Choosing the Right Marina in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is the "Yachting Capital of the World" for good reason. With dozens of marinas and over 300 miles of navigable waterways, finding the right slip is both an opportunity and a challenge.

What to Consider When Choosing a Marina

Location & Access

Consider proximity to your home, preferred cruising grounds, and inlet access. Some marinas require navigating the New River or ICW—fine for smaller vessels, but challenging for larger yachts.

Amenities

Basic slips offer power and water. Full-service marinas add fuel docks, pump-outs, concierge services, pool access, restaurants, and ship stores. Decide what matters to your lifestyle.

Security

24/7 security, gated access, camera systems, and on-site dock masters provide peace of mind. Essential if your yacht carries valuable equipment or you travel frequently.

Hurricane Protection

Evaluate the marina's storm plan. Some marinas require boats to leave during hurricanes. Others offer protected inland basins or haul-out options.

Top Fort Lauderdale Marinas

Bahia Mar Yachting Center

📍 Beachside, Fort Lauderdale Beach

Home of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Prime beach location with full amenities, restaurants, and hotel. Excellent for larger yachts.

Best for: Entertainment-focused owners, larger vessels

Pier Sixty-Six Marina

📍 Intracoastal, near 17th Street Causeway

Iconic marina with the famous revolving restaurant (now reimagined). Full-service with recent multi-million dollar renovations.

Best for: Luxury experience, superyachts

Lauderdale Marine Center

📍 New River, near downtown

One of the largest full-service refit facilities in the US. Excellent for owners who want maintenance handled on-site.

Best for: Vessels needing regular work, serious cruisers

Las Olas Marina

📍 Downtown, Las Olas Blvd

Walk to Las Olas restaurants and nightlife. Smaller marina with boutique feel. City owned with competitive rates.

Best for: Smaller yachts, lifestyle-focused owners

Slip Pricing Overview

Fort Lauderdale slip rates vary dramatically based on location, amenities, and vessel size. Expect:

Basic marina: $18-25 per foot/month
Mid-tier with amenities: $30-45 per foot/month
Premium/beachside: $50-80+ per foot/month

A 50-foot yacht could pay anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000+ monthly depending on location and amenities.

Our Recommendation

Visit multiple marinas before committing. Speak with other boat owners. Check online reviews but take them with skepticism. The "best" marina is the one that fits your specific needs—budget, vessel size, lifestyle, and cruising plans.

Need help evaluating marinas or coordinating a slip change? Contact us—we've worked with most Fort Lauderdale marinas and can provide candid recommendations.