The Best Liveaboard Marinas in Florida (3 Budgets)

Written by Desiree Vilar in Liveaboard

Florida has numerous live-aboard marinas, offering different prices, security, and attractions. The best ones are those in a convenient location that have luxurious amenities at an affordable price. In this article, we'll look at the best marinas in Florida that offer liveaboard options, broken down by region and budget.

Some of Florida's most exceptional liveaboard marinas include Bay Point Marina, Legendary Marina, and Sandestin Marina. They have world-class amenities and top-notch security but at a higher cost. Monroe Harbour Marina and Twin Dolphin Marina are some of your go-to places for affordable liveaboard marinas.

In North Florida, their best bets for liveaboard options are Panama City Marina and Jacksonville City Marina, which only require a medium budget. Let's look at a much longer list of other liveaboard marinas in each of these regions in Florida based on how much budget you have.

Summary

  • Miami Beach Marina, Opal Key Resort and Marina, and Harbortown Marina are some of the best liveaboard options in South Florida.
  • The Miami Beach Marina is situated in a prime location, so you will need to prepare a higher budget between $1,500 and $2,500 per month.
  • East Coast Florida has some excellent liveaboard marinas with above-average amenities and security, such as Bahia Mar Marina and Palm Harbor Marina.
  • Green Cove Springs Marina offers one of the cheapest liveaboard options in Florida, with rates starting at $10 per foot per month.

Best Liveaboard Marinas in Florida

Some of the most exceptional liveaboard Marinas are located in Northwest Florida, such as Bay Point Marina, Legendary Marina, Sandestin Marina, and Green Cove Springs Marina in North Florida. They come with world-class amenities and top-notch security, but they also have luxurious prices.

If you're after affordability, liveaboard marinas in Central Florida including Monroe Harbour Marina, Ortega Villa Yacht Marina, and Twin Dolphin Marina are some of your go-to places. They provide basic amenities like showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities, as well as additional amenities like Wi-Fi and cable TV.

Although not as extensive or luxurious as those provided by marinas with higher ratings, they are still of good quality and provide a comfortable and convenient experience for boaters and yacht owners.

When it comes to security, they can provide basic security measures like security cameras, gated access, and security personnel. However, the security measures may not be as extensive or sophisticated, and could potentially be vulnerable to security risks such as theft, vandalism, or other criminal activities.

Top-Rated Liveaboard Marinas In Northwest Florida

The table below shows some of the best liveaboard marinas in Northwest Florida (also called "Panhandle") and the estimated monthly cost for each based on three budget types:

Budget Type Marina Name Amenities Security Estimated Monthly Cost Overall Rating





Low budget options
Pensacola Shipyard ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $300 - $500 ⭐⭐⭐
Pensacola Beach Marina ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $300 - $500 ⭐⭐⭐
Palafox Pier & Yacht Harbor ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $300 - $500 ⭐⭐⭐
Bayou Grande Marina ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $300 - $500 ⭐⭐
Shalimar Yacht Basin ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $300 - $500 ⭐⭐



Medium budget options
Destin Harbor Boardwalk ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ $500 - $1,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fort Walton Beach Landing ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ $500 - $1,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Niceville Yacht Club ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ $500 - $1,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐


High budget options
Bay Point Marina ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ $1,000+ ⭐⭐⭐
Legendary Marina ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ $1,000+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sandestin Marina ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ $1,000+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pensacola Shipyard

Located in Pensacola, Florida, this marina offers a variety of amenities including a ship store, fuel dock, laundry facilities, and boat repair services. It is conveniently located near downtown Pensacola and has a friendly community of boaters.

Pensacola Beach Marina

Located on Little Sabine Bay, Pensacola Beach Marina is a great option for liveaboards. The marina offers a variety of amenities, including a pool, laundry facilities, and a ship store. It's also just a short walk from the beach which makes it a great spot for those who love to swim and sunbathe.

Palafox Pier & Yacht Harbor

Also located in Pensacola, this marina offers a variety of amenities including a swimming pool, fitness center, laundry facilities, and a restaurant. It's a good liveaboard marina because it's located in the heart of downtown Pensacola and offers easy access to restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

Bayou Grande Marina

Bayou Grande Marina offers a variety of amenities including a ship store, boat rental services, and a fuel dock. It's one of the best live-aboard marinas because it's located in a quiet and peaceful area with easy access to the Gulf of Mexico.

