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Top 10 Superyacht Marinas in the United States

Best marinas to dock your boat..

Marine, marina, harbor, yacht club, port — not exactly synonyms, but close. A marina provides safe dockage for vessels of all sizes, often offering supplies, repair, and other facilities to those who rent a slip. A quick (but unreliable) Google search told us that there at about 12,000 marinas in the United States.

Whether that’s true or not, that’s a lot to sift through. But we did it — we found the top 10 superyacht marinas in the U.S.

1. Yacht Haven Grande | Miami, Florida

Yacht Haven Grande Miami

“Welcome to Miami” is the vibe when you step off the yacht and into Yacht Haven Grande by Island Gardens. This marina is nothing short of flash and accommodates some of the largest superyachts in the world. 

This Miami marina was specifically designed to host mega yachts reaching 500+ feet in length, plus accommodation for smaller tenders. Onsite amenities include a luxury lounge, conference room, mail and package delivery, concierge service, BBQ area for crew, and water taxi to select Miami waterfronts. Yacht Haven Grande is a true marina destination, and one of the finest in the world.

Bonus: Denison’s Miami office is nearby to help you with your new yacht search.

Max boat length: 500+ feet

2. Gurney’s Star Island Marina | Montauk, New York

Gurney's Star Island Marina

All the way at the End of the World (as Montauk, NY is so often referred to), is Gurney’s Star Island Marina . It’s part of a larger resort and therefore offers plenty of amenities for boat owners who book a slip. Despite a sense of exclusivity, Gurney’s Star Island Marina does not require a membership. 

The marina can accommodate yachts up to 220 feet with a maximum draft of 12 feet. Boat guests have full access to Gurney’s Star Island facilities and amenities, including laundry services, a private beach, a fitness center, heated pools, tennis courts, and waterfront dining options. It’s a welcome land excursion for yacht charters in New England . 

Max boat length: 220 feet

3. Bahia Mar Yachting Center | Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Bahia Mar Yachting Center

Smack dab in the heart of Fort Lauderdale is the Bahia Mar Resort and Yachting Center (also home to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show ). It’s all about the amenities when you dock at Bahia Mar, which includes access to a swimming pool, fitness center, entertainment concierge, diving and sailing tours, and dining options. Oh, and the beach is right across the street. 

The marina is separated into the South Basin and the North Basin, with the resort, parking, shops, and restaurants conveniently in the middle. Bahia Mar holds 250 slips and can accommodate vessels up to 300 feet in length. Facilities include fueling, free WiFi, cable television, and pump out. Best to book ahead of time — about 90% of the slips are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Stop by Denison’s Fort Lauderdale office to speak with a superyacht specialist. 

Max boat length: 300 feet

4. Safe Harbor Charleston City | Charleston, South Carolina

Safe Harbor Charleston

Safe Harbor has locations all over the west and east coasts, but its marina in Charleston , South Carolina is one of the best superyacht marinas in the United States. It’s home to the Mega Dock (dun, dun duunn), which hosts some of the most prestigious yachts in the world.

Charleston is a premier boating destination , and the marina’s state-of-the-art facilities and southern hospitality are a welcome respite after a big day on the water. Yachts that book a slip at Safe Harbor receive complimentary wifi, shore power hookups, freshwater hookups, and cable TV hookups. They also have a full marine service, fuel dock, and waterfront restaurant. While membership is not required to dock at this marina, you can become a member of Safe Harbor to gain access to an entire network of premium locations, amenities, and events.

Stop by Denison’s Charleston office to learn more about yachts for sale. 

Max boat length: 455 feet

5. Marina del Rey Marina | Los Angeles, California

Marina del Rey Marina

Marina del Rey hosts one of the largest marinas in the U.S. It can accommodate vessels up to 150 feet in length and up to 5,000 yachts year-round. Californians do things big — the marina has hotel rooms, restaurants, a Denison office , a movie theater, paddleboard rentals, and a shopping center (among other amenities ). It’s a short drive to/from Santa Monica for the beach or LAX to catch a flight. When you book a slip at Marina del Rey Marina, you’ll get security, fresh water, power, ice delivery, wash and fold delivery, and dockside shuttle service.

Max boat length: 150 feet

6. Farley State Marina | Atlantic City, New Jersey

Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Dock the yacht and head for the slots. Farley State Marina is part of the Golden Nugget Casino in Atlantic City. This protected marina offers 630 floating slips and dockage for vessels up to 300 feet in length. When you rent a boat slip at Farley State, you get exclusive resort amenities including access to the H20 Rooftop Pool and Bar. Spend a day on the water then enjoy the award-winning restaurants, shows, casino games, and nightlife at the Golden Nugget.

7. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina | San Diego, California

Marriott Marquis Marina San Diego

The Marriott Marquis and Marina in San Deigo offers a prime waterfront location for your yacht or boat. The Marina District is ideally located downtown with easy access to catch a Padres game, tour the USS Midway Museum, or bar hop in the Gaslamp Quarter.

This 450-slip marina accommodates vessels from 25 to 125 feet. Because this marina is part of the Marriott, guests can order room service to their boat, gain access to the pool, or use the fitness center. Say hello to the Denison San Diego team while you’re there. 

Max boat length: 125 feet

8. DiMillo’s Marina | Portland, Maine

DiMillo's Marina

In the heart of Portland’s Old Port is DiMillo’s Marina , an iconic neighborhood staple. It’s a two-minute walk to Portland’s historic downtown area with plenty of bars and restaurants, plus provision and marine services. DiMillos offers summer, winter, year-round, and transient dockage with amenities such as a gated facility, wifi, electricity, sewer, and fuel. 

Max boat length: 250 feet

9. Stock Island Yacht Club And Marina | Key West, Florida

Stock Island Yacht Club

Stock Island Marina is one of the best marinas in the Florida Keys. It provides guests with excellent amenities including a waterfront pool, waterfront restaurant, event space, and fitness center; the unrivaled location is an ideal haven for boating, sailing, scuba diving, and sportfishing. Stock Island Marina can accommodate vessels up to 101 feet, with a max draft of 7 feet. By land, it’s about four miles from Key West International Airport and 10 minutes from the bars and restaurants on Duval Street.

Max boat length: 101 feet

10. Tidewater Yacht Marina | Portsmouth, Virginia

Tidewater Yacht Marina

At mile marker zero on the Intercoastal Waterway is Tidewater Yacht Marina in Portsmouth, Virginia. It’s the halfway point between Florida and New York, a perfect pit stop for yachts traveling up and down the east coast. Tidewater Yacht Marina offers 300 slips — transient slips can accommodate boats as small as 20′ to yachts over 150’ in length. The marina offers restrooms, showers, laundry, and free wifi for guests. 

Speak With A Superyacht Specialist:

Latest news.

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NEWS | August 23, 2024

Cocktails & canapés at 37th america’s cup [s/y seaquell].

Cocktails & Canapés at 37th America’s Cup [S/Y SEAQUELL] Thursday, August 29th | 19:00-21:00 Denison Yachting cordially invites you to an evening of cocktails and canapés aboard the Sailing Yacht SEAQUELL during the 37th America’s Cup Round Robins at Port Forum. Enjoy a relaxed gathering on board, set against

mega yacht in marina

Newport International Boat Show [Brokerage Boats On Display]

Newport International Boat Show [Brokerage Boats On Display] Thursday-Sunday | September 12-15, 2024 Denison invites you to view a number of available brokerage boats at the 2024 Newport International Boat Show. The Newport International Boat Show, set for September 12-15, 2024, in Newport, Rhode Island, is one of

mega yacht in marina

NEWS | August 19, 2024

85′ azimut 2006 sold by florent moranzoni [eva].

85′ Azimut 2006 Sold by Florent Moranzoni [EVA] EVA, an 85′ (26.82m) Azimut built in 2006, was sold by Florent Moranzoni, who represented the Seller. Special thanks to James von Eiberg of Bluebnc, who represented the Buyer. EVA can accommodate ten guests in four comfortable cabins, including a

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The best superyacht marinas in Miami

One island park.

In Miami, everyone wants a piece of the waterfront. Condos, restaurants and private homes all try to stake claim on the ever-disappearing property by bay (and sea). Luckily, in a water-centric city like Miami, marinas take up a good portion of this prime real estate .

With dockage available in every waterfront neighbourhood, you can decide what amenities you seek, how much privacy you desire and which part of Miami you’d like to be based to explore this exciting city .

1. One Island Park

The One Island Park compound opened in Miami Beach in November last year and is designed solely for superyachts and is able to accommodate yachts measuring up to 244 metres in its deep water berths.

Visitors to One Island Park will enjoy a vast range of VIP concierge services, as well as a high level of exclusivity. The new compound was designed to showcase both the area and the best standards of service, meaning it will become an extremely popular spot for private owners, while its location means that clients can enjoy the thriving art scene, the beaches and the nightlife of Miami.

Picture courtesy of Facebook.com / One Island Park

Island Gardens

The new superyacht marina Island Gardens Deep Harbour is situated on Watson Island and is capable of berthing 50 superyachts measuring up to 167 metres. The retail and residential aspects of the marina are not expected to be completed for the next two years, but the marina is fully operational with 1,524 linear metres of capacity with drafts of 5.4-6.4 metres deep.

Picture courtesy of Romain Maurice Photography

Coconut Grove

Home to the U.S. Sailing Center and multiple yacht clubs, Coconut Grove is a hotbed for yachting activity. The 582-slip Dinner Key Marina, which survived the worst of the hurricane damage in September, sits right in the centre, and only steps away from the shops and restaurants of “The Grove.” The protected marina hosts yachts up to 38 metres with two metres of draft.

Sea Isle Marina

The Sea Isle Marina and Yachting Centre is a great place for yachts up to 42 metres to tie-up and be in close distance to what downtown has to offer with the Adrienne Arsht Center for the performing arts and the arena where the Miami Heat play right around the corner. There are also great restaurants right on site, as well as fuel and a ship’s store.

picture: Paz Global Real Estate

Miamarina at Bayside

Surrounded by shops, dining and even an outdoor auditorium, the Miamarina at Bayside is a lively marina. The marina has 130 slips and hosts yachts up to 60 metres and offers easy access to both the Atlantic through Government Cut and to Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys to the south.

Picture courtesy of Shutterstock.com

Epic Marina

Epic Marina is surely one of the plushest in Miami and despite being hit hard during Hurricane Irma, is once again capable of hosting superyachts up to 95 metres. In the shadow of Miami’s luxe Epic Residences & Hotel, the marina isn’t short on high-end amenities. Guests can enjoy sumptuous meals at on site restaurants Area 31 and Zuma.

Picture courtesy of Facebook.com / Epic Marina

Sunset Harbour Yacht Club

Set off the Venetian Causeway on Biscayne Bay, Sunset Harbour Yacht Club offers ample dockage outside of the hubbub of the Miami Beach scene. Catering to yachts up to 45 metres with 125 deepwater slips, the designated “clean marina”, an initiative started by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, has some great amenities including a pool and fitness centre. Fuel can be delivered and it is loacated right around the corner from a large Publix supermarket for easy provisioning.

Picture courtesy of Facebook.com / Sunset Harbour Yacht Club

Indian Creek Marina

Across from Miami’s iconic and historic Fountainbleau Resort on Collins Avenue, Indian Creek Marina at the Fountainbleau Resort (home to one of the best hotel spas to visit in Miami ) can host yachts up to 76 metres. In February, this waterway is lined with yachts during the Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show. The rest of the year, it’s open to transiting yachts and makes a great destination marina that is in close distance to Miami’s finest spas and eateries, as it's located right across from the beach.

Miami Beach Marina

In the south end of Miami Beach, the full-service Miami Beach Marina has 400 slips for yachts up to 76 metres. The marina offers direct access to Government Cut, a manmade shipping channel between Miami Beach and Fisher Island, which allows better access to the Port of Miami. Likewise, it’s only moments to the best of what South Beach has to offer; the beach and the best restaurants, nightlife and spas are just steps away.

Private Marinas

Yachtsmen seeking a private marina experience while in Miami should look no further than these havens:

The exclusive private island community of Fisher Island Club, across from Miami Beach, is ‘members only’, but sponsorship (from a member or the dockmaster) allows temporary membership for yachts up to 76.2 metres in length to tie up in the marina. And their owners can enjoy all the perks of the club, including the beach club, spa, tennis centre, hotel, restaurants and PB Dye-designed golf course.

Midway between Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Aventura, Turnberry Isle Marina Yacht Club accommodates 117 yachts up to 45-metres. Amenities include 24-hour security, a private ocean club, pool, spa, several restaurants, and two 18-hole Raymond Floyd-designed championship golf courses.

