. If you’re traveling from other cities to experience the nightlife scene in South Beach, you won’t have to travel far for bottle service. The Art Deco district is also nearby, so your Instagram followers are in for a treat.
One Island Park (Miami Beach)
Miami’s newest marina is designed solely for superyachts, which might disqualify most boaters. But if you’re in the 1%, you should absolutely consider this luxury compound. A “superyacht ”is defined as measuring at least 78 feet, but One Island Park can accommodate boats up to ten times that size. The opulent amenities certainly match the ultra-luxurious floating mansions that dock here, with a fully-staffed restaurant and maintenance facilities for catering to guests. The location is also highly valuable, with all the splashiest areas of South Beach right at your fingertips.
Pelican Harbor Marina (North Bay Village)
This harbor is particularly popular among Miami’s local boaters, and you can bring your boat here for temporary docking. Situated on the gorgeous Pelican Island between Miami Beach and North Bay Village, Pelican Harbor Marina offers immediate access to the Intracoastal, Haulover Inlet, and the Government Cut.
The harbor has SUP (stand-up paddle board) and kayak rentals for exploring these waterways for a nice afternoon of recreation while enjoying stellar views of Miami. Pelican Island itself is worth exploring, with over ten acres of wonderful wetland and shoreline that includes beach volleyball, picnic areas, and other fun facilities for soaking up the sun. There’s even a nature preserve and bird sanctuary for appreciating the many species of birds that make their way through South Florida.
Conclusion
Don’t forget that if you end up with unneeded items on shore, like large shopping bags or sporting equipment, you can easily find a Bounce luggage storage location to help you out.
Some of these are situated near the marinas, which makes it an easy stop on your way to or from dinner or a South Beach nightclub.
