Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Yachting Capital of the World” for good reason. With over 300 miles of inland waterways and direct ocean access, the city offers some of the finest marina facilities anywhere. Whether you’re looking for a permanent home for your vessel, transient dockage while visiting, or a full-service facility for maintenance and refit, Fort Lauderdale has a marina to match your needs.
Bahia Mar Yachting Center
Located on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Bahia Mar is one of South Florida’s most iconic marinas. Home to the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, this facility accommodates yachts up to 300 feet. Its prime beachside location on A1A offers walkable access to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment along the beach strip. Bahia Mar provides fuel service, pump-out stations, high-speed internet, and 24-hour security.
Lauderdale Marine Center
If you need a full-service boatyard alongside your marina slip, Lauderdale Marine Center on the New River is hard to beat. As one of the largest haul-out and refit facilities in the Southeast, LMC handles vessels up to 485 tons with their massive Travelift. The marina offers wet slips for yachts requiring ongoing maintenance work, making it a popular choice for owners undertaking refits or seasonal service.
Pier Sixty-Six Marina
Recently undergoing a major renovation, Pier Sixty-Six has long been one of Fort Lauderdale’s premier yachting destinations. Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, this marina offers deepwater slips for yachts up to 150+ feet, along with resort-style amenities including dining, spa facilities, and a rooftop lounge. Its central location provides quick access to Port Everglades inlet and the open ocean.
Las Olas Marina
For yacht owners who want to be in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s dining and nightlife scene, Las Olas Marina offers an unbeatable location. Situated along the New River just steps from Las Olas Boulevard, this municipal marina provides easy access to dozens of waterfront restaurants and boutiques. It’s a favorite for both permanent slip holders and transient visitors looking to enjoy everything Fort Lauderdale has to offer ashore.
Harbour Towne Marina
Located in Dania Beach just south of Fort Lauderdale, Harbour Towne Marina offers a quieter alternative to the busier city marinas. With protected deep-water slips and proximity to the Dania Cut-Off Canal for easy ocean access, this facility provides excellent value with competitive slip rates. The marina is popular with sportfish owners who appreciate the short run to the fishing grounds off Dania Beach and Hollywood.
Choosing the Right Marina
When selecting a marina for your yacht in Fort Lauderdale, consider several factors beyond just location and price. Think about the depth of the approach channel and slip — particularly important for deeper-draft sailboats and large motor yachts. Evaluate the electrical service available (50-amp vs. 100-amp), proximity to fuel docks, on-site maintenance services, and security provisions.
Insurance requirements vary between facilities, and some marinas have minimum vessel size or age restrictions. Hurricane protection is another critical consideration — marinas with enclosed basins or locations further up the New River generally offer better protection during storms than exposed Intracoastal locations.
Fort Lauderdale’s marina market stays competitive, with prime slips at top facilities often having waitlists. If you’re purchasing a yacht and need marina guidance, the team at Aspire Yacht Sales can recommend the best docking options based on your vessel size, usage patterns, and location preferences. Reach out to us for personalized marina recommendations throughout the Fort Lauderdale area.