Best Marinas by Category

You voted, Marinalife tallied, and now here are the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards winners. These respected recognitions took a new twist with first-time categories to commemorate Marinalife’s 25th anniversary. Here are the first-place finishers and why you should plot a course for these marinas.

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BEST HIDDEN GEM

Hayden Lake Marina

Haden Lake, ID

A family-friendly vibe and keen sense of community abound at this picturesque marina set on one of the most popular lakes in Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene region and less than an hour’s drive from Spokane, Washington. What started as a simple seasonal spot in 1956 became a full-service marina. There’s everything from modern docks and fuel to a great little ship’s store and even climate-controlled winter boat storage. 

The wet docks cater to vessels up to 32-foot LOA, including runabouts, pontoons, and ski and wake boats, and are the only public moorage on this lake with its 40 miles of timber-lined shore. The picturesque Boathouse Restaurant and Bar is also conveniently located on-site. In the sunset glow of a day spent tubing, wakeboarding, fishing or relaxing in a quiet cove, this spirit of society especially shines. 

“We often hear how much people love the friendly atmosphere, the clean, easy-to-use docks, and having everything they need right here,” says Lindsey Olmstead, general manager. “One boater told us they come back every year because of how easy and enjoyable we make everything. Whether it’s our team helping tie up boats with a smile, a perfectly cooked meal, or a lively night of music and drinks, people love the full experience they get here.” 

New for the 2025 off-season, the marina has added additional winterization and detailing options. In-season, from April 1 to September 30, three new bathrooms will serve marina tenants and restaurant patrons better. Event offerings continue to expand with boater’s safety classes, wine tastings, complimentary on-water driving and docking lessons, and fun educational courses like bonsai and sushi making. 

For those headed to Hayden Lake Marina, Olmstead offers an insider’s scoop: “Start early to catch the calm water — it’s perfect for skiing or paddleboarding. Check out Sportsman’s Park for a fantastic picnic spot, head to Windy Bay for quiet swim time, or raft up at the Sandbar, the go-to spot to grill burgers onboard, toss a frisbee or football, or enjoy the sunshine. Ask a dockhand where you can see Bing Crosby’s summer home, which is still occupied by his family three generations later. Whatever you choose, this is the kind of place where everyone has fun.”

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BEST AMENITIES 

Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina 

Fort Myers, FL 

Pay for overnight dockage and receive a host of complimentary resort-style comforts and conveniences at this 41-slip beachfront facility on Fort Myers, Florida’s, Estero Island. Plus, the number of amenities available to boaters has grown after the resort marina’s 14-month rebuild following Hurricane Ian in 2022. For starters, there’s a private beach where all guests can get gratis use of beach chairs and umbrellas, free use of kayaks and paddleboards, and access to three pools with two new poststorm-installed hot tubs that have been a huge hit. 

Marina guests don’t pay a resort fee and all guests receive a free breakfast. It’s a real-deal buffet meal with custom-made omelets, breakfast meats, fresh fruit and more. The resort, restaurant, facilities and beach are right across the street from the marina. A wristband received at marina check-in is the key to all. 

“What’s great about our ownership is that they always look for ways to improve,” says Dave O’Connor, dockmaster. “For example, the installation of the hot tubs was at the guest’s request. Also, extending the free breakfast buffet to all our guests was easy. We give guests a wristband when they check in. It’s their identification and their key to getting through some of the access gates. The wristbands also now let marina guests access the pool towel machines.” 

Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina’s location makes several other amenities available beyond the property. For example, there are free beach trams and trolleys that only cost 75 cents per ride or $2 for an all-day pass accessing the “Times Square” area with its shops, restaurants and entertainment. This has been a boon to the snowbirds, loopers and local guests who visit year-round. The resort rents four- and six-seat golf carts for those who want more autonomy. 

“Some guests tell us they come for the beaches,” says O’Connor. “Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva are all right here as the main attractions. Others say they love our pools or the fact we have floating docks. It’s not one specific thing they come here for. It’s everything we offer that makes it all work.”

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BEST BOATYARD 

Kingman Yacht Center 

Cataumet, MA 

It’s “big yard” service capabilities without the “big company” mentality that makes Cape Cod’s largest full-service marina, boatyard and cruising center on Buzzard’s Bay a boater’s paradise. Family owned and operated for over 90 years, Kingman’s 30-plus staff run a modern boatyard services department that handles a wide range of electrical and mechanical work, plus full restoration capabilities. There are also factory-trained gas, diesel, outboard and I/O mechanics, and technicians experienced in repairing and refitting fiberglass, composite, and wood sail and powerboats. A complete rigging loft is on-site, too. 

“Each of our technicians are encouraged to talk with customers and empowered to own and resolve issues on a one-to-one basis. While management has the resources to stand behind all work, the yard believes in providing services for the boater and not just to the boat,” says Scott Zeien, owner and president, whose family purchased the marina from the Kingmans in 2000, which has transformed the then-aging facility into a first-class, customer-focused yard without losing its New England charm. 

The marina’s 235 slips and 130 moorings are available for daily or seasonal rental for vessels up to 120-foot LOA. Amenities include restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, gas and diesel, shops, the popular Chart Room restaurant, plus in-season activities like group cruises, parties, game nights, educational seminars, and live music events. Kingman Yacht Center is undoubtedly a one-stop shop — there’s no reason to leave except to go cruising. However, that’s a good justification since the Red Brook Harbor- based center offers easy access to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Newport and Long Island, as well as Provincetown, Boston and points north. 

When asked why guests don’t move their boat to a different marina next season, Zeien says, “Our boaters are likely to respond: ‘Why would I leave? All my boating friends are here.’”

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BEST DRY STORAGE 

Waterways Marina 

Richmond Hill, GA 

Nestled within the private, gated Waterways residential community just south of Savannah, Georgia, it’s easy to see why this public marina, with its natural beauty and private country club feel, was voted the nation’s best dry stack storage facility. Despite its often-unknown location set back in a private neighborhood, the marina warmly welcomes the public, offering free day passes through the neighborhood’s security that grants access to Redbird Creek and some of the region’s most stunning waterways, from nearby islands to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. 

“Our location truly sets us apart,” says Shane Strause, chief operating officer. “From the scenic creeks and islands to the vibrant sandbars, we offer an unmatched marina and dry storage experience.” 

The 200-boat dry stack facility accommodates vessels up to 40-foot LOA and is operated with state-of-the-art equipment, including a Hoist Neptune 25,000-pound forklift. Marina members can request their boats to be fueled, stocked and prepared before arrival, ensuring they can hit the water effortlessly. It’s all about creating a luxurious, full-service experience for its customers. Safety and security are top priorities at Waterways Marina, with a gated entrance, fire suppression systems and 24-hour video surveillance providing peace of mind for boat owners. 

“Our members enjoy the convenience and personalized service we provide,” Strause adds. “Our team ensures every boat is ready for the next adventure, whether it’s a fishing trip, a cruise or a day at the sandbars.” 

Big developments are on the horizon for Waterways Marina. In partnership with Custom Marine, the facility is transforming into a one-stop destination for all boating needs, from purchasing and maintenance to upgrades. What’s more, the marina will begin construction on its freshwater lagoon wet slips this year, and the Hoist Neptune forklift will also provide service to transfer members’ boats to Redbird Creek. Additionally, the marina will introduce Hurricane plans, offering land storage and storm protection for boaters seeking extra security during extreme weather events.