It’s that time of year when we all start thinking about our next vacation. The problem is, there are so many great marinas in both the US and Canada, so you’re going to be spoilt for choice.
If you’re wondering where you should take your boat on your precious time away from work, then look no further. Whether you’re wanting a week’s break away with the family or a fishing trip with friends, we’ve done the hard work for you and found the top 10 marinas that you’re going to want to dock at.
1) Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
If you’re looking for luxury, then this is the marina for you. Set in a tropical paradise but benefiting from loads of amenities, including a shopping mall stuffed with bars and restaurants, you certainly won’t get bored here. Plus, there are so many activities on offer, from snorkelling to fishing, you will wonder how you ever found the time to work.
Alternatively, this marina is the perfect place to kick back, relax and do absolutely nothing in a beautiful setting.
Yacht Haven Grande also hosts a number of events and activities throughout the year, including events for all of the family and cocktail parties. At this marina, you really will be spoilt for choice for what to do next.
2) 5th Street Marina, USA
Located in South Florida on the Miami River, this marina is the perfect place to base yourself and your family to enjoy all that Miami has to offer.
If you want to spend your holiday making the most of Miami’s famous restaurant and bar scene, then this is the ideal location to tie up.
Plus, you can arrive in town in style, by taking a water taxi from the marina further down the Miami River.
3) Van Isle Marina, Canada
Located in Sydney, British Columbia, this family-owned marina offers those docking here at the right time of year, the opportunity to take part in various events. It also has a wide range of services, including courtesy bicycles, a restaurant and a grocery service, giving you plenty of opportunities to kick back and relax.
4) Outer Harbour Marina, Canada
Holiday here and you’ll only be 10 minutes from downtown Toronto, in one of Canada’s largest freshwater marinas. Located on Lake Ontario, this marina spans to over 30 acres and has more than 600 slips. What’s more, it boasts a unique view of Toronto.
There’s also an outdoor BBQ pavilion, so you can spend your evenings eating charcoaled chunks of meat.
If you haven’t visited Toronto, this marina is your perfect excuse to do so. The city has a lively festival scene, so make sure to check out what’s on while you’re there.
5) Montauk Yacht Club, New York
No ‘top 10’ US list would be complete without mentioning New York.
The Montauk Yacht Club, with 232 slips, is located near the Hamptons. The slips can be rented either for the season or on a per night basis, making it perfect for those shorter vacations.
Rather unusually, this marina boasts a cigar bar and not one, not two but three pools. Plus there are lighted tennis courts.
On top of that, its website says that guests have access to “Gurney’s Resorts’ amenities, wellness activations, and other lifestyle programming”. We’re not completely sure what ‘lifestyle programming’ is but it sounds good to us.
6) Marina Del Rey, California
This is the King of all marinas. It’s the largest man-made harbor in North America and has the facilities to go with it.
With copious amounts of restaurants and a ridiculously large beach to spend your days on, there’s no way you’ll have time to get bored here.
There are also more activities than you can shake a stick at, both on the water and on dry land. It’s possible to do everything from parasailing to whale watching to paddle boarding, so there really is something to suit every whim.
Unfortunately, this is probably one of the more expensive marinas on our list. But it’s worth it.
7) Elliott Bay, Seattle, Washington
If wonderful views of the Seattle skyline, while relaxing on your boat, sounds like your idea of heaven, then this is the marina for you.
The marina boasts 2 restaurants and hosts year-round events. Plus, if you’re after a little culture, Seattle is right on your doorstep.
8) Friday Harbor, Canada
Our number 8 spot is another Canadian marina, this time located on Lake Simcoe.
This 2000 slip marina boasts a golf course, as well as a range of other activities, including wakeboard lessons.
Plus, as a third of this 600-acre resort is a Nature Preserve, there are plenty of activities, other than golf, to enjoy on dry land.
9) Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor may seem like an unlikely destination but if you’re after a bit of culture, then this is the place to go.
There are various attractions to visit, including the unmissable Baltimore Maritime Museum and the Maryland Science Centre. For those who love the water even when they’re on dry land, there’s also the Baltimore Aquarium.
The harbor also has a number of really good restaurants, where you can enjoy the local seafood whilst looking out over the twinkling lights of the harbor. Perfect.
10) Orleans Marina, New Orleans
Last, but by no means least, is Orleans Marina.
This thriving marina is within walking distance of everything you could possibly need, including a selection of restaurants and grocery stores.
Dock during Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest for a fun-packed vacation.
So it turns out that we’re really spoilt for choice when it comes to marinas. The US and Canada both have some pretty amazing places to tie up. All that’s left to do now, is to book that time off work and then off you go…! Bon voyage.
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