Annapolis Maryland Cruising Guide

Annapolis, Maryland, is a vibrant and historic harbor located on the Chesapeake Bay. Known as the "Sailing Capital of the U.S.," this city offers a unique mix of maritime culture, rich colonial history, and modern amenities for cruisers from all backgrounds. Whether you’re here for a quick stop or an extended stay, this guide will help you make the most of your time on and off the water.

Quick Facts
For the Vessel (Dockage/Mooring Options)
Provisioning
For the crew 
Essential Services 
Insider's Tips
Community Connections

Quick Facts

For the Vessel - Dockages & Moorings in Annapolis

Dockwa marinas located in the Spa Creek Area of Annapolis Harbor (closer to Downtown Annapolis):

This recently revamped marina offers 74 slips for vessels up to 135 feet, featuring floating piers, advanced power pedestals, and a robust three-phase power grid. Boaters will enjoy top-tier amenities in a convenient in-town location, all while being part of Annapolis' rich maritime culture.

Location

Upriver of the Spa Creek Drawbridge on the Eastport side of the river (bridge-tender monitors channel 16, 13, 68, and can be reached by phone at (410)974-3840. 

Fuel:

No 

Electric Options

30 AMP, Dual 30 AMP, 50 AMP, Dual 50 AMP, 100 AMP, Dual 100 AMP

Facilities

Pump-out, water, dockage, travel lift

Best protected from

All wind directions

Max LOA

135'

More info about facilities and additional amenities here

2. Annapolis Maryland Capitol Yacht Club

Situated in the gated Chesapeake Landing community, AMCYC offers direct access to the Severn River and Chesapeake Bay from its prime location in Eastport. Boaters enjoy stunning views of Annapolis, the Naval Academy, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. With slips accommodating vessels up to 50 feet and boat lifts on site supporting up to 15,000 lbs., each slip is equipped with electricity, fresh water, and WiFi. The marina is fully enclosed and protected by a breakwater.

Location

Eastport

Fuel:

No 

Electric Options

30 AMP, Dual 30 AMP, 50 AMP, 100 AMP (single phase), 100 AMP (3 phase)

Facilities

Pump-out, service & maintenance, water, dockage, travel lift, pool, captains lounge, short walk to downtown

Best protected from

S, SW, W, NW

Max LOA

50'

More info about facilities and additional amenities here

Dockwa marinas located in the Back Creek Area of Annapolis Harbor (Southern Easport and Bembe Beach area):

1. Horn Point Harbor Marina

Located at the mouth of Back Creek, Horn Point Harbor Marina offers 55 slips accommodating vessels from 30 to 60 feet, with space for yachts up to 120 feet and a 12-foot depth. Its robust breakwater provides protection, while boaters enjoy direct access to the Chesapeake Bay and Severn River. The marina's bulkhead is ideal for large catamarans, and all slips are well-equipped for a comfortable stay.

Location

Eastport (Back Creek)

Fuel:

No 

Electric Options

30 AMP, Dual 30 AMP, 50 AMP, Dual 50 MAP, 100 AMP (single phase)

Facilities

Pump-out, pet friendly, water, dockage 

Best protected from

SW, W, NW, N

Max LOA

120'

More info about facilities and additional amenities here

2. Eastport Yacht Center

Located at the mouth of the Severn River and Back Creek, just minutes from downtown Annapolis, EYC offers 106 slips accommodating vessels up to 60 feet, with on-site winter storage and a 35-ton travel lift. Full-service contractors are available on-site. Amenities include a new bathhouse, laundry facilities, and optional storage units. Boaters can easily access historic Annapolis by a short walk or water taxi, and the Annapolis Maritime Museum is next door.

Location

Eastport (Back Creek)

Fuel:

No 

Electric Options

30 AMP, 50 AMP

Facilities

Pump-out, pet friendly with dog park, water, dockage, full service marina, winter dry storage available.

Best protected from

SW, W, NW, N

Max LOA

60'

More info about facilities and additional amenities here

3. Butler's Marina

Located on the Eastport peninsula, Butler’s Marina offers a boutique docking experience for vessels from 25 to 75 feet. The marina provides modern amenities in a serene setting, perfect for relaxing. Boaters will find grocery stores, shopping centers, and restaurants nearby. With its picturesque grounds and premium comfort, Butler’s Marina is an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful and convenient stay in Annapolis.

Location

Eastport (Back Creek)

Fuel:

No 

Electric Options

30 AMP, Dual 30 AMP, 50 AMP

Facilities

Close to downtown, water, WiFi

Best protected from

S, SW, W, NW, N, NE

Max LOA

75'

More info about facilities and additional amenities here

4. The Marina at Nautilus Point

Situated in the heart of Eastport on Back Creek, this marina offers direct access to the Chesapeake Bay and is a short water-taxi ride from downtown Annapolis. With competitively priced slips and a range of amenities, including a fitness center, Olympic-sized pool, outdoor kitchen, and picnic areas, it’s an ideal spot for boaters. Additional conveniences include dockside electric and water, clean restrooms, a fish cleaning station, and storage for dinghies, kayaks, and canoes. Fuel and boat repair services are nearby on Back Creek.