Shalimar Yacht Basin

The Shalimar Yacht Basin is located in Shalimar, Florida, which is a small town in Okaloosa County. The marina offers a variety of amenities for liveaboard residents, including a full-service fuel dock, clean restroom and shower facilities, laundry facilities, pump-out station, Wi-Fi access, and cable TV.

The marina is conveniently located near many popular attractions, such as the Gulf of Mexico, Destin Harbor, and the Emerald Coast. The marina also has a strong sense of community, with many social events and activities organized throughout the year, making it a great place to meet other boaters and make new friends.

Destin Harbor Boardwalk

The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is a great spot for liveaboards who want to be close to all the action. The boardwalk is home to several restaurants, shops, and attractions, and it's just a short walk from several marinas.

This marina is also home to several other popular attractions, such as the Destin History and Fishing Museum, the HarborWalk Village, and the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. These attractions offer a variety of activities for visitors, including fishing charters, dolphin-watching tours, and water sports rentals.

Fort Walton Beach Landing

Fort Walton Beach Landing is a marina located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico. Some of the amenities offered here include:

  • Electricity and water hookups
  • Pump-out station
  • Restrooms and showers
  • Laundry facilities
  • Wi-Fi
  • Picnic areas and grills
  • Fishing pier
  • Boat ramp

This marina is situated in a protected harbor, which means that boaters are sheltered from the wind and waves that can sometimes make life on a boat uncomfortable. Additionally, the marina is located near many restaurants, shops, and other attractions, making it easy for liveaboards to access everything they need.

Niceville Yacht Club

Niceville Yacht Club is another marina located in the Florida Panhandle, specifically in Niceville, Florida. It's a popular destination for boaters and liveaboards due to its location on the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay and its great amenities, such as:

  • Electricity and water hookups
  • Pump-out station
  • Restrooms and showers
  • Laundry facilities
  • Wi-Fi
  • Swimming pool
  • Clubhouse with kitchen and lounge area
  • Boat ramp

This marina also hosts regular events and activities for its members, which helps to foster a sense of camaraderie among boaters and liveaboards.

Bay Point Marina

Bay Point Marina is located on Grand Lagoon in Panama City Beach. The marina offers a variety of amenities, including a pool, a fitness center, and laundry facilities.

Additionally, Bay Point Marina provides easy access to the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. The marina offers boat slips for rent, as well as boat rentals for those who don't own their own vessel. Here's how much a boat slip costs in Miami, Florida.

Fishing charters are also available from Bay Point Marina, allowing visitors to try their luck at catching a variety of fish species, including red snapper, grouper, and king mackerel.

Legendary Marina

Legendary Marina is located in Destin, Florida, and it offers high-end amenities for boaters. The marina is situated on Choctawhatchee Bay and has easy access to the Gulf of Mexico.

It also offers a variety of services, including boat rentals, fueling, and yacht sales. The marina also features a restaurant, a pool, and a fitness center. The liveaboard options at Legendary Marina come with a high price tag due to the luxurious amenities and services that the marina offers.

Sandestin Marina

Sandestin Marina is also located in Destin, Florida, and it offers a wide range of amenities for boaters. Sandestin Marina offers boat rentals, fueling, and yacht sales, as well as a variety of dining options, shopping, and entertainment.

The liveaboard options at Sandestin Marina are also priced higher due to the luxurious amenities and services that the marina offers, including access to the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Exceptional Liveaboard Marinas In North Florida

The table below shows some of the best liveaboard marinas in North Florida and the estimated monthly cost for each based on three budget types:

Budget Type Marina Name Amenities Security Estimated Monthly Cost Overall Rating
Low budget option Green Cove Springs Marina ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ $350 - $500 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Medium budget option Marina at Ortega Landing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ $600 - $800 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


High budget options
Jacksonville City Marina ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $1,000 - $1,500 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Panama City Marina ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $1,000 - $1,500 ⭐⭐⭐
St. Augustine Municipal Marina ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $1,000 - $1,500 ⭐⭐⭐

Green Cove Springs Marina

Green Cove Springs Marina is located just south of Jacksonville and is a great option for boaters looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. The marina has 220 slips, with rates starting at $10 per foot per month. Some of the amenities available include:

  • WiFi
  • Laundry facilities
  • Showers and restrooms
  • Fuel dock
  • Pump-out station
  • On-site restaurant

Green Cove Springs Marina is also located near several great attractions, including the historic town of Green Cove Springs and the St. Johns River.