Picture courtesy of Facebook.com / Fisher Island Club

Sponsored listings

  • France – IGY Sète Marina
  • France – IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes
  • Italy – Cala di Volpe Mooring Buoys
  • Italy – IGY Portisco Marina
  • Italy – Marina Di Porto Cervo
  • Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia – Sindalah Marina
  • LONDON – ST. KATHARINE DOCKS
  • SAVANNAH, GA – IGY SAVANNAH HARBOR MARINA
  • Spain – IGY Ibiza Marina
  • Spain – IGY Málaga Marina
  • St. Lucia – Rodney Bay Marina
  • St. Maarten – Simpson Bay Marina
  • St. Maarten – Yacht Club Isle De Sol
  • St. Thomas, USVI – American Yacht Harbor
  • St. Thomas, USVI – Yacht Haven Grande
  • Turks & Caicos – Blue Haven Marina
  • MANHATTAN, NY – NORTH COVE MARINA AT BROOKFIELD PLACE
  • Miami, FL – Yacht Haven Grande at Island Gardens
  • St. Petersburg, FL – Maximo Marina
  • Colombia – Marina Santa Marta
  • Costa Rica – Marina Bahia Golfito
  • Mexico – Marina Cabo San Lucas
  • Panama – Red Frog Beach Marina

YACHT MANAGEMENT

  • France – IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes
  • Italy - Cala di Volpe Mooring Buoys
  • Italy – Marina Di Porto Cervo
  • Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia - Sindalah Marina
  • LONDON – ST. KATHARINE DOCKS
  • Spain – IGY Ibiza Marina
  • Turks & Caicos – Blue Haven Marina
  • MANHATTAN, NY – NORTH COVE MARINA AT BROOKFIELD PLACE
  • Portland, ME – Fore Points Marina

United States Caribbean Latin America Europe KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA Destination Charter Itineraries

  • United States American Yacht Harbor Maximo Marina Yacht Haven Grande Miami at Island Gardens North Cove Marina at Brookfield Place Yacht Haven Grande USVI IGY Savannah Harbor Marina VIEW ALL MARINAS
  • Carribean American Yacht Harbor Blue Haven Marina Yacht Haven Grande USVI Rodney Bay Marina Yacht Club Isle De Sol Simpson Bay Marina Red Frog Beach Island Marina Marina Santa Marta VIEW ALL MARINAS
  • Latin America Marina Bahia Golfito Marina Cabo San Lucas Red Frog Beach Island Marina Marina Santa Marta VIEW ALL MARINAS
  • Europe IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes Cala di Volpe Mooring IGY Portisco Marina IGY Sete Marina Marina Di Porto Cervo IGY Malaga Marina St. Katharine Docks IGY Ibiza Marina VIEW ALL MARINAS
  • KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA SINDALAH MARINA VIEW ALL MARINAS

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  • Superyacht Miami Yacht Have Grande Miami Miami International Boat Show | Feb 15 – 19 VISIT EVENTS PAGE

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  • Safety & Security
  • Crew Administration
  • Financial Administration
  • Technical Support
  • Documentation

YACHT HAVEN GRANDE MIAMI AT ISLAND GARDENS

  • Tel: +1 786-432-2900
  • VHF: Channel 71 & 16
  • 25.7834787 N
  • -80.1822715 W
  • 838 MacArthur Causeway
  • Miami, FL 33132
  • Monday–Friday: 8AM-8PM EST
  • Saturday & Sunday: 8AM-8PM EST
  • Contact us for important dates
  • 44 ° F ( 6 ° C) Sunrise: 6:55 AM
  • 44 ° F ( 6 ° C) Sunset: 6:55 AM
  • Wind 6-9 ft
  • Wave Height 6-9 ft

Specifications

  • 50 Superyacht Berths 50 Total Berths Max Length: 550' (167m) Max Draft: 27' (8.2m) Max Beam: No Restrictions
  • 50 amp 220v, 100 amp SP 240v,
  • 100 amp 3P 208v, 100 amp 3P 480v,
  • 400 amp 3P 480v, 800 amp 3P 480v
  • 24 Hour Security

mega yacht in marina

  • Captain and Crew Lounge
  • Conference Room/ Business Center
  • Captain and Crew BBQ Area
  • Private Guest Transportation
  • Parking Allocation
  • On-site Dining
  • Miami Beach & Nightlife
  • Golf Cart Assistance
  • Concierge Services
  • Customs & Immigration Assistance
  • Valet Service
  • Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services
  • Fuel Services Available
  • Regulated Waste Removal
  • Secure Storage
  • Helicopter Operations Available – please inquire with marina office

Directory & Local Businesses

  • Restaurants
  • Entertainment
  • Vessel Services
  • Laundry/Dry Cleaning
  • IGY Strategic Partner
  • Travel / Transportation
  • Provisioning
  • Communications
  • Crew & Yacht Insurance

mega yacht in marina

GILI WOJNOWICH

Regional Director United States, Bahamas, and South America

Nearly 10 years with IGY Marinas

Contact Information

Reservations / concierge.

+1 786-432-2900

Police / Fire / Ambulance

Wards Marine Electric

About Marina

On behalf of the management and staff at Yacht Haven Grande Miami at Island Gardens, an IGY Marinas megayacht and superyacht marina, we would like to welcome you to Miami.

Welcoming vessels up to 550’ (167.7m) and tucked inside the Miami Causeway between downtown Miami and world-famed Miami Beach, Yacht Haven Grande Miami at Island Gardens provides guests with access to South Florida’s most prestigious events, world-renowned festivals, and the widest variety of cuisines from all over the globe. Overlooking the marina basin with the Miami skyline as a backdrop, the on-site restaurant, The Deck, offers a private and exclusive venue for parties and gatherings.

We at IGY Marinas and Yacht Haven Grande Miami at Island Gardens, are familiar with the needs of megayachts and superyachts. We work with some of the industry’s best providers to coordinate arrangements for fueling, provisioning, and services required for the world’s largest vessels.

On behalf of the team, we look forward to hosting you in Miami, and if there is anything that we can do to ensure smooth owner visits, charter transitions, and help make your stay more enjoyable, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Yacht Haven Grande Miami at Island Gardens General Manager

IGY’s newest marina addition, Yacht Haven Grande Miami at Island Gardens, is the backdrop to Miami’s most exquisite outdoor restaurant and lounge. It is the perfect environment for guests to wine, dine and dance outdoors.

The Deck at Island Gardens, Miami’s newest chic outdoor lounge, offers a perfect environment for Miami’s elite to wine, dine and dance outdoors. Guests are welcome to arrive by land or sea, and can sit comfortably at full-size dining tables or waterfront cabana lounges. We offer stunning picturesque views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay, one of the most signature sunset views South Miami has to offer.

During the week, home to many corporate functions and private events and from Friday to Sunday guests can experience and reminisce the lifestyles from the various Ports of Call from Ibiza to Porto Cervo, that make up the global yachting community, welcoming Miami as the newest destination in North America for superyachts.

To view seasonal offerings visit:   www.islandgardens.com/the-deck

For reservations please contact 786.627.4949 or [email protected] .

Arrival Information Details

Advanced reservations are strongly recommended at the Yacht Haven Grande Miami at Island Gardens.  Berthing is not guaranteed without a confirmed reservation.  We ask that you provide advanced notice, when feasible, of your approximate arrival time so we can be fully prepared for your arrival and minimize any inconvenience to you.

Please Note: Captains and his/her assignee must check-in/check-out with the marina office for each stay unless otherwise arranged with marina management.

1:00 pm 2:00 pm

When feasible, we request an estimated time of arrival 24hr in advance so we can be fully prepared for your arrival and minimize any inconvenience.

Upon arrival contact the marina office on VHF Channel 71 to obtain directions to the slip assignment.  A skilled dock attendant will report to the slip to assist with docking, line handling, and connections.  Once comfortably settled, we ask that you visit our marina office to check-in.  The staff will answer any questions you have.

Upon departure, we request you contact the marina office 1-2 hours prior to departure to ensure all items are in order.  A receipt can be provided at the marina office or emailed upon request to the email address provided at the time of check-in.  If all items are in order, please hail the marina office on VHF Channel 71 if you would like assistance with disconnection and lines.

Early Check-in / Late Check-out

If a slip is occupied after 2:00 pm on the day of your scheduled departure, an additional night’s dockage will be charged to your account.

We will do our absolute best to accommodate your requests whenever possible.  In most cases, if your slip is available prior to 2:00 pm on the day of your arrival, or after 1:00 pm on the day of your departure, we will allow you to remain in the slip at no additional charge.  Prior arrangements must be made with the marina office for early arrival or delayed departure in order to avoid unnecessary charges.

Temporary Slips

In the event an early check-in and/or late check-out is unable to be accommodated in your currently slip, we will try to accommodate by making another slip available until such time your slip is available or you are ready to depart the marina.

In the event a temporary slip is made available to you, and you do not relocate the vessel, the marina reserves the right to charge you two times (2x’s) the original daily rate for each night you occupy the temporary slip.

This is necessary as at times, the marina operates at full occupancy and failure to relocate the vessel could negatively affect other guests.

Cancellation Policy

Please note: Cancellation policies are subject to change. Please refer to your reservation confirmation or contact the marina office direct for confirmation of cancellation policy. Cancellation requests must be submitted directly to the marina. Any cancellation requests received through the IGY Marinas website are not considered proper cancellation.

Contact & Hours of Operation

Customs & Immigration Office Phone: +1 305-536-4758 Address:  903 South America Way Terminal H Miami, FL 33132 Hours of Operation: 7 days a week  6:00 am to 10:00 pm Appointment Required

Customs & Immigration Information

  • Please note: We do our best to ensure this information is up-to-date, however, this is strictly for informational purposes only. We recommend reviewing the Customs and Immigration site for the destination requirements.

Customs & Immigration Office

A Customs & Immigration Office is located near the marina, however, transportation is highly suggested and can be arranged prior to arrival.

Those reaching the port of entry after closing hours are required to raise a quarantine flag and report in the next morning.

In order to clear in and out of the Immigration Office, you will need the following:

  • Vessel registration documents
  • Vessel clearance documentation from the last port of call
  • Copy of passenger/crew list (form I-418)
  • Passports of all crew and guests
  • Copy of the Ship’s Registry
  • Vessel entrance or clearance statement on CPB Form 1300

If you are arriving into Miami from a United States domestic location, including the mainland United States, the US Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico, and have a US Flag and crew, no special immigration procedures are required.

Safety Equipment Requirements

All vessels cruising the United States waters should have the following safety equipment on-board:

  • Functional life-vests for all passengers
  • Parachute, orange, and para-rocket flares
  • Bell and/or Whistle
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • First-aid Kit

Miami International Airport (MIA) Address: 2100 NW 42nd Ave. Miami, FL 33126 Phone: +1 305-876-7000 Website:  http://www.miami-airport.com/

  • Miami International Airport, also known as MIA and historically as Wilcox Field, is the primary airport serving the Miami area, with over 1,000 daily flights to 167 domestic and international destinations.

Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) Address: 100 Terminal Dr. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 Phone: +1 954-359-1200 Website:  http://www.broward.org/airport/

  • Fort Lauderdale International Airport, also known as FLL, is a secondary airport serving the Miami area. Located approximately 30mi from Miami, FLL is the locals choice for international flights.

HEALTH / PHARMACY

  • Mercy Hospital +1 305-854-4400 3663 S. Miami Ave. Miami, FL 33133
  • Mt. Sinai Medical Center +1 305-674-2273 4300 Alton Rd. Miami Beach, FL 33140
  • Univ. of Miami Hospital +1 305-325-5511 1400 NW 12th Ave. Miami, FL 33136
  • CVS Pharmacy & Walk-in Clinic +1 305-531-7311 Address:  306 Lincoln Rd.. Miami Beach, FL 33139
  • Walgreens Pharmacy +1 305-531-7688 524 Jefferson Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139

BANKING SERVICES

  • TD Bank +1 305-531-0642 500 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139
  • Wells Fargo Bank +1 305-372-5779 555 Washington Ave. Ste A, Miami Beach, FL 33139
  • City National Bank of FL +1 305-534-3301 446 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139
  • Chase Bank +1 305-459-8984 504 Washington Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139
  • Citibank +1 786-347-3139 830 5th St. Miami Beach, FL 33139
  • Continental National Bank +1 305 642-2440  888 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132
  • FIS +1 305 350-3890  50 NE 9th Street Miami, FL 33132

POSTAL SERVICES

  • FedEx Office Print & Ship Center +1 305-532-4241 1617 Alton Rd. Miami Beach FL 33139
  • US Postal Service +1 800-275-8777 1661 West Ave. Miami Beach FL 33139, 36 NE 1st Street Ste 310 Miami, FL 33132
  • The UPS Store +1 305-538-5076 1521 Alton Rd. Miami Beach, FL 3313
  • The UPS Access Point +1 786-420-5104 1655 NW 3rd Ave. Miami, FL 33136

Yacht Haven Grande Miami at Island Gardens Marina Rules

To make your stay with us more enjoyable, the following set of guidelines should be followed. These are merely suggested rules of etiquette and regulations to make the Marina and its facilities more enjoyable for all customers.

  • Do not leave garbage on the docks or common areas to be picked up.  Garbage should be bagged and tied and then properly placed in designated receptacles, or be placed in the garbage truck, not loosely scattered or abandoned.
  • Oils and fuels should be disposed of properly and not in Marina trash cans.  Please ask for assistance when disposing of oils, fuels, or chemicals. Your concern for the environment helps.
  • Try not to introduce any effluents into the Marina lagoon.  Use holding tanks if possible.
  • Do not attempt to turn on your own water and electricity. Please have a dock attendant provide the service.  Using pliers or screwdrivers will damage the equipment and you will be charged.  It is suggested that you read meters (if applicable) along with our dock attendant to ensure accuracy.
  • Anyone caught taking water from another yacht’s tap shall be responsible for the entire water cost of the metered yacht. Please use your own water.
  • Keep power cords and water hoses in a neat and orderly fashion so that no one will trip in the dark or while carrying objects.
  • Please wash sails on lawn areas where water outlets and drying spaces are available, or do it aboard your yacht.
  • When marking anchor chains with paint, use paper or cardboard beneath your chain to keep wet paint off the docks and other customers’ shoes.
  • When cleaning dinghies, make sure you rinse debris and growth off of the docks when finished.
  • Lock the vessel when leaving it unattended.
  • Lock your dinghies and outboard at night.
  • Try to keep excessive noise down after 10:00 pm.
  • Do not utilize power sanders or grinders while completing minor vessel repairs.
  • Barbecue and cooking on the docks is prohibited.  Barbecue and cooking should be done on board in suitable equipment and self contained.  Any other way is dangerous and frowned upon.  Kindly clean up after yourself when finished. Charcoal ash and debris are not to be disposed of into the lagoon.
  • If bright deck lights or spot lights are to be used at night, avoid pointing them at nearby boats, especially down or into their cabins.
  • Pets need to be kept on a leash or in an acceptable carrying case. Please be sure to clean up after your pets. Owners will be responsible for any damages caused by unattended pets.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Front Desk is the best!

January 2024

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February 2024

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Everything was perfect.

Itineraries

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3 DAY ITINERARY

Explore one of the most famous beaches in the world with high-fashioned shopping and exquisite cuisine, lined by colorful nightlife set to lively music.

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5 DAY ITINERARY

Visit the ever-changing art at Wynwood Walls, be seen on Lincoln Road, fall in love with the Coral Castle, or monkey around at the zoo.

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ANNUAL EVENTS

Miami Beach is host to unlimited events throughout the year including, Ultra Music Festival, Miami Yacht Show, Art Basel, and just recently, the F1 Races.

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LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Home to the greatest weather in the world, it's no wonder Miami Beach is host to an array of indoor and outdoor galleries and attractions.

IGY Marinas values your feedback. Please fill out a survey to share your experience.

Other Rates

Autres tarifs.

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RESTAURANTS AND SHOPS

From breakfast at the quayside, all the way to dinner on a rooftop terrace, menus range from fresh fish or pizza to traditional Sardinian cuisine that are also available for takeout or delivery onboard. The supermarket, conveniently located on the dock, specialty shop and liquor store offer a wide selection that are available for delivery to your vessel.

