Best Marinas for Liveaboards by Region (with Costs)

Living aboard your boat is more than a lifestyle — it’s a commitment to freedom, coastal living, and adventure. But choosing the right marina is essential. The best liveaboard marinas offer secure docks, community spirit, and reliable services at reasonable costs. Below, we break down the best marinas for liveaboards by region — with approximate monthly slip fees included — to help you find your ideal home on the water.

What Makes a Marina Liveaboard-Friendly?

Before looking at costs, it’s important to know what separates a great liveaboard marina from an average one:

Amenities: Showers, laundry, pump-out, Wi-Fi, and secure access.
Community: A welcoming environment with other long-term residents.
Affordability: Slip fees and liveaboard surcharges that won’t break the bank.
Accessibility: Close to provisioning, town centers, and healthcare.
Availability: Popular marinas may have multi-year waitlists.

East Coast, USA

Brunswick Landing Marina – Georgia

Cost: ~$14–$16 per foot per month (30’ boat = $450–$500).
Why It’s Great: Famous for its community vibe, free laundry, social events, and modern bathhouses. Liveaboards here enjoy access to barrier islands and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Portland, Maine (DiMillo’s Marina)

Cost: ~$18–$22 per foot per month (30’ boat = $550–$650).
Why It’s Great: One of the few marinas in Maine openly welcoming liveaboards. Located in a historic harbor with restaurants and shops within walking distance.

Annapolis, Maryland

Cost: ~$18–$20 per foot per month (35’ boat = $630–$700).
Why It’s Great: The sailing capital of the U.S. Multiple marinas allow liveaboards, offering walkable access to downtown and a vibrant sailing culture.

Southeast & Outer Banks

Outer Banks – North Carolina (New Bern, Oriental, Wilmington)

Cost: ~$9–$12 per foot per month (35’ boat = $315–$420).
Why It’s Great: Known for being affordable and friendly, these towns offer strong boating communities, mild winters, and access to both the Intracoastal Waterway and offshore cruising.

Charleston City Marina – South Carolina

Cost: ~$18–$22 per foot per month (40’ boat = $700–$880).
Why It’s Great: Located right in historic Charleston, it offers excellent amenities, secure facilities, and easy downtown access.

Pacific Northwest

Shilshole Bay Marina – Seattle, Washington

Cost: ~$15–$17 per foot per month (35’ boat = $525–$600).
Why It’s Great: With over 1,400 slips, this marina has top amenities like showers, laundry, pump-outs, Wi-Fi, and a promenade overlooking Puget Sound.

Elliott Bay Marina – Seattle, Washington

Cost: ~$18–$20 per foot per month (40’ boat = $720–$800).
Why It’s Great: A central marina with skyline views of Seattle and Mount Rainier. Known for luxury services, sustainability programs, and strong security.

Caribbean & Puerto Rico

Puerto del Rey Marina – Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Cost: ~$15–$20 per foot per month (40’ boat = $600–$800).
Why It’s Great: One of the Caribbean’s largest marinas with nearly 1,000 wet slips. Offers full services, tropical weather year-round, and easy access to nearby islands.

Simpson Bay Marina – St. Maarten

Cost: ~$20–$25 per foot per month (40’ boat = $800–$1,000).
Why It’s Great: A lively hub with strong international community and easy access to Caribbean cruising routes.

Europe

Port-Camargue – Southern France

Cost: ~$14–$18 per foot per month (35’ boat = $490–$630).
Why It’s Great: With more than 4,500 berths, it’s one of Europe’s biggest marinas. Offers beach access, provisioning, and a thriving liveaboard scene.

Barcelona (Port Vell) – Spain

Cost: ~$25–$30 per foot per month (40’ boat = $1,000–$1,200).
Why It’s Great: A luxury marina in the heart of Barcelona, combining world-class amenities with Mediterranean cruising grounds.

Other Global Standouts

ACI Marina Split – Croatia
- Cost: ~$14–$17 per foot per month.
- Why: A gateway to Adriatic island-hopping.
Limassol Marina – Cyprus
- Cost: ~$20–$25 per foot per month.
- Why: Luxury facilities with Mediterranean charm.
Auckland – New Zealand
- Cost: ~$12–$16 per foot per month.
- Why: “City of Sails” with multiple liveaboard marinas.
Vancouver – Canada
- Cost: ~$16–$20 per foot per month.
- Why: Combines urban living with access to pristine Pacific cruising grounds.

Quick Comparison Table

Region	Marina	Approx. Cost (per ft/mo)	Highlights
East Coast (GA)	Brunswick Landing	$14–$16	Free laundry, social events
New England (ME)	DiMillo’s, Portland	$18–$22	Historic harbor, downtown access
Chesapeake (MD)	Annapolis	$18–$20	Sailing hub, strong community
Southeast (NC)	Oriental/Wilmington	$9–$12	Affordable, friendly town marinas
Southeast (SC)	Charleston City Marina	$18–$22	Central location, history, security
PNW (WA)	Shilshole Bay	$15–$17	1,400 slips, Puget Sound access
PNW (WA)	Elliott Bay	$18–$20	Skyline views, luxury amenities
Caribbean (PR)	Puerto del Rey	$15–$20	1,000 slips, year-round tropical living
Caribbean (St. Ma.)	Simpson Bay	$20–$25	International hub, Caribbean access
Europe (FR)	Port-Camargue	$14–$18	4,500 berths, thriving liveaboard community
Europe (ES)	Port Vell, Barcelona	$25–$30	Luxury marina, cultural hotspot

Tips for Budgeting a Liveaboard Marina

Factor in Utilities – Some marinas include power and water; others charge separately.
Ask About Surcharges – Many charge an extra liveaboard fee ($100–$300 monthly).
Compare Long-Term vs. Transient Rates – Longer contracts often save money.
Consider Insurance Requirements – Proof of coverage is often mandatory.
Plan for Seasonal Variability – High-season rates can be 20–30% higher in popular areas.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re drawn to the affordable slips of North Carolina, the tropical comfort of Puerto Rico, or the cultural hotspots of Barcelona, there’s a liveaboard marina for every lifestyle and budget.

Use SlipMaps’ growing directory of marinas to explore options near you and find the right fit for your budget and lifestyle. For a deeper dive into planning your liveaboard journey, resources like Waterborne offer helpful guidance.