Marinas at Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a great place to live aboard your boat, with several marinas to choose from. One of the best options is the Marina at Ortega Landing, which offers a range of amenities and services for boaters. The marina has 192 slips, with rates starting at $15 per foot per month. Some of the amenities available include:

  • WiFi
  • Cable TV
  • Laundry facilities
  • Swimming pool
  • Fitness center
  • On-site restaurant

Another great option is the Jacksonville City Marina, located in the heart of downtown Jacksonville, and has 78 slips, with rates starting at $12 per foot per month. Some of the amenities available include:

  • WiFi
  • Laundry facilities
  • Showers and restrooms
  • Fuel dock
  • Pump-out station
  • 24-hour security

If you plan to keep your boat in a marina in Florida, find out the different slip rates for each marina from this article.

Panama City Marina

If you are looking for a live-aboard marina on the Gulf Coast, the Panama City Marina is a great option. The marina has 125 slips, with rates starting at $12 per foot per month. Some of the amenities available include:

  • WiFi
  • Laundry facilities
  • Showers and restrooms
  • Fuel dock
  • Pump-out station
  • 24-hour security

The Panama City Marina is also located near several great attractions, including the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews State Park.

St. Augustine Municipal Marina

The St. Augustine Municipal Marina is a marina located in the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida. It offers a variety of amenities for boaters, including fuel, water, electricity, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and a pump-out station.

The marina is conveniently located near many popular attractions, including the historic district, restaurants, and shops. It is also a popular spot for fishing and boating enthusiasts, with easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.

Affordable Liveaboard Marinas In Central Florida

The table below shows some of the best liveaboard marinas in Central Florida and the estimated monthly cost for each based on three budget types:

Budget Type Marina Name Amenities Security Estimated Monthly Cost Overall Rating

Low budget options
Monroe Harbour Marina ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $500 - $800 ⭐⭐
Ortega Villa Yacht Marina ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ $500 - $800 ⭐⭐
Medium budget option Twin Dolphin Marina ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ $800 - $1,500 ⭐⭐⭐
High budget option Sanford Boat Works and Marina ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $1,500+ ⭐⭐⭐

Monroe Harbour Marina

Monroe Harbour Marina is a full-service marina located in Sanford, Florida, on the shores of Lake Monroe. The marina features 200 wet slips that can accommodate boats up to 60 feet in length.

The slips are equipped with water and electrical hookups, and the marina also provides Wi-Fi and cable TV services. The marina's fuel dock offers both gas and diesel fuel, and pump-out services are available for waste disposal.

In addition to its boating services, the marina also has a clubhouse with a lounge area, kitchen, and laundry facilities. There is also a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a picnic area available for use.

The location of Monroe Harbour Marina is ideal for boaters who want to explore the St. Johns River and the many lakes in the area. It is also within driving distance of many popular attractions, such as Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando.

Ortega Villa Yacht Club Marina

Located in Jacksonville, Ortega Villa Yacht Club Marina is a great option for boaters looking for a quiet and peaceful marina. The marina offers 24-hour security, laundry facilities, and a clubhouse with a kitchen and lounge area.

The dockage rates are affordable, with slips ranging from $9 to $12 per foot per month. The marina can accommodate boats up to 50 feet in length.

Twin Dolphin Marina

Twin Dolphin Marina is located in Bradenton, just south of Tampa Bay. This marina offers a variety of amenities, including a heated pool, laundry facilities, and a ship store.

The marina also has a restaurant and bar on site. The dockage rates are reasonable, with slips ranging from $12 to $16 per foot per month. They can accommodate boats up to 60 feet in length.

Sanford Boat Works and Marina

Sanford Boat Works and Marina is located on Lake Monroe in Sanford, just north of Orlando. This marina offers a wide range of amenities, including a fuel dock, pump-out station, and laundry facilities.

The dockage rates are more affordable, with slips ranging from $8 to $14 per foot per month. The marina can also accommodate boats up to 60 feet in length.