BWA YACHTING

BWA Yachting is a worldwide yacht agency and yachting services provider formed to support captains, managers and crew, making their lives easier, assisting with the increasing demands of managing a modern superyacht. Our global office network stretches throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas, providing a unique and seamless experience, wherever our clients are cruising. The BWA Yachting service can be anything from planning a complete trip, saving you time and a lot of hassle, with just one point of reference to the handling of a single port call or last minute concierge request. That’s everything from clearance procedures to berthing reservations, bunkering, provisioning, fiscal advice, logistics, technical assistance, travel arrangements, and more.

www.bwayachting.com Tel.+377 93 500 277 [email protected]

BOOK A SERVICE

Host your event in harbor360, download brochure, contact us today, coming soon, this part of our website is still under maintenance and will be available soon , find cruise lines.

Norwegian Cruise Lines Cruises: Norwegian Cruise Line Cruise Deals | NCL Cruises

MSC MSC Cruises Official Global Website – Select your Country

Celebrity Cruises Cruises: Award-Winning Luxury Cruise Line | Celebrity Cruises

Virgin Voyages Caribbean & European Cruise Vacations | Virgin Voyages

TUI Marella Cruises | Cruise Holidays 2023 / 2024 | TUI.co.uk

RCCL Cruises – Amazing Cruises and Cruise Deals | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Star Clipper Star Clippers UK – Home

FIND FERRIES

TRANS COTE D’AZUR  04 92 98 71 30 https://www.trans-cote-azur.com/

RIVIERA LINES 04 92 98 71 31 https://www.riviera-lines.com/

HORIZON 04 92 98 71 36 https://www.horizon-lerins.com/

PLANARIA 04 92 98 71 38 https://www.city-life.fr/

More Information Coming Soon!

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The World’s Top Megayacht Marinas

Megayacht Marinas

With yachting still on the rise – sales of megayachts were up 40% according to the most recent 2016 wealth report by Knight Frank – we’ve compiled a list below of the new and upcoming marinas around the world that every megayacht owner, captain or traveler who charters can’t miss.

Miami – Island Gardens Deep Harbour

mega yacht in marina

Island Gardens is a next generation mixed-use development, home to a superyacht marina that today accommodates up to 50 of the world’s largest yachts. Upon future completion, Island Gardens will feature two luxury hotels, magnificent residences with five-star amenities and hotel-serviced living. The waterfront property at the heart of Miami will be a premier dining destination, calling hotel guests and visitors alike to enjoy an array of exclusive eateries featuring world-class cuisine from all corners of the globe. Famous yachts that have already docked at Deep Harbour include the 236-foot Axioma by Dunya, the 230-foot Martha Ann by Lurssen, 214-foot Double Down by Codecasa, 206-foot 11:11 by Benetti and the 190-foot Skyfall by Trinity.

mega yacht in marina

Dubai – Dubai Marina Yacht Club

mega yacht in marina

With slips for over 567 yachts, Dubai Marina Yacht Club is the largest marina in the Middle East. Those moored at the 5 Gold Anchor Marina have access to a members-only clubhouse, a dedicated concierge and a series of sea and land rallies and social events organized exclusively for berth holders. The marina is also right next to the famed Palm Jumeirah Hotel and surrounded by The Dubai Opera, Emirates Golf Club and plenty of gourmet restaurants and shopping.

mega yacht in marina

Barcelona – OneOcean Port Vell

mega yacht in marina

Originally built for the 1992 Olympic Games and perfectly positioned in the heart of Barcelona, OneOcean Port Vell is a 148-berth luxury facility and the ultimate destination for yachts up to 623 feet. The marina grants easy access for yacht owners to soak up this historic city, from visiting the Gaudi monuments scattered throughout the city to eating authentic, traditional Catalan and Spanish cuisine.

Tivat, Montenegro – Porto Montenegro

mega yacht in marina

Named 2015’s Superyacht Marina of the Year by The Yacht Harbour Association, Porto Montenegro boasts 450 berths, including 128 for superyachts, 24-hour yacht assistance from a multi-lingual marina team and tax and duty-free fuel stations. Porto Montenegro’s Yacht Club is a hub of sporting and social activity, featuring multiple restaurants, an infinity-edge swimming pool and an outdoor terrace and bar, plus a fitness center, tennis courts and a squadron of racing yachts. The marina’s real estate collection consists of six completed properties totaling 176 luxury apartments and an additional 51 at the Regent Hotel, making Porto Montenegro a true home away from home.

mega yacht in marina

Tuscany – Porto Viareggio

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Already home to one of the most important Carnival celebrations in Italy, this seaside resort will also soon be home to the inaugural Versilia Yachting Rendez-vous in May, 2017. As the southernmost point in Versilia, Viareggio was the only outlet onto the Lucca Sea for centuries, and now offers restaurants, nightlife and architecture to match. Porto Viareggio has space for 560 boats up to 70 feet in length in over 500,000 square feet of water, so there’s plenty of room to spare for visitors to this new international event dedicated to high-end products of Italy’s famed nautical industry.

Anguilla – Altamer

mega yacht in marina

Anguilla’s Altamer resort in Shoal Bay West is home to three spectacular beachside villas and considered by many to be the Caribbean’s finest address. The resort will receive the island’s first megayacht marina with 30 percent of its berths designed to accept yachts stretching between 30 feet and 200 feet. The new facility is slated to include a 164-unit resort, in addition to duty-free retail shops and a restaurant promenade.

St. Kitts – Christophe Harbour

mega yacht in marina

Created by the developer of Kiawah Island, Charles Pinckney “Buddy” Darby III, The Marina at Christophe Harbour was built with the discerning yachtsman in mind, featuring 250 state-of-the-art berths – 50 of which will be able to accommodate the yachts up to 250 feet. A protected entrance, safe inner harbor and a prime location between Antigua and St. Maarten in the heart of the Eastern Caribbean charter and cruising grounds make Christophe Harbour a prime destination marina.

mega yacht in marina

Rome – Roma Marina Yachting

mega yacht in marina

The arrival of Roma Marina Yachting in October 2015 transformed this historic port into one of the world’s most captivating megayacht destinations near a city that has witnessed 20 centuries of history. From Roma Marina Yachting, guests can reach the pearls of the Mediterranean, including Capri, Procida and Ischia Ponza, and the further off islands of Sardinia, Corsica and Sicily. The yachting set can also adventure on dry land – in less than an hour they can be in Rome, or amongst the Etruscan ruins in the beautiful, ancient region of Tuscia.

So when you are planning your next megayacht seafaring adventure, be sure to consider these incredible marinas. Whether your travels take you to the shimmering shores of Dubai or the splendid, historic Mediterranean, these are some of the most beautiful places to dock your spectacular vessel. And be sure to check out our Yacht Buyers Guide and comprehensive Yacht Builder Directory for more invaluable insight, and be sure to stay up on all the latest yacht content from your friends at Jetset .

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The Rise of the Superyacht Marina

As yacht continue to grow bigger, so too does the demand for where to berth them.

By Miriam Cain and Ellys Woodhouse

mega yacht in marina

With more and more yachts on the water, many of which are well above 130ft, finding a safe harbor in the right location for your superyacht can be harder than it sounds. But investors are responding to the demand. In a growing trend for supersized destination marinas, the International Yacht Club d’Antibes recently invested a hefty €135m (approx. $146m) to upgrade Port Vauban’s iconic Quai Camille Rayon, better known as Billionaires’ Quay because of the gargantuan size of yachts it can accommodate. Offering far more than just a place to park your yacht, the new site boasts a brand new clubhouse, reception area for users of the helipad and upgraded crew facilities. 

Barcelona’s Port Vell has also been transformed into an impressive 151-berth facility for yachts of up to 620ft, offering owners and crew convenient access to the city and all that the popular Catalan capital has to offer. The only other marina in Europe with larger berths than Barcelona is Porto Montenegro in the Bay of Kotor. Credited with starting the trend for destination marinas when it completed construction in 2014, Porto Montenegro has become a destination in itself, with a five-star hotel, luxury boutiques and even an International School on-site for berth owners to use. 

Prices however can be high for such prime locations — a 280ft superyacht owner would need to pay in the region of €8.5m ($9.1m) for a 280-ft berth on a ten-year lease in Quai Camille Rayon. Many berths are then sublet by their owners at high prices when not in use, and given that most superyachts spend just 10% cruising, a berth to call home for these larger yachts (whether rented or owned) has become an essential, and competitive, part of ownership — something that is true not just for the owner, but also for the crew who prefer a home base where they can put down roots and buy property. 

mega yacht in marina

A number of future developments are also in the pipeline, designed to fill the gap for large superyacht berths, including a brand new and quite visionary project called Habacoa, located in the Bahamas. Scheduled to launch in 2027, Port Habacoa will be the largest marina in North America, offering a total of 150 berths spanning from 60ft (18m) to 720ft (220m). Lying 50 nautical miles from Nassau, and only 160 nautical miles from the yachting hub of Fort Lauderdale, Habacoa is certainly fulfilling a demand as statistics suggest that there are seven superyachts for every berth in the US. 

“This is going to be the largest superyacht marina in the entire region – and there’s no dispute about that,” explains Ra’anan Ben-Zur, the developer and CEO behind Habacoa. “We have 134 superyacht berths, the entire East Coast of the United States has about 150. And we are going to have 14 berths of 300 ft and above. There’s maybe a handful, if that, of that size in the entire East Coast of the United States.”

mega yacht in marina

Speaking over video call from his base in Miami, Ben-Zur explains that the main obstacle facing developing superyacht marinas in the US is the acute shortage of space: “In the US, generally, all oceanfront land is developed, right? [Habacoa] has 500 acres, there’s not 500 acres of oceanfront in the US just sitting there waiting for people to develop it. It’s been fully developed.”

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As the development of US marinas slows to an almost standstill, the size of the yachts that wish to park there is growing, and fast – which in turn drives up the demand for space to keep them. “There hasn’t been a new marina built here or renovated [other than] small additions for 25 years,” explains Ben-Zur. “25 years ago, the largest boats in the world may have been 20 meters, now it’s 200 meters. So, those big boats can’t make it into the old marinas. They can’t get in, it’s not big enough, it’s not deep enough. They don’t have the capacity and they don’t have the utilities.” 

mega yacht in marina

“Most marinas, in the US especially, I would call them glorified parking lots; they put their boat there and they go,” jibs Ben-Zur. “The owner is never on the boat there because, I mean, if you look at the big marinas here in Miami, some of which are the largest marinas in the US, there’s nothing there. There’s maybe a restaurant and a bar for the crew, but the owner doesn’t go there.”

In stark contrast, the highly anticipated Habacoa aims to become one of the most exclusive destination marinas in the world. More than just a safe harbor, Habacoa will feature an exclusive, members-only yacht club, and a casino and nightclub complex designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The sustainable development also includes residences and a five-star hotel, restaurants, boutiques, a children’s water park and a wellness and fitness center. 

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mega yacht in marina

Not to mention the facilities specially built for the crew and captains, either. “It will have everything that you can think of,” describes Ben-Zur, before listing the on-site gym, showers, laundry facilities and pool, just to name a few, all of which will be free for the crew to use. 

With this plethora of amenities to please the three required clientele types – “the boat, the captain and the crew, and, of course, the owner,” – Habacoa is set to be, as Ben-Zur puts it: “We’re going to be the Amazon in the superyachts community.” 

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Miriam Cain

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Ellys Woodhouse

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Safe Harbor Marina

Safe Harbor Charleston City

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
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Transient Slips

Winter storage.

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Marine Services

We ensure your boat is cared for with passion and meticulous attention to detail.

  • Engine & Propulsion
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  • Open 24 Hours

Waterside Restaurant

The variety store restaurant, salty mikes, the sea store.

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Featured Amenities

Waterfront lifestyle.

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Onsite at marina

Marina Variety water

400 ft from marina

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10.3 miles from marina

Fig restaurant

1.3 miles from marina

Church and union interior

1.8 miles from marina

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When you become a Member of Safe Harbor, you have access to our entire network of premium locations, amenities, events and unparalleled boating lifestyle opportunities.

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Safe Harbor Water Suites

Custom built by our world-renowned shipwrights, Safe Harbor Water Suites combine chic nautical overnight accommodations with private upper-deck terraces for an unforgettable waterfront experience.

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Marina Variety Store Restaurant

Comfort food and stunning seaside views are on the menu here at the family-owned Marina Variety Store Restaurant. Since the 1960’s this Charleston gem has been a go-to for seafood specialties featuring beloved classic flavors sure to please the whole family. Skip the overpriced breakfast spots and sidle up to a piping plate of Fried Green Tomatoes Shrimp and Grits, Down South Chicken and Waffles, or Crab Cake Benedict. You’ll thank us later.

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Freshwater & Saltwater Fishing

Grab your tackle box, cooler, and a friend–the waters around Charleston are home to a beautiful variety of freshwater and saltwater fish ripe for the catch. Species include spadefish, red drum, black sea bass, king mackerel, cobia, marlin, and even sharks! Whether you prefer to fish from the beach or plan to charter a boat for a full day on the water, there’s no shortage of opportunities for landing a fresh catch during your stay in the Holy City.

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Folly Beach

No trip to Charleston is complete without a day at the legendary Folly Beach. In this gorgeous stretch of wide, sandy, coastline, you’ll find the perfect setting for anything from kayaking and fishing to eco-tours where nature lovers can learn about the endangered species native to the area. The sunsets here are everything to write home about—so gather the family and bring a camera to capture the special moment you can look back on fondly for years to come.

Map of Folly Beach

If you’re going to eat one meal in Charleston, make a beeline for FIG, (an acronym for “Food Is Good”) the classy neighborhood bistro serving up a bounty of seasonal dishes with local ingredients and Lowcountry flair. FIG’s ever-rotating seasonal menu is creative yet approachable, paying homage to the traditions and people that sustain it. You can’t go wrong with any of the seafood—it’s all fresh and delicious—especially when paired with a selection from FIG’s James Beard Award Winning wine program. Cozy, low-lit and unpretentious, FIG is the perfect choice for any celebration or occasion—but be sure to make reservations in advance.

Map of FIG

Church & Union

This refurbished church turned New American restaurant has become a culinary holy site in the heart of the Holy City, courtesy of Top Chef Alum and partner, Jamie Lynch. Casual yet refined, atmospheric but approachable, Church and Union is a fantastic spot for groups to gather. The brunch is sublime, (think Fried Chicken BLT and Praline French Toast) but stick around for dinner and cocktails for some of the most delicious–and righteous–dining in town.

Map of Church & Union

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Texas’ new superyacht marina featuring concrete floating docks by Bellingham Marine

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Written by Zuzana Bednarova

In 2008, Hurricane Ike tore through the Gulf Coast of the USA, hitting hard the towns along Texas’ coast and leaving a number of the area’s luxury yacht marinas in disrepair. During the past several years, plenty of the marinas affected by Ike have been reconstructed. The latest to complete new construction is Pelican Rest Marina, positioned in Galveston, Texas. This beautiful superyacht marina features concrete floating docks by Bellingham Marine .

