Marinalife is pleased to announce the winners of its 10th annual Best Marina Contest. Thousands of votes were cast for marinas that provide exceptional customer service and hospitality to boaters. The winners are determined by a six-month survey of boaters in the United States and abroad. Thank you to all the marinas and boaters who participated in this year’s contest. Look for the 2020 Best Marina Contest announcement to cast your vote this summer.
Best Large Marina 2019
1st PLACE — ORANGE BEACH MARINA Orange Beach, AL
Located in the heart of the Gulf Coast’s beautiful beaches, Orange Beach Marina is known to be a boating haven, especially for sportfishing. Just five minutes from the Gulf of Mexico at Perdido Pass and the ICW, the fully protected harbor offers both covered and open slips for boats up to130 feet. Dine at two on-site restaurants located under the same roof: Fisher’s Upstairs or Fisher’s Dockside. On-site amenities also include engine and yacht repairs, yacht sales, electronics services, real estate offices, and popular watersports and fishing charters.
2nd PLACE — NANTUCKET BOAT BASIN in Nantucket, MA
Just 26 miles south of Cape Cod, the island of Nantucket is a premier travel destination for boaters seeking breathtaking scenery. The 240-slip marina can accommodate vessels up to 300 feet and provides excellent dockside service. From exploring historic architecture and gorgeous beaches to cruising alongside salt marshes and coastal dunes, Nantucket Boat Basin’s full-service marina is a perfect escape from the mainland.
3rd PLACE — RIVER DUNES in Oriental, NC
The full-service, 400-slip, world-class resort and harbor club at River Dunes Marina is a true gem of the ICW. With floating docks, a 500’ fuel dock with Hi-Speed Diesel, onshore accommodations and waterside dining that overlooks the beautiful Grace Harbor, you find plenty to do here. Harbor Village at River Dunes’ community, built for transients and residential boaters, provides overnight accommodations, as well as shopping, provisions, spa services and much more.
Best Small Marina 2019
1st PLACE — DOLPHIN MARINA & RESTAURANT Harpswell, ME
Located in the heart of Casco Bay, this intimate, 60-slip marina has been family-owned for more than 50 years and serves as a top destination for seasonal or transient boaters exploring Maine’s coast. Situated at the water’s edge of Pott’s Harbor, the marina has direct, deep-water access to the ocean and is protected by surrounding islands. The famous on-site restaurant specializes in coastal fare such as giant Maine lobsters, creamy fish chowder and delicious, local seafood.
2nd PLACE — CHICKS MARINA in Kennebunkport, ME
Tucked away in the idyllic southern coast of Maine, Chicks is known as one of New England’s cleanest marinas as they strive to continuously upgrade facilities to ensure safety and efficiency. Recently renovated, the marina has seasonal and transient dockage, fuel, custom boat care services and indoor, heated winter storage. The property has about 50 slips and is the only marina in Kennebunkport to offer
91 Octane gasoline and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel.
3rd PLACE — GURNEY’S NEWPORT in Newport, RI
Situated on Goat Island, this marina offers the best of both worlds for when you want the seclusion of a private island, yet like to be close to exciting attractions and activities. The gorgeous resort offers 22 slips accommodating boats up to 125 feet, 257 guestrooms, plush amenities, expansive event spaces and 360-degree waterfront views of Narragansett Bay.
Click here to cast your ballot for the top marinas of 2020. You can now vote for Best Large Marina (more than 100 slips) and Best Small Marina (less than 100 slips). Submit your selections by November 1, 2020.
