Guide to the BEST Marinas in Maine
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With over 3,500 miles of gorgeous coastline, Maine is a wonderful destination for sea lovers. And, scattered up and down the coast of Maine are numerous marinas.
The marinas in Maine are often used to dock or moor personal watercraft, such as sailboats, motorboats, and other small vessels. Some marinas can accommodate vessels as large as yachts.
Maine’s marinas range from small docking stations to large marinas that can accommodate dozens of boats. Every town in Maine that has a marina has its own unique flair and charm.
Plus, one of the best ways to explore the coast of Maine is on a sailboat or power boat that you own or on boat rental or charter.
If you’re visiting Maine and looking to dock in a local marina, or if you’re simply interested in taking a stroll down to the marina to take in the beautiful water views and see the boats come and go, check out these options — organized by region.
Featured Marinas
Downeast & Acadia Area Marinas
Ellsworth Harbor Park and Marina
Ellsworth
Ellsworth Harbor Park and Marina is a beautiful spot to watch boats throughout the day. The park has benches, a gazebo, and picnic tables, so there’s no shortage of space to simply sit, relax and take in the views.
For those looking to utilize the marina, the Ellsworth Harbormaster offers dock reservations from May to October.
While in Ellsworth, check out some of the unique attractions — such as the Stanwood Homestead Museum and Bird Sanctuary or the Telephone Museum. Stop by a local favorite cafe too — such as Riverside Cafe or Sylvia’s Cafe for a hearty meal.
Dysart’s Great Harbor Marina
Southwest Harbor
Located in the heart of Acadia National Park, Dysart’s Great Harbor Marina is a full-service marina offering boat storage, docking, pump-out facilities, short power, and fuel.
Onlookers can barbeque on-site using one of the grills at the marina. There are picnic tables, live lobsters for sale, and even a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can stay the whole day, enjoying the peaceful views of the ocean and boats on one side and Acadia National Park on the other.
While in Southwest Harbor, try one of the many well-trodden hiking trails at Beech Cliff Loop, Flying Mountain, or Wonderland Trail. Or, if you’re looking for something less strenuous, visit the Charlotte Rhoades Garden and Butterfly Park.
Milbridge Marina
Milbridge
Milbridge is a small fishing village with a rich history of shellfish harvesting and shipbuilding. This no-frills marina offers a quieter experience than Jordan Pier, which is located nearby. The marina is located at the end of a scenic walkway and is within walking distance of Millbridge Center.
While Milbridge Marina doesn’t have the amenities of some of the larger marinas, it does offer safe mooring and amazing views of Narraguagus Bay. Venture to Chipman’s Wharf if you’re looking for a busy wharf where you can see lobster boats coming and going.
Marinas in Midcoast Maine
Rockport Marine Park
Rockport
Rockport Marine Park is not only a marina but a swimming spot too. There’s a swimmable beach with picnic areas so that you can enjoy the whole day at the marina. Be sure to bring binoculars to catch a glimpse of Indian Island Lighthouse in the distance.
The marina is nestled in the small town of Rockport but offers amenities like a boat launch, outhouses, well-maintained walking paths, and restaurants close by. Check out the famous Andre the Seal monument while you’re at the marina too.
Paul’s Marina
Brunswick
If you’re looking for a family-run marina, check out Paul’s Marina. It offers typical marina services, such as boat storage, pump-outs, and fuel. Paul’s also has a crane on site for any needed crane services.
At the marina, Judy’s General Store is open for sandwiches, wraps, breakfast items, ice cream, coffee, candy, and other quick grab-and-go food options. Also, you’ll find marine hardware, souvenirs, and apparel.
Historic Brunswick has a bustling Main Street with many cafes, shops, and entertainment options. Plus, the town is home to Bowdoin College, so you’re sure to see an uptick in the number of people out and about during the academic year.
Hodgdon Marina
Boothbay Harbor
Hodgdon Marina is located at the quiet end of Boothbay Harbor, offering privacy to those looking to dock. The marina has fuel, showers, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary bicycles. It is even pet-friendly.
Located within walking distance of downtown Boothbay Harbor, this marina is super convenient without the hustle and bustle of a big harbor. And, Burnt Island Lighthouse can be seen in the distance. There are several boat tour options and many hiking trails and preserves in Boothbay Harbor as well.