Bellingham

From the beginning, the vision of the owner for Pelican Rest Marina was clear; build a high-end marina catering to 60 foot and larger class sport fishing yachts as part of a mixed-use upscale complex. After Hurricane Ike the debris was cleaned up and Pelican Rest Marina began to transform the site into a tropical showpiece for the “Gateway to Galveston” for both cars arriving via the adjacent Gulf Freeway and for boaters looking for a great stop while cruising or for a permanent home for their boat.

The building of the boat slips for Pelican Rest was done over the course of three years with the first phase completed in 2011 and the second phase completed in 2013. In 2012, the owner of Pelican Rest put out to bid the second phase of their project. Bellingham Marine was awarded the contract to supply 3,327 linear feet of concrete floating docks.

Construction of the second phase was completed in 2013.

In addition to the marina, the property’s upland structures are nearing completion. A five star steak house will open its doors in November and construction of the condominiums is anticipated to be completed in 2014-2015.

Located on the north side of Offatts Bayou, Pelican Rest Marina offers boaters access to gas and diesel and plenty deep water. The marina’s boat slips are equipped big power, potable water and Wi-Fi; patrons are also treated to VIP Vessel Concierge Services.

As the world’s leading marina design-build construction company, Bellingham Marine produces Unifloat® concrete floating dock systems as well as timber and metal frame systems. The company also produces Unistack® dry stack systems for marinas worldwide.

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Texas' new superyacht marina featuring concrete floating docks by Bellingham Marine".

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Explore the Western Mediterranean aboard 27m luxury yacht DANIDA

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Seahaven Superyacht Marina

ENJOY THE SUNTEX EXPERIENCE!

mega yacht in marina

SEAHAVEN SUPERYACHT MARINA

Dania beach, florida, comfort and luxury, experience amenities designed specifically for superyacht clientele, view amenities, storm storage, an ideal location to keep your vessel safe., visit dania beach, from the beach to ice cream parlors to a casino, this diverse city has many attractions, comfort & luxury.

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About Seahaven Marina

A new home for superyachts.

Seahaven prides itself on offering yachters the region’s most discreet and secure yacht harbor, with managed pedestrian access and industry-leading surveillance monitoring. Whether boaters are enjoying Seahaven’s luxurious onsite amenities, or downtown Fort Lauderdale’s world-class shopping, dining and recreation, their vessels are secure.

FIND OUT MORE

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CLIENT REVIEWS

“ They deserve more than 5 stars. The staff are exceptionally professional, friendly, and accommodating. The marina is beyond clean. Security is more than suitable. An awesome marina. ” Richard Loman
“ Amazing marina with the BEST staff! It's like a big family always ready to assist each other. ” Rache Greeff
“ Great yard for 120' plus yachts. Easy Dockage to tie up and navigate to and from sea. ” Bobby Bargar
“ This place is fantastic and wonderful staff...top notch and thank you all! ” David Hibberd

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Seahaven superyacht marina 301 ne 5th ave dania beach, fl 33004.

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About The Marina

Yacht

This is a place where luxury floats in the air. Where mega-yachts sit majestically on Boston’s historic waterfront in an exclusive 100-slip marina.

Ideally located on the waterfront of Boston’s historic North End (also known as Little Italy), the marina offers more than just a place to berth your boat. Its unparalleled location is ideal for exploring and steps from Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, the New England Aquarium, Boston's theatre and financial districts, as well as endless restaurants, cafés, nightlife, and shopping.

Feel free to get in touch with us if there is anything we can do to make your experience here in Boston even more unforgettable. We are happy to provide recommendations and information on the best restaurants, shopping, and attractions in the area.

Slip Layout at Boston Yacht Haven

Boston Yacht Haven  87 Commercial Wharf Boston, MA 02110

42.21.71 N 71.02.90 W

Tel:  617.367.5050 Fax: 617.523.2270 VHF: Channel 9

[email protected]

Jack Betts General Manager [email protected] Tel: 617.367.5050

William Conway Dockmaster [email protected] Tel: 617.367.5050

Specifications

  • 100 Total Slips
  • 6 Megayacht Berths
  • Max Length: 400' (122m)
  • Custom Steel Barge/Concrete Ballasted Breakwater with Ipe Decking
  • Multi-phase, mega-yacht power: 480-volt power, both 200 and 100 amp service; 240-volt single-phase and 208-volt 3 phase 100 amp service; 240-volt 50 amp Service; 120-volt 30 amp service

Accessibility

Boston Yacht Haven is easily accessed from the parking lot, where we have an ADA compliant parking space. All rooms at the Inn, except the Penthouse, can be accessed via the elevator in the building. If you or anyone in your party needs additional assistance or you have questions about the accessibility of our property, please feel free to contact us.

Please note - the Penthouse is only accessible via private stairs.

  • Complimentary pump out service
  • Complimentary trash removal service
  • Dock attendants
  • Concierge service
  • Multi-phase power at each slip
  • Ice delivery
  • In-slip fueling

See full list of amenities & services

If you are boating to Boston then a stay at Boston Yacht Haven is an absolute must. We will never stay at any other marina, it was beautiful, the staff so helpful and friendly, the facilities all spotless, and the location is perfect.

Love it! First class all the way. Kent and his team do a great job and are exceptionally professional. They know the needs of the super yacht community and make your stay perfect. Highly recommend

Staff were extremely helpful and friendly, docks are in great shape and well protected. Harbor fuels was able to come in and fuel me up with 1600 gallons right in slip. Highly recommend

mega yacht in marina

Top 15 elite superyacht marinas worldwide

Nathan Bees

There are thousands of ports and marinas around the world, and most of them are very charming, worthwhile places to visit. However, there are a few in particular that are simply irresistible to the superyacht set, boasting iconic facilities that see the world’s glitterati return time and time again to revel in their splendour.

Yachting Pages feels that these elite marinas deserve to be recognised, so we have compiled a list of 15 of the most luxurious superyacht and mega yacht marinas in the world. During your time on board, endeavour to tick off as many of these as you can. We promise you won’t be disappointed!

Marinas with Italian luxury

1. marina grande, capri.

Marina Grande, Capri

We start with Marina Grande on the island of Capri, which is reportedly the most expensive marina in the world. With a real feel of exclusivity, berthing will need to be arranged many months in advance, especially during peak season. There are over 300 berths in total and the facility can accommodate superyachts of up to 60 metres or 197 foot.

The marina is nestled among striking cliffs and colourful, quaint buildings, offering a truly unforgettable experience. Sitting below the town, the marina is surrounded by a selection of luxury hotels and restaurants that offer some of the most spectacular views in the world, and numerous medieval villages.

Unsurprisingly, the island has a special allure for the rich and famous, with some of the world’s most extravagant yachts often found congregated here.

2. Marina di Porto Cervo, Sardinia

Marina di Porto Cervo, Sardinia

Listed as the world’s second-most expensive marina, Marina di Porto Cervo is located on the northern tip of Sardinia on the famous Costa Smerelda. Here daily berthing fees can exceed 2,500 euros during the high season, which gives an insight into just how desirable the marina is. Among the most expensive periods for berthing are the Deluxe Fair in June and the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup Regatta in September.

The facility has up to 60 superyacht berths for yachts up to 100-metres (328-feet) long, During the summer, this is where the Italian jet-set takes their holidays, sailing and enjoying the beautiful landscape and coves. The list of celebrities spotted in Porto Cervo is endless, with model Kate Moss and pop superstar Rihanna known to have visited in the past. Famous for its lavish parties and nightlife, there’s even a “Billionaire Nightclub” for the select few that can afford it.

The surrounding area features a mix of unspoiled natural beauty and modern luxurious facilities, such as high-end boutiques and clubs.

3. Marina di Portofino, Genova

Marina di Portofino, Genova

With only 14 berths for superyachts, and an average daily berthing price of well over 2,000 euros, Marina di Portofino is one of the most exclusive ports in the world. Again, due to a lack of berths, reservations will need to be made many months in advance, especially during peak season.

Originally a small fishing village set in a protected bay of green waters, Portofino has become an ultimate playground for the super-rich and famous, including the likes of Steven Spielberg, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, and Rihanna (who must be working through our list).

Accessible by a single road—which is usually kept closed to keep the area secluded—the preferred mode of transport to Portofino tends to be boat giving Marina di Portofino a quiet and private feel.

Spanish style and Catalonian chic

4. ibiza magna, ibiza.

Ibiza Magna, Ibiza

With a limited amount of superyacht berths, Ibiza Magna in the Balearic Islands has a certain feeling of both luxury and exclusivity. While certain marinas’ main allure may be their scenery, surroundings and views, there’s no doubt that the main draw to Ibiza Magna is the electric atmosphere.

Renowned for being a magnet for the young, rich and glamorous, some of the most famous faces in the world are frequently spotted on the ‘White Isle’. The marina itself fits perfectly with the itineraries of this crowd, as it’s located just minutes away from iconic nightclub, Pacha.

Ibiza Magna offers berths for yachts up to 60m (197ft), while larger vessels can drop anchor outside of the main harbour. The most popular (and expensive) time to visit is in September, when Ibiza plays host to the revered dance parties that bring the summer season to a close.

5. Puerto Banús, Marbella

Puerto Banus, Marbella

Having firmly established itself as a hallmark location for luxury yachts, Puerto Banús in Marbella is another must-visit location for owners, guests and crew alike. Designed and built by property developer Jose Banús in 1970, it’s since become a popular stomping ground for the wealthy.

There’re over 900 berths in total across an area of 150,000 square metres, and while that’s plentiful in comparison to the others already listed, it may well cost over 2,400 euros per day to berth here. Its clientele includes some of the richest and most powerful people in the world, with reports suggesting the King of Saudi Arabia visits regularly.

The marina is protected by the Sierra de Marbella mountain range, and is surrounded by numerous designer shops, bars, restaurants and luxury homes. If that wasn’t enough, the marina is flanked on both sides by lovely beaches that regularly attract famous faces.

6. Port Vell, Barcelona

Port Vell, Barcelona

Originally built for the 1992 Olympic games, the marina has since been transformed, recently upgrading to become a five-star, 148-berth facility for superyachts up to 190m (623ft).

Situated in the heart of Barcelona, with idyllic views of the city and out across the sea, Port Vell has become a hugely popular destination with the world’s trendsetters. Yachts can berth a stone’s throw away from the city’s beautiful beaches and world-famous attractions, including the iconic Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter, Passeig de Gràcia and Camp Nou – the home of FC Barcelona.

As day turns into night the city’s thrilling nightlife comes to the fore. Fine-dining establishments showcase local gastronomic delights and modern fusions from renowned chefs, and the numerous bars and clubs offer up the perfect place to soak up Barcelona’s inimitable atmosphere; the perfect place to let your hair down.

As far as big-city marinas go, Port Vell in Barcelona is as good as it gets.

7. Port Tarraco, Spain

Port Tarraco

Just 64 berths are available at the tranquil Port Tarraco in Tarragona, which gives this well-equipped marina a sense of individuality from other marinas in mainland Spain. It ties in with the intriguing nature of the city, known for its charming ancient architecture and culture.

Where Ibiza Magna is a growing magnet for young and rich, Port Tarraco attracts those wishing for a little more serenity – those who want to absorb local culture at their own pace. It isn’t a celebrity hotspot, so it retains a sense of calm that other marinas have lost as a result of their showbiz allure.

Beyond Tarragona, Port Tarraco has the added bonus of sitting just below Barcelona, and being within easy reach of both Madrid and Valencia. It means there are a number of places to explore within a commutable distance of the marina, so plenty of different interests and personalities can be catered for.

The unique selling point of Port Tarraco is that it is completely different to almost everywhere else.

French-class marinas

8. port de saint tropez, france.

Port de Saint Tropez, France

A jewel in the French Riviera, and one of the most famous ports in the world due to its heritage, Port de Saint Tropez offers over 700 berths for boats with an area covering 22 acres.

St Tropez is the quintessential celebrity destination; it offers the luxury restaurants, shops and expensive clubs that the world’s elite demand, while retaining its own quaint charm. It has a classic feel, with narrow streets and architecture belying its standing as a playground for the rich and famous.

Though the marina itself can only berth yachts up to 70m (230ft), larger vessels can frequently be found farther out at sea. With other highlights including the beaches along the Baie de Pampelonne and the iconic nightlife the region is known for, it’s unsurprising Port de Saint Tropez features on our list.

9. Port Hercule, Monaco

Port Hercule, Monaco

Monaco is among the most famous destinations in the world given its combination of luxury, wealth and extravagance. Its marina, Port Hercules, is no different. An opulent extension of the Principality’s flamboyant image; it’s surrounded by casinos, luxurious homes, grand hotels and incredible restaurants.

Event highlights include the Monaco Grand Prix in May, where guests watch the action from on board, and the Monaco Yacht Show in September. Though generally not the most expensive place to berth, during these times the mooring rates are, for want of a better word, astronomical.

Surrounded by steeply rising hills, Monaco’s Port Hercules is situated in an impressive setting and provides opportune access to Monaco’s range of attractions. Experiencing the views of the marina and town at night, when the bright lights of boats and buildings combine to create a truly spectacular sight, is an absolute must for anyone involved in the yachting industry.

10. Port Vauban, Antibes

Port Vauban, Antibes

Located on the French Riviera between the glamorous locations of Cannes and Monaco, Port Vauban is a suitably sophisticated destination in its own right. The International Yacht Club d’Antibes can accommodate 19 vessels from 70m to 170m (230ft to 558ft) and is equipped with all the modern amenities a yachtsman looks for in a high-end marina.

The result is many multi-million pound superyachts coming in to berth to sample the luxurious Riviera lifestyle, with “Billionaires Row” offering up some the most eye-catching superyachts currently on the water. The port is something of a focal point for the beautiful town, with multi-storey yachts dominating the skyline and providing a poetic contrast to the town’s ancient architecture.

Celebrated as one of the most popular destinations on France’s Mediterranean coast, it offers revealing, dream-inducing glimpses into the world of the rich and famous; a gateway to the celebrity world.

Marinas with eastern-Mediterranean mystique

11. porto montenegro, montenegro.

Porto Montenegro, Montenegro

Set in the picturesque UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, with its diverse landscape and extensive stretches of coastline and mountain peaks, Porto Montenegro is fast claiming a stake as one of Europe’s most attractive marinas.

