Best Marina Contest Winners 2023

Each year for our Best Marina Contest, Marinalife asks readers to choose their go-to spot to tie up the boat. Ranging from familiar homeports to favorite vacation destinations, we receive hundreds of votes for marinas with state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional customer service and hospitality. In this highly anticipated competition, the winners were determined by a nationwide boater survey throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. We are pleased to announce the winners of our 14th annual Best Marina Contest. Thank you to all the hardworking marina staff and dedicated boaters who participated.

Look for the 2024 Best Marina Contest announcement in our summer issue to cast your vote!

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1st Place Best Large Marina

BRUNSWICK LANDING MARINA in Brunswick, GA

Just off Georgia’s East River, this spacious facility boasts 445+ wet and dry slips with more than 3.5 miles of leasable dock space. Experience southern hospitality with friendly concierge services and amenities such as laundry, lounges, a fitness center and propane grills on every dock. Catch all-you-can-drink free beer and wine offered three times per week at Happy Hour. Marina management is currently working with the Army Corp of Engineers and Department of Natural Resources to construct a mooring ball field adjacent to the property to provide lower-cost options for visitors to the marina and downtown area.

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2nd Place Best Large Marina

SHELTER COVE HARBOUR & MARINA in Hilton Head Island, SC

In the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina boasts 187 wet slips. This destination is near beautiful beaches, golf courses and attractions including the marina promenade with shopping and dining at seven waterfront restaurants. The on-site eatery, Top Dawg Tavern, plans to open a new pizzeria adjacent to the pavilion stage. Catch live entertainment and seasonal shuttle services to access the neighboring Palmetto Dunes Resort amenities. This year marks the 35th anniversary of HarbourFest, Hilton Head Island’s largest multi-week summertime event featuring live entertainment, Tuesday night fireworks and kids’ activities from June to mid-August.

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3rd Place Best Large Marina

MORNINGSTAR MARINAS GOLDEN ISLES in St. Simons Island, GA

Located on the Frederica River, this spacious marina is surrounded by Georgia’s picturesque Golden Isles. The facility boats 1,100’ of state-of-the-art transient dockage, wet slips accommodating 25’ to 56’ and covered dry storage for vessels up to 30’. The river provides smooth sailing with no obstructions making this deep-water marina an easy stop along the ICW and Atlantic Ocean. Amenities include a restaurant, pool, ships store, fuel and full-service mechanic on-site. Guests can enjoy concierge services and a courtesy car shuttle for inland visits.

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1st Place Best Small Marina

CHICKS MARINA in Kennebunkport, ME

Holding the first-place title for the fourth year in a row, the family-owned Chicks Marina continues to win the hearts of boaters with its top-notch facility and outstanding service. Tucked away in the southern coast of Maine, this charming 50-slip marina offers seasonal and transient dockage, heated winter storage and custom boat services. Lounge on the sundeck and patio complete with Adirondack chairs, picnic benches and gas grills. Amenities include laundry, showers, shuttle services, a ships store, and gas and diesel fuel dock.

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2nd PLACE BEST SMALL MARINA

JEKYLL HARBOR MARINA in Jekyll Island, GA

Situated along the southern Golden Isles, this full-service facility is nestled in a secluded cut surrounded by 10 miles of beaches and attractions. The 50-slip marina accommodates vessels up to 150’ and is an easy stop off the ICW. Amenities include dry storage, a marina store, fish-cleaning station, restaurant and fuel dock, plus complimentary golf carts and bike rentals to explore the island and 22 miles of scenic bike trails. jekyllharbor.com

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3rd PLACE BEST SMALL MARINA

DOWRY CREEK MARINA in Belhaven, NC

This family-owned and operated marina is located three miles north of Belhaven’s Inner Banks along pristine marshlands. The facility offers deep-water transient slips accommodating vessels from 20’ to 120’. Relax in the Captain’s Lounge, swim in the saltwater pool or enjoy live music and delicious food at the new on-site restaurant, The Salty Crab. Amenities include laundry, fuel and watersport rentals such as paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and peddle boats.