Belfast Marina
Belfast
The Belfast Marina & Yacht Club is a lovely marina with amenities — such as laundry, electrical hookups, and grills. Those visiting the marina are treated to gorgeous water views with boats and yachts throughout.
There’s a picnic table too, so bring your own food or something to throw on the barbecue. Belfast has delicious seafood restaurants close to the marina if you’re looking for somewhere to sit down and eat.
Known for its shipbuilding roots, Belfast remains a quaint marine-focused town. The architecture downtown is historic and well-preserved. Check out the downtown area for its buildings, shops, theater, and food options.
Southern Maine Coast Marinas
Safe Harbor Kittery Point
Kittery
Located just over the New Hampshire line, Safe Harbor Kittery Point is a great location to dock to explore either Northern New Hampshire or Southern Maine. The marina has complimentary parking, Wi-Fi, and bicycles. Boaters will find pump-out stations, showers, dock carts, and barbecue grills for use.
Kittery is known for its vast shopping options at the Kittery Outlets and the boutiques and local shopping at Kittery Foreside. Looking for some great dining options? Kittery has many seafood shanties, locally owned restaurants, and chain restaurants to choose from.
Chicks Marina
Kennebunkport
Chicks Marina is a great place to dock because it’s located a short walk from the center of Kennebunkport’s Dock Square. The amenities of this award-winning marina include electrical, storage, fuel, concierge services, boat washing, and shuttles.
Boaters will find a gorgeous sundeck and a patio with benches, chairs, umbrellas, and grills. The marina is even dog-friendly.
There’s no need to leave the marina, but if you’d like to check out historic Kennebunkport, the marina offers shuttles to downtown and local beaches. Shops, restaurants, and local attractions are also within a short walking distance for those who prefer to walk or bike.
DiMillo’s Old Port Marina
Portland
Located in the middle of Old Port in Portland, DiMillo’s Marina is the best if you want to be close to all of the action. DiMillo’s is a close walk to dozens of restaurants, shops, and activities.
The marina sits in Casco Bay and accommodates boats and yachts up to 250 feet in length. The marina is pet-friendly and has laundry, fuel, pump-out, shower, electrical, and free Wi-Fi amenities.
Portland is the place to dock if you’re looking for a marina that allows easy access to local attractions, the Amtrak trains, and tourist attractions.
Maine Marina Amenities & Fees
Many choice marinas and yacht clubs on the Maine coast will serve your nautical needs, providing everything from servicing your boat to providing a safe harbor and place to stay.
You will find beautiful so-called hurricane holes, rivers, and harbors in Maine that provide safety for a good night’s sleep on your boat and services that you crave after being out at sea for a day or more.
Most Maine marinas offer rental moorings and dock space, as well as fuel, fresh water, shore power, ice, pump outs, electricity, and showers and laundry facilities for you as an overnight marina guest.
Some dock slips even provide Wi-Fi, phone, and cable TV hookups for your boat. Certain marinas may provide freshly cooked lobster and entertainment, a place to barbecue, and a lounge for visiting yachters too.
Plus, some Maine marinas are within walking distance of great Maine restaurants and shops, while others are remote or located on islands or peninsulas.
Fees & Reservations
Any fees associated with an overnight mooring or dock slip in Maine depend upon the marina or yacht club and the time of year.
July and August are the prime months for cruising the Maine coast. Therefore, you should call or radio ahead to reserve your dock or mooring space, providing the name and length of your boat and your dates of stay.
You will then be given a price per foot from the marina or boat yard and the location of your dock slip — which may be a face dock or located within the marina.
Explore More Marinas in Maine
Whether you’re interested in checking out Maine’s marinas out of curiosity and sightseeing or you’re looking to dock your watercraft, there are plenty of options along the coast. Most marinas have full-service amenities, making for a comfortable experience.
When visiting the marinas in Maine, don’t forget to explore the towns as well. Each town has a different vibe with unique attractions and dining options.
The marinas offer a more relaxing experience than the bigger harbors in Maine. So, find a bench or picnic spot, and spend the day watching boats coming and going from Maine’s marinas!