After recent upgrades, the facility now offers the ability to berth some of the world’s largest superyachts, measuring up to 250-metres (820-feet) long. This has brought a wealthier and more prestigious clientele to the marina who are keen to sample the lavish lifestyle Montenegro can offer. Some have fallen in love with the area, so much so that they’ve purchased multi-million pound apartments within the facility’s five-star Regent Hotel so they are always guaranteed a luxurious place to stay ashore.

The marina is complemented by a retail and entertainment village, which offers luxury waterside residences, restaurants, bars, designer boutiques and more.

From its mountainous landscape, covered with canyons, wildlife reserves and glacial lakes, to its uninhabited islands, secret coves and historical sites, the small country of Montenegro is now one of the most fashionable places to visit in Europe.

12. Grand Harbour Marina, Valletta

Grand Harbour Marina, Valletta

This time set against the scenic background of a UNESCO-world heritage site, among historic waterfront buildings and a metropolitan backdrop, Grand Harbour Marina is a truly breath-taking place to berth. Located opposite Valletta, Malta, the marina has berths for superyachts up to 140m (459ft) alongside and perfectly encapsulates the unique charm and style of the country.

On the quayside one can enjoy numerous stylish restaurants and bars, as well as the world famous Casino di Venezia. Other notable attractions in the vicinity of the marina include one of the world’s oldest golf courses and various exhilarating water-sport opportunities, with the waters around Malta considered to be among the best in the Mediterranean. It is also worth noting that Valletta has been chosen as the 2018 European Capital of Culture, guaranteeing a range of exciting celebratory events should you visit during the course of the year.

The marina boasts an array of modern services and amenities, which have been refurbished to the luxury standards the yachting elite expect of a top-class marina. The transformation, alongside its lengthy list of things to do, has catapulted Grand Harbour into the stratosphere of must-visit Mediterranean marinas.

Further afield

13. yas marina, abu dhabi.

Yas Marina

Situated on Yas Island, Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi has firmly established itself as the premier Middle-Eastern destination for super and megayachts. The 227-berth marina caters for yachts up to 150m (492ft) and gives visitors access to sumptuous coastlines, uninhabited islands and the nearby cosmopolitan cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

An expansion development plan was revealed in October 2013 to enhance the growth of Yas Island as a leading tourist destination, and has helped to transform the marina into a vibrant dining, lifestyle, fitness and entertainment centre. It features, among other things, seven new restaurants with panoramic views, a pedestrian promenade, charter operators, wellbeing facilities, a chandlery and big events throughout the year.

The leading attraction of Yas Marina is the Yas Marina Circuit, home to the annual Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and numerous other motorsport events and experiences. For a sports enthusiast, or someone who appreciates majestic track vehicles as much as those on water, it’s a coliseum of unmissable entertainment and drama. This alone makes Yas Marina well worth the trip.

14. Yacht Club Port de Plaisance, St Maarten

Yacht Club Port de Plaisance, St Maarten

Yacht Club Port de Plaisance is one of the most elegant marinas in the Caribbean. It is renowned for its hive of activity and inimitable blend of culture, history and modern luxury, which encompasses a five-star hotel, a relaxing spa, top-class restaurants as well as a number of sports facilities.

A popular destination, the marina offers 90 berths for superyachts ranging from 12m (40ft) to 79m (260ft) – ideal for even the largest of charter vessels. Yacht Club Port de Plaisance offers all the amenities expected of a leading marina as well as a modern infrastructure that all visitors will feel comfortable with.

To further add to its appeal, the marina is also the first within the Caribbean to offer complimentary concierge services. Priding itself on sourcing everything that is requested, by even the most discerning of guests, Yacht Club Port de Plaisance’s team can ensure every visitor has an unforgettable trip to St Maarten.

15. Port de Gustavia, Saint Barths

Port de Gustavia, Saint Barths

During high season, Port de Gustavia in Saint Barts is one of the most select marinas on earth, due to its exotic location and climate during the winter period. It offers fantastic berthing opportunities for superyachts due to the amazing atmosphere of the area, modern facilities and scenic landscapes. It’s particularly popular at Christmas and New Year, where the rich and famous flock to see in the year under firework-lit skies, surrounded by Caribbean wildlife.

With only a small number of berths for large superyachts, it’s no surprise that it’s almost impossible to make a reservation during the high season.

Awaiting owners, guests and crew at St Barts are numerous luxury boutiques, perfect white-sand beaches and palm trees, delicious restaurants and a wild nightlife, all ensuring that Saint Barts is one of the most popular marinas and destinations for superyachts and mega yachts. 

Notable marinas

It was, of course, very difficult to restrict our list of the world’s top marinas to just 15, and there were a large number of others that were close to making the cut! From experiencing the delights of Port des Cannes during the Cannes Film Festival to the hilltop castle, pretty churches and striking towers surrounding  Port De Bonifacio , Corsica, it’s fair to say we agonised over which berths were simply the best.

Visit these 15 and let us know your thoughts !

Read our  top 10 up-and-coming marina  picks, or search for ports or marinas  for your next trip.

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YACHTING STOP IN THE BAHAMAS

BIMINI BAY MARINA

A luxury megayacht marina just off the coast of florida, with all the pleasures of the bahamas.

Discover a whole new experience in luxury boating. Sail only 50 nautical miles from the coast of south florida with your own personal vessel and dock at bimini bay marina.

White sand beaches. Turquoise waters. And never-ending warm breezes. Bimini has all the makings of a tropical paradise, but it’s so much more. Its rich history, mystical landmarks, preserved culture, and natural wonders scattered across both land and sea elevate the secluded island of Bimini to a destination beyond the confines of paradise.

mega yacht in marina

BIMINI BAY MARINA INFORMATION

Fisherman’s Village & Mega Marina  

• Controlling depth of 12 feet • Vessels up to 200 feet • Walking distance to resort facilities

Bimini Bay Marina is comprised of two marina locations situated directly in front of the Hilton at RW Bimini and offers the best location to access the Hotel and Resort on foot. Boaters can dock in brand new floating docks in a protected area, stay for the day or overnight and walk right up to the resort’s main amenities, including the lagoon-style pool, casino, and the resort’s signature restaurants. Bimini Bay Marina offers an expansive harbor accommodating vessels up to 200 feet. Enjoy Bimini at your leisure, knowing your yacht is taken care of with services and amenities that are second to none.

fish_village

Fisherman's Village

Summer rate, starting at.

$5.30 Per foot per night

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MEGA MARINA

$6.90 Per foot per night

Weekly Discount of 15% applies for stays of at least 7 nights Monthly Discount of 30% applies for stays of at least 30 nights All Slip Rates priced at per ft per night

mega yacht in marina

Blog of MarinaReservation.com

Top Superyacht Marinas Worldwide

best marinas for superyachts and megayachts

Best Marinas for Superyachts and Megayachts (60m+)

Before you set sailing, there are many questions you should ask yourself. One of them is where you’re going to anchor. Nowadays, you can find a port in every area that has been subject to tourism development. However, when it comes to berthing and docking, size does matter as you will not be able to anchor your superyacht if it exceeds a certain length.

We love you keep you informed and to provide you the best marina recommendations for 60+ superyachts :

#1 Port of Antibes – Vauban, Cote d’Azur, France

Port of Antibes is located on the breathtaking French Riviera , in Antibes and is the biggest marina in Europe and one of the oldest ports in the Mediterranean. It lies in a splendid setting, which makes it one of the biggest attractions in the Alpes-Maritimes department. So, let’s see what attributes it owes its fame. First and foremost, this port is an ideal place for relaxation; with more than 20 km of splendid coastline.

Some of the most beautiful pebble beaches and coves in the Mediterranean can be found here. By night, the place comes alive as its fancy restaurants, bars and cafes start welcoming their guests with the finest dishes and most tempting cocktails. The marina reflects the mixture of charm and elegance of Antibes with its fine range of services including extras like sailing school, medical services, seamanship, bar, and market. Cultural and historical objectives are included in the menu: Grimaldi Castle, the Picasso Museum, the old fishing village of Antibes Juan-les-Pins are just some of them. This is the largest marina in tonnage from Europe and it can accommodate 19 superyachts.

Port d’Antibes - Vauban reservation

#2 Port Hercule, Monaco

Port Hercule –  Monaco definitely deserves a place in our top 9 marinas for megayachts. This natural harbor can easily be found as you reach the rock of the princes of Monaco – a local landmark. The marina is situated right beneath it. Port Hercule has an interesting story as it was the ambition of the Prince of Monaco himself to develop it and turn it into one of the finest harbors in the Mediterranean.

Due to his endeavor, Port Hercule is nowadays one of the most elegant and best-furnished ports in Europe. This is one of the few deep-water ports on the French coast. It has been a busy anchoring point for centuries and today it provides top-notch services to sailors worldwide. Port Hercule can accommodate up to 700 yachts of maximum 135 meters. 

Port d’Hercule is situated close to the major commercial and leisure attractions in Monte Carlo. It is also famous for hosting different yachting events all year round.

Port Hercule reservation

#3 Porto Turistico di Capri, Island of Capri, Italy

Situated in a splendid area on the northern part of Capri,  Porto Turistico di Capri is one of the best places on the island if you need a marina berth for rent. Porto Turistico di Capri lies in a beautiful natural bay that keeps boats safe and sound during harsh weather.

Marina Grande Capri can accommodate up to 300 boats of maximum 60 meters. It is a modern and friendly environment where you will find all the amenities you need including fuel, water, electricity, crane service, 24h docking assistance, Wi-Fi, 24h security, diving services. The friendly staff of the marina is always ready to help and answer your questions at the reception. Porto Turistico di Capri is only minutes away from the island’s center by funicular. In the nearby, you will also find a well-provided commercial area with shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Marina Capri reservation

#4 Porto Cervo, northern Sardinia, Italy

We always recommend Porto Cervo as one of the best marinas for superyachts in Sardinia . This modern marina is located in a charming village with a homonymous name. It has as much as 700 slips and the maximum length of the vessels that can moor here is 120 meters.

Porto Cervo Marina has a long tradition that started back in the 60’s. A great advantage of this marina is that they have top restaurants on-site where they serve fresh fish dishes as well as other traditional specialties, paired with fine wines, of course. This marina will welcome you with premier facilities that include fuel, electricity, transportation, internet, waste and water management, laundry service, provisioning, maintenance etc.

The surroundings of this marina are splendid and there is always something to do here, from sightseeing to sunbathing, from water sports to concerts or shopping. A nearby fortress that was built around the year 1500 BC, small lakes and pristine beaches enhance the unique personality of Porto Cervo.

Porto Cervo reservation

#5 Porto Montenegro, Tivat, Montenegro

Porto Montenegro has a flagship berth of 250 meters, bigger than any superyacht built to date.

Porto Montenegro is a wonderful marina located in Tivat – Montenegro , a promising destination yet undiscovered by many expert sailors. This port is a great stop point as it offers quick access to the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean.

This harbor calls itself a yachting paradise for good reasons; it is utterly modern and has been provided with state-of-the-art technology. Porto Montenegro has continuously evolved since 2006 in the spirit of friendship and with the deepest concern for environmental protection. It is committed to maintaining the beauty of the surrounding area that is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Porto Montenegro is carefully nestled in a safe area surrounded by lush vegetation facing imposing mountains.

Those who want to rent berths in this harbor will be pleasantly surprised by the diversity of the amenities which include fuel, onsite provisioning, customs, warehouse, on-site bar, maintenance facilities, onsite brokers and agents. This marina has been certified and awarded for its top service.

Porto Montenegro reservation

#6 OneOcean Port Vell, Barcelona, Spain

Marina OneOcean Port Vell is located in sunny Barcelona , the capital of Catalonia. Whether you want to discover this amazing city or simply enjoy your sailing vacation at sea, this marina is a good place to anchor.

OneOcean Port Vell is a common destination for the jet-set. It offers 5-star amenities and service and it has also been awarded for its beautiful architectural style. It is a place where elegance and luxury embrace mundanity. OneOcean Port Vell is a well-provided marina where you will feel as comfortable as in a luxury hotel. Al the berths are equipped with power, TV cable, high-speed internet, and water.

Port Vell Marina is protected 24/7 by a team of professional and assistance is always available. This marina’s center is the Gallery – its reception, a 2750m glass building that offers a great view of the city. On-site, you will find a SPA with treatment rooms, a well-equipped gym that is open 24 h, a crew lounge, dining facilities.

OnceOcean Port Vell reservation

#7 Port Forum, Barcelona, Spain

Port Forum is another place to remember for your next sailing holiday to Barcelona . Sailors who seek boat slip rentals in this harbor will find an answer to all their holiday needs. To get from this marina to the city center, you need as little as a quarter of hour. The international airport is also within easy reach.

Port Forum marina is a great option for city lovers who want to enjoy their holiday to the full. Offering quick access to the central area of the capital, Port Forum is a great chance to get a sip of the vibrant atmosphere of Barcelona. This city never sleeps as there are too many events and parties going on all year round. Amazing architecture, great cuisine, and countless cultural attractions also contribute to Barcelona’s charm. The port is able to accommodate 170 vessels of up to 80 meters. This marina is located near the busy business area of the city where you will find plenty of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. On-site, you will find a large shopping center, a congress center, and offices building and a natural science museum. A reserved swimming area is also available. Port Forum has the largest dry marina in Catalonia and it is open all year round It

Port Forum reservation

#8 Marina Vento di Venezia, Veneto, Italy

Marina Vento di Venezia is situated on island Certosa, in Venezia . Its safe position makes this port one of the best places for moorings in Venice Lagoon. Marina Vento di Venezia is a modern port that can accommodate up to 300 vessels of a maximum length of 60 meters. Every berth provides access to water electricity and internet.

Vento di Venezia Marina is the main stop point for large yachts sailing in this area. The staff of this marina will help you explore the famous nearby islands of Murano, Torcello, Burano and the fascinating Venice and organize different outdoor activities suitable for a relaxing vacation. Here, you will also gain insight into hidden gems that are not very known among tourists such as Lazzaretto Nuovo or San Francesco del Deserto.

Vento Marina is permanently supervised, and it provides clients a vast array of amenities and services including laundry service, reserved restrooms, boatyard, maintenance services, technical support. On-site you can benefit from water sports services and the courses of their nautical school.

Marina Vento di Venezia reservation

#9 Athens Marina, Piraeus, Greece

Athens Marina is located in Greece, between Piraeus and Athens and it welcomes guests with top quality services. This marina offers quick access to and from Athens International Airport and support in organizing your transfer. This marina was designed for the exigencies of megayachts. It is a great strategic point that enables you to quickly reach many renowned Greek islands. Athens Marina can welcome as much as 130 vessels of a maximum length of 130 meters. It provides 10 moorings for mega yachts and 25 berths for superyachts, being one of the most famous destinations for premier vessels.