High-End Liveaboard Marinas In South Florida

The table below shows some of the best liveaboard marinas in South Florida and the estimated monthly cost for each based on three budget types:

Budget Type Marina Name Amenities Security Estimated Monthly Cost Overall Rating


Low budget options
Cooley's Landing Marina ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $500 - $700 ⭐⭐⭐
Legacy Harbour Marina ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $500 - $700 ⭐⭐⭐






Medium budget options


Garrison Bight Marina ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $800 - $1,200 ⭐⭐⭐
Crandon Marina ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $800 - $1,200 ⭐⭐⭐
Dinner Key Marina ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $800 - $1,200 ⭐⭐⭐
Key West Bight Marina ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $800 - $1,200 ⭐⭐⭐
Burnt Store Marina ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $800 - $1,200 ⭐⭐⭐



High budget options
Lauderdale Marine Center ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ $1,500 - $2,500 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Opal Key Resort and Marina ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $1,500 - $2,500 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Miami Beach Marina ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ $1,500 - $2,500 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Marinas in Miami

Miami is a vibrant city with plenty of marinas to choose from. Here are a few of the best liveaboard marinas in Miami:

Miami Beach Marina

Located in the heart of South Beach, this marina offers easy access to the city's restaurants, shops, and nightlife. It has 400 slips that can accommodate boats up to 250 feet long, and it offers amenities such as cable TV, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities.

Dinner Key Marina

This marina is located in Coconut Grove and has 582 slips that can accommodate boats up to 175 feet long. It offers amenities such as a fuel dock, pump-out station, and laundry facilities.

Crandon Marina

Located on Key Biscayne, this marina has 200 slips that can accommodate boats up to 50 feet long. It offers amenities such as a fuel dock, a pump-out station, and a restaurant. It is also one of the cheapest places to dock your boat in Florida, with rates from $2.50 per foot per day for wet slips.

Marinas in Key West

Here are a few of the best liveaboard marinas in Key West:

Opal Key Resort and Marina

This marina is located in the heart of Old Town Key West and offers easy access to the city's restaurants, shops, and nightlife.

It has 245 slips that can accommodate boats up to 200 feet long, and it offers amenities such as a fuel dock, pump-out station, and laundry facilities.

Garrison Bight Marina

This marina is located on the north side of Key West and has 140 slips that can accommodate boats up to 70 feet long. It offers amenities such as a fuel dock, pump-out station, and a ship store.

Key West Bight Marina

This marina is located in the heart of Old Town Key West and has 33 slips that can accommodate boats up to 140 feet long. It offers amenities such as a fuel dock, pump-out station, and laundry facilities.

Marinas in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is known as the "Venice of America" because of its extensive network of canals and waterways. Here are a few of the best liveaboard marinas in this area:

Lauderdale Marine Center

This marina is located on the New River and has 160 slips that can accommodate boats up to 200 feet long. It offers amenities such as a fuel dock, pump-out station, and a ship store.

Cooley's Landing Marina

This marina is located on the New River and has 40 slips that can accommodate boats up to 60 feet long. It offers amenities such as a fuel dock, pump-out station, and laundry facilities.

Marinas at Southwest Florida

Legacy Harbour Marina

Located in the heart of downtown Fort Myers, Legacy Harbour Marina is a great option for those who want to be close to restaurants, shops, and other amenities.

The marina offers floating docks, 30/50/100-amp power, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a fitness center. There's also a pool and hot tub on-site, as well as a waterfront restaurant and bar. The marina is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along for the adventure.

Burnt Store Marina

Located in Punta Gorda, Burnt Store Marina is a full-service marina with plenty of amenities for liveaboards. The marina offers floating docks, 30/50-amp power, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a fitness center.

Burnt Store Marina is located near several popular boating destinations, including Boca Grande, Charlotte Harbor, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Top-Tier Liveaboard Marinas In East Coast Florida

The table below shows some of the best liveaboard marinas in East Coast Florida and the estimated monthly cost for each based on three budget types:

Budget Type Marina Name Amenities Security Estimated Monthly Cost Overall Rating
Low budget option Riverside Marina ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $400 - $500 ⭐⭐⭐
Medium budget option Harbortown Marina ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $800 - $1,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐



High budget options
Palm Harbor Marina ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ $1,500 - $2,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sailfish Marina Resort ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $1,500 - $2,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bahia Mar Marina ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ $1,500 - $2,000 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pier Sixty-Six Marina ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ $1,500 - $2,000 ⭐⭐⭐

Riverside Marina

This marina is located on the Indian River and offers affordable rates for liveaboards. You'll have access to laundry facilities, restrooms, and showers, as well as a swimming pool and picnic area.

