Join a Father & Son Trip up the ICW

“Might as well get going” said my dad as we stood on the dock, fresh out of things to prepare. I laughed to myself and replied, “Yeah, I guess we might as well.” That conversation plays out in my head every time I set out on a boat — a sign that all preparations are Read More

Savor the Southern Charm in Wilmington, North Carolina

Like its neighbors to the south — Charleston and Savannah — Wilmington, North Carolina, has become a magnet for tourists and transplants looking for authentic Southern culture, cuisine and climate. Many boaters are familiar with the area’s barrier islands and beaches such as Topsail, Wrightsville, Carolina, Kure, Bald Head, but not so much the city Read More

Best Marina Contest 2021 Winners

Among all of Marinalife’s contests and celebrations through the year, one of our most highly anticipated competitions is the Best Marina Contest. Each year, participants cast thousands of votes for top-notch marinas that provide exceptional customer service and hospitality to guests. The winners are chosen by a five-month survey of boaters in the United States Read More

Thunderbolt Marine – Savannah, GA

JUST A FEW MILES EAST OF SAVANNAH, this full-service marina and repair facility is situated on 25 acres along the lovely Wilmington River. The historic boat basin was originally established by Asa Candler, founder of the Coca-Cola Company, and was used by the U.S. Army during World War II for offshore patrol and rescue vessels. Read More

The Best Holiday Boat Parades

If Santa lived in a warmer climate, he’d trade in his sleigh for a boat before you could say “ho, ho, ho” – sorry Rudolph! It’s just that everything is better on the water, and that includes holiday parades. November and December are magical months for boaters, and landlubbers alike, as holiday boat parades light Read More

Boating Slowly through the Lowcountry

The Lowcountry is legendary for its swaying marsh grass of blue, green and purple, teeming sea birds, and shallow calm bays leading to historic coastal towns. This magical waterway connecting South Carolina and Georgia pays tribute to its tragic and triumphant past — from plantation life where sea cotton, rice and live oak were harvested Read More

Best Boating Lakes in the South

When the weekend isn’t long enough to go for a saltwater cruise, or when it’s time to change up the boating lifestyle with a freshwater fix, then head to one of the great boating lakes in the southern United States. From far inland to nearer the coast, several lakes in the south Atlantic and Gulf-bordering Read More

Topsail Island, NC

Located north of Wilmington and just south of the New River Inlet on North Carolina’s scalloped southern coast, Topsail Island remains a well-kept secret among locals. You can’t blame them. This kind of laid-back charm is hard to come by, with many nearby beaches awash in tourists and traffic. Part of the reason Topsail has Read More

Summer Boating Camps for Kids

These days, children spend much of their time with eyes glued to a screen or heads buried in electronic devices rather than enjoying childhood through real-life adventures. Even before the pandemic, this 21st century way of life presented uncertainties for a future where society lacks environmental education and appreciation. Luckily for families who live on the water, Read More

What’s New with Marinalife

Marina Updates Oasis Marinas Announces New East Coast Properties Oasis welcomes Port Clinton Marina, located at the mouth of the Hammonasset River in Clinton, CT. With easy access to Long Island Sound, this 140-slip facility boasts spectacular views of Clinton Harbor and Cedar Island alongside parks, beaches and a beautiful wildlife refuge. Back at the Read More