Athens Marina reservation

Summer is not over yet and there are plenty of days of sunny weather ahead. If you’re looking forward to going on a cruise by a megayacht, you will probably have the chance to see one or some of these fine marinas.

Marina reservation?

Finally, don’t forget that if you ever need a boat slip rental or a marina berth reservation , we can provide you with a vast range of online berth booking options.

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Mega Yacht Amenities

  • 140′ up to 250′ slips
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  • Max beam of 60’
  • Minimum 17’ of water at MLLW
  • State of the art pump out facility in all slips
  • Valet parking
  • Reserved spots

Volt Electrical Details

  • 30 amp/110 Volt Electrical
  • 50 amp/220 Volt Electrical
  • 100 amp/208 Volt Single and Three Phase
  • 100 amp/480 Volt Three Phase

The Marina And Ocean At Kona Kai.

  • Gated parking
  • Limited reserved parking available
  • On-site storage lockers
  • On-site laundry facilities
  • Access card controlled dock gates
  • Dock Office open 7 days a week
  • Pump-out facility, trash & recycling located on each dock
  • Individual water outlet & dock boxes
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  • Public launch ramp within 1/4 mile
  • Nearby fuel dock

The Kona Kai Pool In The Evening.

Available Resort Amenities

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  • 10% discount at poolside Tiki Bar
  • Swimming pool & jacuzzi
  • Private beach with gas fire pits and cabanas
  • Fitness Club featuring state-of-the-art equipment
  • Locker room facility with showers and steam rooms
  • Exercise classes available for $10 fee
  • 10% off SpaTerre services and treatments
  • Island Boutique gift shop open daily
  • Hotel room discounts
  • Catering & Banquet discounts
  • Water sport rentals
  • Business Center open 7 days a week

Elegantly Appointed Rooms at the Kona Kai San Diego Resort

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Lynch Yacht Sinking Off Sicily Proves as Baffling as It Is Tragic

As bodies were recovered, the authorities and experts wondered how a $40 million, stable and secure vessel could have sunk so quickly.

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A diver in an orange jumpsuit suit and crews in gray shirts and red trousers hoist remains in a blue body bag onto a boat, as others in reflector uniforms stand nearby.

By Emma Bubola and Michael J. de la Merced

Emma Bubola reported from Porticello, Italy, and Michael J. de la Merced from London.

Two months after being cleared in a bruising legal battle over fraud charges, the British tech mogul Mike Lynch celebrated his freedom with a cruise. He invited his family, friends and part of his legal team on board his luxury sailing yacht, a majestic 180-foot vessel named Bayesian after the mathematical theorem around which he had built his empire.

On Sunday night, after a tour of the Gulf of Naples, including Capri, and volcanic islands in the Eolian archipelago, the boat anchored half a mile off the Sicilian coast in Porticello, Italy. It chose a stretch of water favored by the Phoenicians thousands of years ago for its protection from the mistral wind and, in more recent times, by the yachts of tech billionaires. The boat was lit “like a Christmas tree,” local residents said, standing out against the full moon.

But about 4 a.m., calamity unfolded. A violent and fast storm hit the area with some of the strongest winds locals said they had ever felt. Fabio Cefalù, a fisherman, said he saw a flare pierce the darkness shortly after 4.

Minutes later, the yacht was underwater. Only dozens of cushions from the boat’s deck and a gigantic radar from its mast floated on the surface of the sea, fishermen said.

In all, 22 people were on board, 15 of whom were rescued. Six bodies — five passengers and the ship’s cook — had been recovered by Thursday afternoon, including that of Mr. Lynch, an Italian government official said, adding that the search was continuing for his daughter.

It was a tragic and mystifying turn of events for Mr. Lynch, 59, who had spent years seeking to clear his name and was finally inaugurating a new chapter in his life. Experts wondered how a $40 million yacht, so robust and stable could have been sunk by a storm near a port within minutes.

“It drives me insane,” said Giovanni Costantino, the chief executive of the Italian Sea Group, which in 2022 bought the company, Perini, that made the Bayesian. “Following all the proper procedures, that boat is unsinkable.”

The aura of misfortune only deepened when it emerged that Stephen Chamberlain, 52, a former vice president of finance for Mr. Lynch’s former company and a co-defendant in the fraud case, was killed two days earlier, when he was hit by a car while jogging near his house in England.

Since June, the two men had been in a jubilant mood. A jury in San Francisco had acquitted both on fraud charges that could have sent them to prison for two decades. There were hugs and tears, and they and their legal teams went for a celebratory dinner party at a restaurant in the city, said Gary S. Lincenberg, a lawyer for Mr. Chamberlain.

The sea excursion was meant as a thank-you by Mr. Lynch to those who had helped him in his legal travails. Among the guests was Christopher J. Morvillo, 59, a scion of a prominent New York family of lawyers who had represented Mr. Lynch for 12 years. He and his wife, Neda, 57, were among the missing.

So, too, was Jonathan Bloomer, 70, a veteran British insurance executive who chaired Morgan Stanley International and the insurer Hiscox.

The body of the ship’s cook, Recaldo Thomas, was recovered. All the other crew members survived. Among them was Leo Eppel, 19, of South Africa, who was on his first yacht voyage working as a deck steward, said a friend, who asked not to be identified.

Since the sinking, the recovery effort and investigation have turned the tiny port town of Porticello, a quiet enclave where older men sit bare-chested on balconies, into what feels like the set of a movie.

Helicopters have flown overhead. Ambulances have sped by with the sirens blaring. The Coast Guard has patrolled the waters off shore, within sight of a cordoned-off dock that had been turned into an emergency headquarters.

On Wednesday afternoon, a church bell tolled after the first body bag was loaded into an ambulance, a crowd watching in silence.

The survivors were sheltering in a sprawling resort near Porticello, with a view of the shipwreck spot, and had so far declined to comment.

Attilio Di Diodato, director of the Italian Air Force’s Center for Aerospace Meteorology and Climatology, said that the yacht had most likely been hit by a fierce “down burst” — when air generated within a thunderstorm descends rapidly — or by a waterspout , similar to a tornado over water.

He added that his agency had put out rough-sea warnings the previous evening, alerting sailors about storms and strong winds. Locals said the winds “felt like an earthquake.”

Mr. Costantino, the boat executive, said the yacht had been specifically designed for having a tall mast — the second-tallest aluminum mast in the world. He said the Bayesian was an extremely safe and secure boat that could list even to 75 degrees without capsizing.

But he said that if some of the hatches on the side and in the stern, or some of the deck doors, had been open, the boat could have taken on water and sunk. Standard procedure in such storms, he said, is to switch on the engine, lift the anchor and turn the boat into the wind, lowering the keel for extra stability, closing doors and gathering the guests in the main hall inside the deck.

mega yacht in marina

12 guests occupied the yacht’s six cabins. There were also 10 crew members.

Open hatches, doors and cabin windows could have let in water during a storm, according to the manufacturer.

mega yacht in marina

Open hatches, doors and

cabin windows could

have let in water

during a storm,

according to the

manufacturer.

Source: Superyacht Times, YachtCharterFleet, MarineTraffic

By Veronica Penney

The New York Times attempted to reach the captain, James Cutfield, who had survived, for comment through social media, his brother and the management company of the yacht (which did not hire the crew), but did not make contact.

So far none of the surviving crew members have made a public statement about what happened that night.

Fabio Genco, the director of Palermo’s emergency services, who treated some of the survivors, said that the victims had recounted feeling as if the boat was being lifted, then suddenly dropped, with objects from the cabins falling on them.

The Italian Coast Guard said it had deployed a remotely operated vehicle that can prowl underwater for up to seven hours at a depth of more than 980 feet and record videos and images that they hoped would help them reconstruct the dynamics of the sinking. Such devices were used during the search and rescue operations of the Titan vessel that is believed to have imploded last summer near the wreckage of the Titanic.

After rescuers broke inside the yacht, they struggled to navigate the ropes and many pieces of furniture cluttering the vessel, said Luca Cari, a spokesman for Italy’s national firefighter corps.

Finally, as of Thursday morning, they had managed to retrieve all but one of the missing bodies, and hopes of finding the missing person alive were thin. “Can a human being be underwater for two days?” Mr. Cari asked.

What was certain was that Mr. Lynch’s death was yet another cruel twist of fate for a man who had spent years seeking to clear his name.

He earned a fortune in technology and was nicknamed Britain’s Bill Gates. But for more than a decade, he had been treated as anything but a respected tech leader.

He was accused by Hewlett-Packard, the American technological pioneer that had bought his software company, Autonomy, for $11 billion, of misleading it about his company’s worth. (Hewlett-Packard wrote down the value of the transaction by about $8.8 billion, and critics called it one of the worst deals of all time .) He had been increasingly shunned by the British establishment that he sought to break into after growing up working-class outside London.

He was extradited to San Francisco to face criminal charges, and confined to house arrest and 24-hour surveillance on his dime. In a townhouse in the Pacific Heights neighborhood — with security people he jokingly told associates were his “roommates” — he spent his mornings talking with researchers whom he funded personally on new applications for artificial intelligence. Afterward, he devoted hours to discussing legal strategy with his team.

Despite his persistent claims of innocence, even those close to Mr. Lynch had believed his odds of victory were slim. Autonomy’s chief financial officer, Sushovan Hussain, was convicted in 2018 of similar fraud charges and spent five years in prison.

During Mr. Lynch’s house arrest, his brother and mother died. His wife, Angela Bacares, frequently flew over from England, and she became a constant presence in the San Francisco courtroom during the trial.

After he was finally acquitted, Mr. Lynch had his eye on the future. “I am looking forward to returning to the U.K. and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field,” he said.

Elisabetta Povoledo contributed reporting from Pallanza, Italy.

Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in Rome. More about Emma Bubola

Michael J. de la Merced has covered global business and finance news for The Times since 2006. More about Michael J. de la Merced

Slide

U.S. seizes mega yacht owned by oligarch with close ties to Putin

PALMA DE MALLORCA, Spain — The U.S. government seized a mega yacht in Spain owned by an oligarch with close ties to the Russian president on Monday, the first in the government’s sanctions enforcement initiative to “seize and freeze” giant boats and other pricey assets of Russian elites .

Spain’s Civil Guard and U.S. federal agents descended on the yacht at the Marina Real in the port of Palma de Mallorca, the capital of Spain’s Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Associated Press reporters at the scene saw police going in and out of the boat on Monday morning.

The seizure was confirmed by two people familiar with the matter. The people could not discuss the matter publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. A Spanish Civil Guard spokesman confirmed that officers from the Spanish police body and from the FBI were at the marina searching the vessel Monday morning and said further details would be released later.

A Civil Guard source told The Associated Press that the immobilized yacht is Tango, a 78-meter (254-feet) vessel that carries Cook Islands flag and that  Superyachtfan.com , a specialized website that tracks the world’s largest and most exclusive recreational boats, values at $120 million. The source was also not authorized to be named in media reports and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

The yacht is among the assets linked to Viktor Vekselberg, a billionaire and close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin who heads the Moscow-based Renova Group, a conglomerate encompassing metals, mining, tech and other assets, according to U.S. Treasury Department documents. All of Vekselberg’s assets in the U.S. are frozen and U.S. companies are forbidden from doing business with him and his entities.

The move is the first time the U.S. government has seized an oligarch’s yacht since Attorney General Merrick Garland and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen assembled a task force known as REPO — short for Russian Elites, Proxies and Oligarchs — as an effort to enforce sanctions after Russia invaded Ukraine in late February.

Vekselberg has long had ties to the U.S. including a green card he once held and homes in New York and Connecticut. The Ukrainian-born businessman built his fortune by investing in the aluminum and oil industries in the post-Soviet era.

Vekselberg was also questioned in special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and has worked closely with his American cousin, Andrew Intrater, who heads the New York investment management firm Columbus Nova.

Vekselberg and Intrater were thrust into the spotlight in the Mueller probe after the attorney for adult film star Stormy Daniels released a memo that claimed $500,000 in hush money was routed through Columbus Nova to a shell company set up by Donald Trump’s personal attorney, Michael Cohen. Columbus Nova denied that Vekselberg played any role in its payments to Cohen.

Vekselberg and Intrater met with Cohen at Trump Tower, one of several meetings between members of Trump’s inner circle and high-level Russians during the 2016 campaign and transition.

The 64-year-old mogul founded Renova Group more than three decades ago. The group holds the largest stake in United Co. Rusal, Russia’s biggest aluminum producer, among other investments.

Vekselberg was first sanctioned by the U.S. in 2018, and again in March of this year, shortly after the invasion of Ukraine began. Vekselberg has also been sanctioned by authorities in the United Kingdom.

The U.S. Justice Department has also launched a sanctions enforcement task force known as KleptoCapture , which also aims to enforce financial restrictions in the U.S. imposed on Russia and its billionaires, working with the FBI, Treasury and other federal agencies. That task force will also target financial institutions and entities that have helped oligarchs move money to dodge sanctions.

The White House has said that many allied countries, including German, the U.K, France, Italy and others are involved in trying to collect and share information against Russians targeted for sanctions. In his State of the Union address, President Joe Biden warned oligarch that the U.S. and European allies would “find and seize your yachts, your luxury apartments, your private jets.”

“We are coming for your ill-begotten gains,” he said.

Wednesday’s capture is not the first time Spanish authorities have been involved in the seizure of a Russian oligarch’s superyacht. Officials there said they had seized a vessel valued at over $140 million owned by the CEO of a state-owned defense conglomerate and a close Putin ally.

French authorities have also seized superyachts, including one believed to belong to Igor Sechin, a Putin ally who runs Russian oil giant Rosneft, which has been on the U.S. sanctions list since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.

Italy has also seized several yachts and other assets.

Italian financial police moved quickly seizing the superyacht “Lena” belonging to Gennady Timchenko, an oligarch close to Putin, in the port of San Remo; the 65-meter (215-foot) “Lady M” owned by Alexei Mordashov in nearby Imperia, featuring six suites and estimated to be worth 65 million euros; as well as villas in Tuscany and Como, according to government officials.

Para reported from Madrid and Balsamo reported from Washington.

US seizes yacht in Spain, owned by oligarch with close ties to Putin

by FRANCISCO UBILLA, ARITZ PARRA and MICHAEL BALSAMO | Associated Press

Civil Guards stand by the yacht called Tango in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Monday April 4, 2022. (Photo: AP Photo/Francisco Ubilla)

PALMA DE MALLORCA, Spain (AP) — The U.S. government seized a mega yacht in Spain owned by an oligarch with close ties to the Russian president on Monday, the first in the government's sanctions initiative to "seize and freeze" giant boats and other pricey assets of Russian elites.