The marina offers boat slips, dry storage, fuel, bait, tackle, and a ship store. It is a full-service marina that can accommodate boats up to 120 feet in length.

Harbortown Marina

Harbortown Marina is located on the Indian River Lagoon, just a short distance from the Fort Pierce Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean.
The marina offers 100 wet slips and 400 dry storage spaces for boats up to 100 feet in length.

In addition to the amenities mentioned, Harbortown Marina also has a fuel dock, pump-out station, and a ship store that sells boating supplies, snacks, and beverages.

The marina is located in a gated community and has 24-hour security. It is conveniently located near downtown Fort Pierce, which has a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions for boaters to enjoy.

Palm Harbor Marina

Palm Harbor Marina is a popular destination for liveaboards, with over 200 slips available for long-term rentals. The marina offers a range of amenities to make life on board more comfortable, including a fitness center, laundry facilities, and a swimming pool. There are also several restaurants and shops located within walking distance of the marina.

In addition to its amenities, Palm Harbor Marina also offers a range of services to boaters, including fueling, pump-out, and boat maintenance and repair. The marina has a team of experienced technicians who can handle everything from routine maintenance to major repairs.

Sailfish Marina Resort

Sailfish Marina Resort is a popular marina located on Singer Island in Palm Beach County, Florida. They offer a variety of amenities to boaters, including a restaurant, a swimming pool, and laundry facilities.

The restaurant called the Sailfish Marina Restaurant, is known for its fresh seafood and stunning waterfront views. The swimming pool is a great place to relax and cool off after a day out on the water, and the laundry facilities make it easy to keep your clothes and linens clean while on board.

Sailfish Marina Resort is also a popular destination for sportfishing enthusiasts. The marina hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year and is home to a number of charter fishing boats.

Bahia Mar Marina

Bahia Mar Marina is located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and is one of the most popular marinas in the area. It offers a luxurious and comfortable experience for those who choose to live aboard their boats.

The marina is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a fitness center, a swimming pool, and laundry facilities, making it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the best of both worlds - the freedom of living on a boat and the amenities of a luxury resort.

Pier Sixty-Six Marina

Pier Sixty-Six Marina is another high-end option in Fort Lauderdale, which offers a variety of amenities, including a spa, a fitness center, and a swimming pool.

In addition to these amenities, Pier Sixty-Six Marina also provides guests with access to a variety of dining options, ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. Pier Sixty-Six Marina is also home to a variety of events throughout the year, including boat shows, fishing tournaments, and other water-related activities.

Choosing The Right Marina In Florida

Below are some factors to keep in mind when selecting the best liveaboard marina for your needs:

Choose one with the most convenient location

You'll want to find a marina that is conveniently located near your work, family, and friends. You might also want to consider the surrounding area and the amenities available nearby.

For example, if you enjoy fishing, you may want to choose a marina that is located near good fishing spots. One well-known spot for these activities is the Florida Keys located off the southern coast of Florida.

Choose a marina that offers the amenities you need

Some marinas offer laundry facilities, swimming pools, and fitness centers. Others may have restaurants, bars, and shops on-site. You might need to make a list of the amenities that are important to you and choose a marina that offers them.

A marina with a high rating means that the marina provides a wider range of high-quality amenities that are well-maintained and easily accessible to boaters and yacht owners.

Check the price

When you own a boat in Florida, one of the recurring expenses goes for docking and slip fees in marinas. Some marinas are more expensive than others, such as those found in Northwest Florida like Bay Point Marina, Sandestin Marina, and Legendary Marina.

But, there are also affordable marinas such as Monroe Harbor Marina in Central Florida and Riverside Marina on the East Coast. However, keep in mind that some marinas charge additional fees for liveaboard status, so try to factor those costs into your budget as well.

Pick one with good security measures

You'll want to choose a marina that has good security measures in place to protect your boat and your belongings. Therefore, look for ones that have security cameras, gated entrances, and on-site security personnel.


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