10 Best Liveaboard Marinas In The US (2024 Update)

As you might expect from a large country, the United States boasts several top-notch marinas. With every state offering a unique boating scene, you would have many great options. So, which is the best liveaboard marina in the US? And how do you determine which one is the best for you?

Finding a great marina is one thing, but you might also want to consider the surrounding area and whether you are comfortable living there. Here’s a look at the 10 best liveaboard Marinas in the US to get you started on your marina tour.

Top Liveaboard Marinas In the US

1. Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard & Marina, Newport, Rhode Island

Image credit: Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard & Marina

If you’ve ever been to Newport, it’s easy to understand why the “City by the Sea” is a trendy destination for boaters. This seaside community town is also known as the world’s sailing capital. You will find some of the finest beaches in the Northeast, and also the town has many attractions, from annual music festivals to fantastic bars and restaurants.

Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard is located in the heart of Newport, close to colonial homes, seaside shops, and cozy eateries that line the streets of downtown Newport. The international sailing community makes this their leading home port for some of the most prestigious yachting events in the world.

Newport’s popularity makes this an expensive choice, but some areas are more reasonable options, such as Jamestown and Wickford, with starting rates from $500 a month.

2. Anchorage Marina, Baltimore

Anchorage Marina is one of the best marinas in Maryland. A few minutes from the Baltimore Inner Harbor, where you’ll find restaurants, entertainment, and shopping within walking distance. Anchorage is situated on the Northwest Harbor of the Patapsco River, close to many historical sites.

The marina is state-of-the-art but not that expensive. Since the cost of living here has not yet caught up with the quality of life, you get good value for your money. This means that you’ll have more money left to treat yourself and your loved ones to luxurious boating gifts.

The marina is so close to the city that you have no choice but to decide how to spend your days. The marina is also next to the world-famous Baltimore Aquarium. There are both wet docks and lift docks, so you have plenty of options for storing your boat and belongings.

3. 5th Street Marina, Florida

The 5th Street Marina is one of the top liveaboard marinas in Miami, which is no easy feat. The marina is ideally located and offers direct access to the city by using easily accessible water cabs.

The marina is minutes away from the bars, restaurants, and nightlife the “Magic City” is famous for. Whether you plan to stay for a week or a year, you’ll never get tired of what this marina has to offer. With the downtown skyline a stone’s throw from the deck of your boat, it doesn’t get any closer than this, even if you try.

4. Vice City Marina, Florida

Vice City Marina is well located near Brickell City Center. The marina boasts the finest location in the city, with numerous bars, restaurants, and hotels within walking distance.

Vice City is characterized by privacy, comfort, and luxury. You will have top-notch security and five-star services. This marina is excellent for quiet relaxation and for parties; you can always head out to the city. Living in the Vice City marina is not cheap, but the finest things in life never are.

5. Safe Harbor Regatta Pointe, Florida

Safe Harbor Regatta Pointe is the only Florida liveaboard marina on this list that is not in South Florida. Regatta Pointe is located in Palmetto, which means it has the Florida climate, but the party life is less pronounced. A perfect place if you just want to take it easy.

At Regatta Pointe, you can do just that. The marina has all the amenities you need: Wi-Fi, gym, beauty salon, spa, and restaurants – all right at your doorstep. Plus, there’s terrific access to the coast and the Gulf. Perfect for avid sailors.

6. Montauk Yacht Club, New York

Montauk Yacht Club in the Hamptons is one of the country’s most impressive and beautiful marinas. The New York lifestyle can be experienced at the marina itself. There are three heated pools, two floodlit tennis courts, and a cigar bar. If you’re looking for a marina retreat, you can’t do better than the Montauk Yacht Club.

You can rent one of the more than 200 moorings at this marina for a night or for a specific season. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a summer home, Montauk could be just the place for you.

7. Marina Del Ray California

Marina Del Ray is the largest marina in California and the entire country. You’ll feel like a small fish in a big pond. And that is precisely why so many people choose to live there. You will meet countless celebrities, wealthy elites, and like-minded yachting fans here.

There are bars, cafes, restaurants, and any kind of nautical services you might need. The best mechanics, restorers, painters, electricians, and plumbers are available 24 hours a day to service your boat. There’s even valet parking and storage for residents.

8. Elliot Bay, Washington

Living in Seattle is not cheap. It’s about as cheap as you can get. It’s much cheaper to live in Elliot Bay than to get a small apartment in the city proper. You get all the benefits of living in Seattle at a much lower price.

Elliot Bay has two restaurants and hosts events throughout the year. If you work in the technology sector, living near Seattle may be necessary. Living in this beautiful marina may be the wisest financial decision if you have a good-paying job in Seattle without paying rent.

9. Roche Harbor Marina, Washington

Roche Harbor is one of the most exciting marinas on this list. It is very exclusive, not because of its price, but its location. It is not easy to reach this harbor without a boat or a plane. Living here can be a tranquil and romantic way of life.

If you are looking for a job, this marina is probably not for you. The marina has free Wi-Fi, essential for both work and entertainment. If you want to spend the day hiking, biking, fishing, climbing, and camping, Roche Harbor is your port.

10. Bergers Marina, Lake of the Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks is one of the most famous water sports areas globally. It is so famous that even a Netflix hit was named after it. There are many marinas there, and it is not easy to find the right one for you.

Bergers Marina is one of the most historic and popular marinas in the region. Bergers is close to all the stores, bars, cafes, and activities you could want. It is the only marina that makes you feel like you live in the city. Not just close to it.

Takeaway

If you’re searching for the best liveaboard marinas in the US, any of the above should make a cozy new home for you to discover. 

The next time you’re on the lookout for a new floating home, grab this list before you visit one of these marinas. With so many great marinas to choose from, you can easily find your new favorite location to live on your boat.

Expanding your West Coast marina search to more liveaboard marinas In California and your East Coast search to liveaboard marinas in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Maine may uncover even more marinas worth exploring.

See Also:

• Best Liveaboard Marinas in San Diego