Spain's Civil Guard and U.S. federal agents descended on the yacht at the Marina Real in the port of Palma de Mallorca, the capital of Spain's Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Associated Press reporters at the scene saw police going in and out of the boat on Monday morning.

The joint operation to seize the yacht, with Spain's Civil Guard, the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, was carried out at the request of U.S. authorities, the Civil Guard said.

A Civil Guard source told The Associated Press that the immobilized yacht is Tango, a 78-meter (254-feet) vessel that carries Cook Islands flag and that Superyachtfan.com, a specialized website that tracks the world's largest and most exclusive recreational boats, values at $120 million. The source was also not authorized to be named in media reports and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

The yacht is among the assets linked to Viktor Vekselberg, a billionaire and close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin who heads the Moscow-based Renova Group, a conglomerate encompassing metals, mining, tech and other assets, according to U.S. Treasury Department documents. All of Vekselberg's assets in the U.S. are frozen and U.S. companies are forbidden from doing business with him and his entities.

While Vekselberg has not been sanctioned by the European Union, he is under investigation in the U.S. for possible tax fraud, money laundering and falsifying documents precisely to hide the ownership of the Tango yacht, the Civil Guard said in a statement.

The move is the first time the U.S. government has seized an oligarch's yacht since Attorney General Merrick Garland and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen assembled a task force known as REPO — short for Russian Elites, Proxies and Oligarchs — as an effort to enforce sanctions after Russia invaded Ukraine in late February.

Vekselberg has long had ties to the U.S. including a green card he once held and homes in New York and Connecticut. The Ukrainian-born businessman built his fortune by investing in the aluminum and oil industries in the post-Soviet era.

Vekselberg was also questioned in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and has worked closely with his American cousin, Andrew Intrater, who heads the New York investment management firm Columbus Nova.

Vekselberg and Intrater were thrust into the spotlight in the Mueller probe after the attorney for adult film star Stormy Daniels released a memo that claimed $500,000 in hush money was routed through Columbus Nova to a shell company set up by Donald Trump's personal attorney, Michael Cohen. Columbus Nova denied that Vekselberg played any role in its payments to Cohen.

Vekselberg and Intrater met with Cohen at Trump Tower, one of several meetings between members of Trump's inner circle and high-level Russians during the 2016 campaign and transition.

The 64-year-old mogul founded Renova Group more than three decades ago. The group holds the largest stake in United Co. Rusal, Russia's biggest aluminum producer, among other investments.

Vekselberg was first sanctioned by the U.S. in 2018, and again in March of this year, shortly after the invasion of Ukraine began. Vekselberg has also been sanctioned by authorities in the United Kingdom.

The yacht sails under Cook Islands flag and is owned by a company registered in the British Virgin Islands administered by different societies in Panama, the Civil Guard said, "following a complicated financial and societal web to conceal its truthful ownership."

Agents confiscated documents and computers inside the yacht that will be analyzed to confirm he real identity of the owner, it said.

The U.S. Justice Department has also launched a sanctions enforcement task force known as KleptoCapture, which also aims to enforce financial restrictions in the U.S. imposed on Russia and its billionaires, working with the FBI, Treasury and other federal agencies. That task force will also target financial institutions and entities that have helped oligarchs move money to dodge sanctions.

The White House has said that many allied countries, including German, the U.K, France, Italy and others are involved in trying to collect and share information against Russians targeted for sanctions. In his State of the Union address, President Joe Biden warned oligarch that the U.S. and European allies would "find and seize your yachts, your luxury apartments, your private jets."

"We are coming for your ill-begotten gains," he said.

Monday's capture is not the first time Spanish authorities have been involved in the seizure of a Russian oligarch's superyacht. Officials there said they had seized a vessel valued at over $140 million owned by the CEO of a state-owned defense conglomerate and a close Putin ally.

French authorities have also seized superyachts, including one believed to belong to Igor Sechin, a Putin ally who runs Russian oil giant Rosneft, which has been on the U.S. sanctions list since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.

Italy has also seized several yachts and other assets.

Italian financial police moved quickly seizing the superyacht "Lena" belonging to Gennady Timchenko, an oligarch close to Putin, in the port of San Remo; the 65-meter (215-foot) "Lady M" owned by Alexei Mordashov in nearby Imperia, featuring six suites and estimated to be worth 65 million euros; as well as villas in Tuscany and Como, according to government officials.

Parra reported from Madrid and Balsamo reported from Washington.

mega yacht in marina

mega yacht in marina

This New Yacht Is Sailing to Gorgeous, Lesser-known Ports in the Caribbean Sea — and I Was on Board With 'Below Deck's' Chef Ben

E merald Cruises' new Emerald Sakara ship brings guests to smaller ports in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, with an onboard marina and the occasional Bravo-lebrity.

With a couple dozen guests looking on, chef Ben Robinson was showing how to slice and dice a fresh red snapper. “You kind of feel him — but you don’t fondle him,” said Robinson, the fan favorite from the Bravo reality show Below Deck, who’s always ready with a quip. As he pulled a perfect filet off the bone, he explained how to salt the fish and that there’s no more important relationship than the one you have with your fishmonger. “My advice is to always be friendly,” he noted. “I like to support my mom-and-pop [businesses]. If you become familiar with them, they’ll say, ‘Hey, I got this in this morning.’”

The cooking demo, which also featured a ceviche how-to and tips on knife sharpening, was one of many “Chef Ben” moments on my trip aboard Emerald Sakara . It’s the newest 100-passenger vessel from Emerald Cruises, which launched in the fall of 2023, a sibling vessel to the Emerald Azzurra .

During an eight-day voyage in March from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, the reality personality was definitely one of the star attractions. Robinson spent several evenings in the galley, creating special dishes such as a panko-crusted veal striploin stuffed with pesto.

He also hosted a well-attended Q&A about his life in the kitchen — and spent plenty of time connecting with fans, many of whom booked the trip specifically to chop it up with Below Deck alum.

“We definitely booked because of Ben,” said Shannon Welnel , a Montana-based travel advisor who had lots of praise for his cuisine — and the yacht-like atmosphere on board the 100-passenger ship. Other guests I spoke with admitted they hadn’t seen much Below Deck, but were intrigued by the chance to chill with a Bravo-lebrity.

Emerald Sakara

  • With a max of just 100 passengers, Emerald Sakara feels at times like a private yacht, with no lines and no crowds, and outstanding service from a highly experienced crew.
  • Minimalist rooms recall the stripped down aesthetic of Miami Beach or Mykonos, Greece, with pops of color from Missoni Home accents and a sleek-yet-functional bathroom with plenty of storage space.
  • While this small ship has but one restaurant and one poolside cafe, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to meals, whether you’re hitting the breakfast or lunch buffet or choosing from the dinner menu.
  • The onboard marina, which is open in favorable weather conditions, offers watersports and swimming off the stern of the ship.
  • Easy to understand and mostly inclusive pricing covers meals, beverages at mealtime, many tours, and surprisingly speedy Wi-Fi.

The intimate-ship vibe was also one reason the chef wanted to hop aboard. “This definitely has more of a yacht vibe than any other [ship] I've been on,” Robinson told me one afternoon. “A hundred passengers is not a lot,” he said. “I've been on boats with 2,500 passengers, and you really do feel like you're anonymous. But here, the service is great, and you really are treated as an individual and someone important. And you kind of lose that on the big boats.”

While Robinson doesn’t have immediate plans to join another Emerald cruise, he told me that there were plenty of parallels between his life on megayachts and what the Sakara offers its guests. “It’s been incredible,” he said.

I had to agree. The Sakara certainly has much to offer, both in spite of its smaller size and because of it. While it’s available to book by the cabin, like any cruise ship, it still manages to feel at times like a private yacht, particularly when it sails to less-commonly visited ports such as Culebra, on Puerto Rico, or St. Bart’s. In the latter, we dropped anchor near Eric Schmidt’s yacht, Whisper , and had the whole day to explore the glitzy island and its capital, Gustavia. (After a drive around in the morning, I managed to catch the beautiful sunset from the lovely little Shell Beach, right in town.)

“The benefit of being on a small cruise ship like this one is that we can enter small ports and areas where others can’t,” said Robert Kuznin, the captain of Sakara , who previously worked with several cruise lines, including Paul Gauguin, Seabourn, and Virgin Voyages. “For example, when we dropped anchor in Esperanza Bay,” he explained about our stop at the island of Vieques, “there were only two meters under the keel — and that was the shallowest I’ve ever been!”

The ability to go places that larger ships can’t was also on display one morning on St. Kitts, one of the final stops of my trip. It was still early in the morning, but already four mega-ships were docked in Basseterre, the island’s capital. Instead of tying up next to them on the busy cruise pier, we dropped anchor just off the beach in South Friar’s Bay, a long sweep of sand in the island’s southern reaches. There were no crowds to contend with, no paperwork hassles, no touts offering dodgy cab rides. A five-minute tender ride to the beach was all it took to meet our local guide. Time from leaving the breakfast buffet to our first stop? About 25 minutes. Even the most efficient mega-ship would struggle to make that happen — and they can’t drop anchor right off the one of the best beaches on the island. 

Other moments aboard Sakara felt like something out of Below Deck . One afternoon, I made my way to the yacht’s marina, a platform at the stern stocked with lounge chairs, refreshments, and water toys such as a floating trampoline and inflatable sea kayaks. I jumped off the stern into the Caribbean and then tried out the ship’s Seabob, a floating gadget that’s like a cross between a Jet Ski and an electric scooter.

As I continued my joy ride, I could see another vessel anchored just north of us. Turns out, it was David Geffen’s private yacht , Rising Sun . Of course, we were there first.

Here’s a closer look at all the amenities of the Emerald Sakara , which sails seasonally in coastal waters in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean Sea.

The Staterooms

Welcome to your starship: the stripped down, white-and-gray cabins on Sakara feel sci-fi chic, particularly when the accent lighting is switched on. They’re also, thankfully, spacious and super functional, with ample storage space (including a safe), a small minibar, a coffee station, and a clever headboard built-in that’s a great spot for your charging devices and water bottle. Most of the 50 rooms and suites have verandas; ocean-view staterooms are the exception. Bathrooms are just big enough, with plenty of storage, and are stocked with Espa products and a hair dryer. My cabin, 421, was a 300-square-foot balcony suite toward the aft of the ship on deck four: I never once heard noise from the surrounding cabins or in the hallway, though I did occasionally notice sounds and vibrations from the vessel, something that is common on even the largest of ships. A note on power plugs: my stateroom had U.S.-style outlets throughout as well as USB-A charging ports on either side of the bed, a nice touch.

Bars and Restaurants

Because Sakara is smaller than most cruise ships, it can’t compete on sheer volume of bars and restaurants. Still, the food on board is solid. La Cucina is the only true dining room, with both indoor and outdoor seating; it has somewhat limited hours compared to the round-the-clock dining options on bigger vessels. That being said, I certainly didn’t go hungry: a breakfast buffet is complemented by traditional à la minute options such as omelets and pancakes; lunch is also buffet style with a carving station. Dinner is more restaurant style, with options from an ever-changing daily menu plus always available classics such as Caesar salad, shrimp cocktail, grilled salmon, and spaghetti bolognese on offer. (Many dietary restrictions and preferences can be accommodated.)

On my voyage, chef Robinson put together several special plates, including what might’ve been the best dish of the week: a sesame-crusted seared yellowfin tuna with celeriac puree. The Below Deck star also put together a panko veal striploin roulade one night and, another evening, offered a citrus-cured hamachi with, in a touch of molecular gastronomy, “mango spheres.” Elsewhere on board, a poolside cafe, Aqua Café, has quick bites like burgers and flatbreads, as well as sweets and coffee pulled from a Cimbali espresso machine. The cocktails served in the Amici Lounge and the Sky Bar were consistently excellent, mixed by a talented team of pros who’ve previously worked on Seabourn ships and in some of Dubai’s top hotels. One weaker spot was the selection of wine on board: pours at mealtimes are included, but they didn’t rock my boat. A short list of “chairman’s wines,” available at extra cost, included a couple by-the-bottle finds such as 2013 vintage Cristal ($650) and some mid-tier Bordeaux and Burgundy options.

Where Emerald Sakara Sails

Though small, this ship isn’t an expedition yacht. Rather, it’s specifically designed for warm-weather coastal cruising, meaning it spends the lion’s share of its time in places such as the Caribbean and, in the Northern Hemisphere’s summer months, the Mediterranean. My trip aboard was spent entirely in the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, where passages between ports were short and the seas were often calm. (We did occasionally encounter some swells of up to two meters, or 6.6 feet. I saw many guests wearing medicated patches to prevent motion sickness throughout the trip.) Sakara typically spends a season of several months in a given region, with a variety of cruise lengths offered, ranging from six to 24 days. In 2024, the ship will spend April through November in the Mediterranean. Sakara will return to the Caribbean at the end of the year, through April 2025.

Shore Excursions

Tours off the ship were a strong suit for Emerald, at least on my voyage. Most stops offered a variety of activities, ranging from a simple transfer to a nearby beach to a full-on, multi-hour tour. Usually, I found myself ashore with a very small group of folks — fewer than a dozen — and all the guides Emerald arranged were true pros. Passengers raved about a kayak paddle through the bioluminescent bay on Vieques, something I sadly didn’t try myself. I did, however, enjoy a short guided hike on the island of St. John, to the pristine beach along Salomon Bay, which was all but deserted. The organization of excursions felt flawless to me, thanks no doubt to the crew and shore excursion manager, Pilar Atencio. Worth a mention, too, were Atencio’s detailed briefings on what to expect each day. While these sorts of “port talks'' are common on ships of all sizes, they felt particularly useful on Sakara because of how intimate our groups were; many passengers made a point of attending the pre-dinner talks every night, for info on what to expect about our anchorage, historical background on each island, and detailed info about what each tour offering would entail.

Amenities and Entertainment

Call it small but mighty: Sakara has all the essentials, which is a bit of feat for a ship this size. A cozy spa has wellness and beauty treatments, as well as a small hairstyling and facial studio; morning yoga and stretching are available on deck. The fitness center, with a few cardio machines, a Peloton bike, and a variety of weights and other gear gets the job done. The smallish pool and a top-deck whirlpool were lovely — though I spent most of my time in the ocean: the Sakara ’s marina deck is a key feature, and it was open several afternoons during my trip. It’s like the greatest pool party you’ve ever been to, complete with piña coladas, sea kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and a trampoline, right off the stern of the ship. It is, truly, as much fun as it sounds like, though it is subject to the whims of weather and ocean currents. Also available in some destinations are e-bikes from Gocycle, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis; during my trip, several guests gave them a spin on the island of Vieques. Sakara also carries a ton of snorkeling gear and beach towels, which passengers can borrow whenever they like. In terms of performances, this isn’t the vessel for Broadway-style shows, but guitarist Jamie Ferguson and voyage director Nathalie Millet added plenty of live music to the trip.

Family-friendly Offerings

The youngest passengers I spoke with on my cruise were in their 20s — and they were traveling with their parents. Sakara is perhaps the perfect ship for families traveling with adult children, since it offers such a diverse array of activities to suit different tastes and activity levels, while visiting intriguing destinations. The ship is also intimate enough that everybody can gather easily for meals — or a swim off the stern — without fighting the crowds common on larger vessels. On the other hand, Sakara is probably not the best choice for families with younger children: there’s no kid-specific programming, and you’re likely to be the only ones aboard with little ones. “Emerald Cruises yachts are recommended for people aged 12 and up, and they must be accompanied by and share a cabin with an adult aged 18 or [older],” a spokesperson shared with T+L.

Accessibility

Sakara is probably best described as somewhat accessible: the ship has elevators to all decks and the crew was, on my trip, very accommodating to those with mobility challenges. There are handrails throughout, and bathrooms feature shower grab bars. That being said, several areas of the ship — the outdoor dining terrace, for example — require navigating at least one step even once you’ve reached the deck in question by elevator. “Due to the nature and size of the ships, wheelchairs and scooters are not allowed to be used on board,” a spokesperson told T+L. When the ship is at anchor, it’s only possible to go ashore by tender or Zodiac, both of which could be challenging for those with limited mobility. As Emerald’s FAQ explains: “Guests with limited mobility will require help from a companion, since the crew is limited.” Also of note: many announcements are made only by loudspeaker with no hearing-impaired alternative.

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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

Courtesy of Emerald Cruises

Sinking of a superyacht adds to questions billionaire Mike Lynch wanted to put behind him

On left, head shot of Mike Lynch. On right, a view of his yacht, the Bayesian

It was a sunny August morning when software entrepreneur Mike Lynch, 59, gathered 10 of his closest friends along with his wife and daughter on the dock of Porto di Milazzo, on the northern coast of Sicily. They had come to celebrate his freedom. Only months before, several of the guests played crucial roles in persuading a San Francisco jury to acquit Lynch of federal charges related to the sale of his software firm Autonomy to HP for $11 billion. 

Five days after the yacht left port, Lynch, his daughter, four guests, and a hired chef were dead in the Mediterranean Sea after a storm flooded the ship. The drowned included the chairman of Morgan Stanley International, a star witness at Lynch’s trial, as well as one of Lynch’s lead defense attorneys. Among the survivors were a former Autonomy exec who went on to become a partner at Lynch’s venture capital firm, a second member of his defense team, and Lynch’s wife, who reportedly owns nearly all his fortune. The same day of the drowning, U.K. news outlets reported that Lynch’s codefendant in the fraud trial, Stephen Chamberlain, who had also been acquitted, had been fatally run over by a car as he was out jogging—a shocking coincidence.

Less than a week after the tragedy, there are far more questions than answers. Did the yacht named Bayesian —an homage to a statistical theorem for predicting future outcomes—simply fall victim to a terrible storm? How did most of the crew and a few passengers escape, and why couldn’t they reach Lynch and the six others who did not make it out? Italian officials are looking into manslaughter charges, but it’s not yet clear who they may have in their crosshairs. Giovanni Costantino, who runs the Italian Sea Group that owns Perini Navi, the Italian maker of the yacht, had harsh words for the crew, whom he blames. “This is the mistake that cries out for vengeance,” he told Reuters .

There are also huge questions swirling around the business ventures of the man dubbed the “British Bill Gates.” While the Bayesian excursion was to serve as a celebration of Lynch’s acquittal on all charges in the U.S.—where he had spent months under house arrest—the reality is that his legal troubles were far from over. In a January 2022 civil trial, the U.K.’s High Court found that the company, which by then had changed its name to Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), had “substantially succeeded” in proving that Autonomy leaders had fraudulently made it look like the company was earning more revenue than it was. In 2019 Autonomy’s CFO was convicted of 16 counts and sentenced to five years in prison. At this time, the U.K. case is in a holding pattern as the judge determines what damages are owed to HPE. (The company’s spokesperson Adam Bauer says HPE is “saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts are with the families and friends of all those who lost their lives.”)

But Lynch’s passing also looms over Invoke Capital, the venture firm he founded in 2011 and whose managing partner—Charlotte Golunski—survived the yacht disaster and saved her 1-year-old baby. One of Invoke’s most prominent bets was a 2013 seed-stage investment in Darktrace, a cybersecurity firm on whose board Lynch sat until 2018. Darktrace has developed a reputation as a sleek AI cybersecurity startup with ties to spy agencies like MI5 and the U.S. National Security Agency. It also became the target of short-sellers who in 2023 expressed doubt over Darktrace’s financial filings—the same sort of allegations that plagued Lynch’s Autonomy. 

Darktrace insists that the short-sellers’ allegations were baseless, and they say an EY audit it commissioned showed this to be the case. In April Darktrace received a $5.3 billion acquisition offer from the giant private equity firm Thoma Bravo. The deal, which Fortune reported will likely go forward despite Lynch’s death, stood to help rehabilitate Lynch’s business reputation. As of Aug. 14, he and his wife collectively owned 3.21% of the company, which would be worth some $170 million upon the deal’s completion. Invoke Capital has not responded to multiple requests for comment, and Darktrace declined to comment.

Following his U.S. acquittal, Lynch was pleased enough with the state of things that he had begun celebrating weeks before the yacht party. In the days following the not-guilty verdict, Lynch and his wife; Stephen Chamberlain and his wife; the attorney Chris Morvillo—who drowned on the Bayesian —and 20 other lawyers gathered at a restaurant at a hotel near the San Francisco courthouse.

Brian Heberlig, an attorney at Steptoe who gave the closing argument in Lynch’s trial, recalls that Morvillo gave a moving toast, telling those assembled that the trial was more than just a job, but one of their life’s works. “He really was a brilliant man,” Heberlig told Fortune , fighting back tears as he remembered Lynch. “And he ran his legal defense the same way I imagine he ran Autonomy. He let the experts do their jobs, while still having a strong grasp on the material. As he used to say, ‘Let the brain surgeons do the surgery.’”

That night was the last time Heberlig ever saw Lynch or Morvillo.

A ‘virtually unsinkable’ boat

The sailing party departed Aug. 14—five days before the storm—and comprised 12 guests and 10 crew members. The Bayesian was one of the biggest yachts of its kind. Its first stop was a cluster of small islands off the coast of Sicily. Then it jetted across the sea to the Sicilian town of Cefalù, before putting down anchor for the final time on the coast of Palermo, a favorite getaway for the rich and famous, and a former haunt for the Mafia.

mega yacht in marina

Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, who reportedly held the couple’s entire $1.1 billion fortune, was jolted awake on Aug. 18 as the boat began to tilt. Glass from a shattered window exploded across the deck, according to reports, cutting her feet as she ran to investigate.

Black and white security  footage  appears to show the outline of what is believed to be the 184-foot sailing yacht, which used call sign 2ICB8, slowly disappearing behind a thicker and thicker veil of rain. Nearby villagers and fishermen say they saw a sea tornado called a waterspout. Soon after, the yacht lay on the ocean floor.

Theories are swirling about why the yacht sank. One holds that a bay door was left open in the storm, causing the ship to flood and sink in minutes. Another holds that the Bayesian’ s 246-foot-tall aluminum mast—one of the tallest in the world— broke in the wind and took the boat down with it.

Most news reports say the yacht sank almost instantly, but the CEO of the company that bought the boat’s maker after it went bankrupt in 2021 disputes that. In a Financial Times report, he called the boat “virtually unsinkable,” and says that it dragged its anchor for 16 minutes before it sank. 

During those fateful moments, a far older nearby yacht, the Sir Robert Baden Powell, built in 1957, was drifting on a similar course as the Bayesian and not only survived, but also came to help. Some onboard saw a red flare shooting across the rainy sky—an emergency signal from those who had fled the doomed yacht, drawing the attention to a life raft filled with 15 of the 22 passengers.

Passenger Golunski, 35, who helped run Autonomy the first year it was at HP, described holding her 1-year old daughter Sophia as she screamed for help. One of Lynch’s most trusted employees, Golunski was a founding partner at Invoke Capital, the London-based firm that backed Darktrace. Lynch’s wife Bacares was also in the life raft along with Clifford Chance lawyer Ayla Ronald, 36, who reportedly texted to her father: “there are deaths.”

The lifeboat survivors were soon plucked from the sea while the Bayesian came to its current resting place 50 meters below the surface. Over the course of the next 72 hours, a team of scuba divers from the Guardia Costiera and specially trained cave divers from the Vigili del Fuoco, the local fire department, used boats and a helicopter to triangulate the yacht’s position. The divers, working in bursts of 8 to 12 minutes, searched the Bayesian’ s six guest suites, master suite, multiple living areas, and dining room.

The body of the yacht’s chef, Recaldo Thomas, was the first to be found, floating on the water’s surface. On Wednesday, two days after the wreck, four more bodies were discovered, and on Thursday a fifth. Among them were Lynch and Chris Morvillo of the prestigious law firm Clifford Chance, who had made the controversial decision to have Lynch testify, and questioned him on the stand right before he was acquitted. The others discovered were Morvillo’s wife, Neda, as well as the Morgan Stanley banker and key witness Jonathan Bloomer, who had been a former executive director at Autonomy, and his wife, Judy. The body of Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, was pulled from the sea on Friday.

Photo of Hannah Lynch and her father, Mike

The U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency tells Fortune it is in contact with the Italian authorities but would not provide further information. The U.K.’s Foreign Office told Fortune it is providing “consular support to a number of British nationals and their families…and are in contact with the local authorities.”

More questions than answers

Even as loved ones and the survivors begin to come to terms with the human toll of the tragedy, the business world has begun assessing Lynch’s complicated past and his many business dealings. 

Lynch was born of modest means to a nurse and firefighter in a suburb of London. From an early age he showed a proclivity toward technology and a fiery determination. He studied natural sciences at Cambridge, then returned for a PhD in artificial neural networks, the building blocks of artificial intelligence. When he was still studying for his PhD, he started his first venture, Cambridge Neurodynamics, monetizing computerized fingerprint recognition, eventually evolving into Autonomy. 

Founded in 1996 with David Tabizel and Richard Gaunt, Autonomy used an early version of artificial intelligence to quickly scan what’s known as “unstructured data,” especially including language. Autonomy quickly became a darling of the U.K.’s fledgling tech scene, and it was seen as a crowning achievement when, in 2011, the company struck an $11 billion deal to be purchased by HP, now HPE. The deal, however, was quickly engulfed in scandal when a year later the new owner alleged accounting fraud and wrote down its investment by $8.8 billion.

Despite the baggage around Autonomy, Lynch continued to ride high in the tech world through his venture firm, Invoke Capital, which he founded in 2012. One of its most profitable investments was Darktrace, which he backed in 2013 and joined as a board member. By 2016 he told TechCrunch that 60 employees from Autonomy were working at Invoke, that he’d raised a billion dollars to invest in startups, and that Darktrace was worth $500 million.

While fighting the legal battle over Autonomy and building Invoke, Lynch enjoyed the trappings of a mogul. The same year he announced his billion-dollar startup fund, he was sailing the Bayesian , worth an estimated $25 million. He reportedly also owned a $6 million, 69-acre Georgian manor.

By early 2020 Darktrace shared deep connections with Autonomy, including half of Darktrace’s board and six of its eight top executives. The following year Darktrace went public, soaring 40% above its pre-market value. But the victory lap was brief. In September 2022, an acquisition talk between private equity firm Thoma Bravo and Darktrace fell through , sending share prices tumbling. In early 2023, the short-selling firm Quintessential Capital Management published a 70-page report accusing Darktrace of similar misconduct that had sunk Autonomy.

“We are deeply skeptical about the validity of Darktrace’s financial statements,” the report read. Darktrace’s shares plunged as much as 17% after the report was published, though the company said at the time that the management team and board had “rigorous controls in place.” Darktrace hired EY to perform an audit, which stabilized its share price after the accounting firm found the company’s earlier financial results did not need to be restated. Darktrace never publicly released the report, however, with a spokesperson saying at the time that it contained “commercially sensitive information.”

More recently, Darktrace’s CEO Poppy Gustafsson wrote in the firm’s Q4 trading report of “shareholders voting overwhelmingly in favour” of the acquisition, and added the company is “awaiting the conclusion of the remaining regulatory processes.”

Until very recently, Darktrace had sought to distance itself from Lynch and his VC firm. In December, shareholders passed a resolution that rejected Invoke non-executive director Patrick Jacob’s reappointment to its board. This April, Invoke lost the right to that same board seat when it was discovered its shares had fallen below the required 10% threshold. Nonetheless, in a memorial to Lynch, Gustafsson wrote : “Without Mike, there would be no Darktrace. We owe him so much.”

While the Italian authorities continue to investigate the crash site, one thing is certain: The swirl of legal and business battles that surrounded Lynch during his lifetime are likely to continue after his death. A local Italian news site reports that the public prosecutor’s office in a nearby town, Termini Imerese, is looking into allegations of manslaughter surrounding the sunken boat. And two months before Lynch died, former U.K. Secretary of State David Davis reportedly said he was working with Lynch to scrap U.S./U.K extradition agreements that allowed Lynch’s trial to happen in the first place. 

On Wednesday, Aug. 21, Davis told GB News he would continue that fight in memory of Lynch. “We need to get a grip of this,” said Davis. “Mike, when he’d won his case, almost the first thing he did was ring me up and say, ‘We’re going to have to defeat this treaty, we’re going to have to overcome this treaty and get it changed for the better.’”

“I am looking forward to returning to the U.K. and getting back to what I love most: my family and innovating in my field,” Lynch said after the verdict.

Lynch’s desire to extend the legal fight even after his not-guilty verdict reflects the scrappiness he displayed throughout his life. This helped him ascend to the highest rungs of business and moguldom—but the success also came with a tenuous quality as questions about his business dealings dogged him for years. The not-guilty verdict and the pending Darktrace sale meant Lynch was in position to finally cast off that shadow. But now his ultimate legacy is poised to be tied forever to a mysterious and tragic hour on the Mediterranean Sea.

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