Location

Eastport (Back Creek)

Fuel:

No 

Electric Options

30 AMP

Facilities

Water, WiFi, pet friendly, pool, pump out, fitness center

Best protected from

SE, S, SW, W, NW, N, NE

Max LOA

45'

More info about facilities and additional amenities here

5. Port Annapolis Marina

Port Annapolis Marina is conveniently located near Eastport and Historic Downtown Annapolis. This full-service, family-oriented marina features a variety of amenities, including an outdoor pool, fitness center, laundry facilities, the Wet Dog Café, and even a small putting green! Boaters can enjoy barbecues under old oak trees, a patio deck, and a screened gazebo, with the Overlook Pavilion available for events. On-site, you'll find a well-stocked marine supply store and a relaxed, do-it-yourself boatyard, with professional assistance available for repairs and maintenance.

Location

Eastport (Back Creek)

Fuel:

No 

Electric Options

30 AMP, 50 AMP

Facilities

Water, WiFi, pool, fitness center, oil recycling, travel lift, dry storage, service & maintenance

Best protected from

All directions

Max LOA

1000'

More info about facilities and additional amenities here

6. Annapolis Landing Marina

Situated at the south entry point of Back Creek, Annapolis Landing Marina offers direct access to the Chesapeake Bay while providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle of downtown Annapolis. With slips accommodating vessels up to 110 feet, each equipped with electric, water, and WiFi, the marina also offers gas, diesel, and free pump-outs at the fuel dock. Boaters can enjoy a ship store, charcoal grills, and a waterfront pavilion on-site, as well as a pool, picnic tables, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Annapolis Harbor is just minutes away by dinghy or water taxi.

Location

South shore of Back Creek

Fuel:

Yes - Gas and Diesel 

Electric Options

30 AMP, 50 AMP

Facilities

Water, WiFi, pool, pump out, pet friendly

Best protected from

S, SW, W, NW, N

Max LOA

110'

More info about facilities and additional amenities here

Dockwa marinas located in the Bembe Beach Area of Annapolis (South of  Back Creek):

1. Chesapeake Harbour Marina

Chesapeake Harbor Marina offers resort-style amenities in a tranquil and secure setting. Its central location is perfect for exploring nearby destinations like Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, St. Michaels, and Solomons. Boaters enjoy easy access to prime cruising and fishing areas, while being just minutes from historic Downtown Annapolis. With its peaceful atmosphere and abundant amenities, Chesapeake Harbor Marina is an ideal base for enjoying and exploring the Chesapeake Bay.

Location

Southern Annapolis / Bembe Beach

Fuel:

No

Electric Options

30 AMP, Dual 30 AMP, 50 AMP, Dual 50 AMP, 100 AMP (single phase)

Facilities

Water, WiFi, pool, pump out, pet friendly, dog park, tennis courts, fitness center

Best protected from

All directions

Max LOA

120'

More info about facilities and additional amenities here

Provisioning

Marine Supplies

• Fawcett Boat Supplies: 919 Bay Ridge Rd, Annapolis, MD 21403 (Eastport)
• Fiddlehead Boatworks: 6 Randall Ct, Annapolis, MD 21401
• Bacon Sails and Marine Supply: 116 Legion Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401
• West Marine: 113 Hillsmere Dr, Annapolis, MD 21403 (Eastport)

Grocery Stores

• Whole Foods Market: 200 Harker Pl Ste 100, Annapolis, MD 21401
• Safeway: 1781 Forest Dr, Annapolis, MD 21401
• Graul's Market: 607 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401

Local Markets

• Main Street Wines & Spirits: 222 Main St, Annapolis, MD 21401 (Downtown)
• Diehl's Produce Eastport: 921 Chesapeake Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403 (Eastport)

For The Crew

Often referred to as "A Museum Without Walls," Annapolis was one of the first planned cities in America, with 120 original 18th-century buildings still standing. The downtown and waterfront areas were designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1965. Stroll through the red-brick streets, where Colonial, Georgian, and Federal architecture blend with 19th-century French influences of the Second Empire. Explore historic residences, national monuments, and take walking tours to experience the quiet grace and aristocratic charm of centuries past, all while admiring the uniformed midshipmen from the nearby U.S. Naval Academy.

Historical Sites

• U.S. Naval Academy: A premier military academy with historic buildings, museums, and guided tours. If you are around in the fall, consider getting tickets to see a football game to embrace the Annapolis spirit in full force.
• Maryland State House: The oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use.

The Maryland State House 

Museums & Galleries

• Annapolis Maritime Museum: Exhibits on the local maritime history and ecology of the Chesapeake Bay. (Eastport)
• Banneker-Douglass Museum: A cultural museum focusing on Maryland's African American heritage. (Downtown) 

Parks & Trails

• Quiet Waters Park: Offers walking trails, scenic views, and kayak rentals.
• Sandy Point State Park: Popular for swimming, picnicking, and fishing. 

Entertainment & Events

• The Annapolis Boat Show 

  Each October, Annapolis hosts the Annapolis Sailboat Show and the Annapolis Powerboat Show, two of the largest and most popular in-water boat shows in the world. Boaters and marine enthusiasts flock to the area to see the latest in boat designs, equipment, and accessories. The events feature hundreds of exhibitors, seminars, and demos. Visitors can tour sailboats, trawlers, yachts, and powerboats, enjoy live entertainment, and explore all that Annapolis has to offer.

  • Dates: Typically the first two weekends in October (power show first, sail show second)
  • Location: City Dock and surrounding areas, including Ego Alley.
  • Tips for Boaters:
    • Book dockage early to secure a place to stay.
    • Consider dropping a hook in the Spa Creek anchorage if slips are full.
    • Use the Annapolis water taxis to navigate between the boat show and downtown attractions.
    • You can purchase your tickets for the 2024 Annapolis Boat Show here!

• The Blue Angles Air Show: Each year The US Navy Blue Angels perform in Annapolis, Maryland as part of the US Naval Academy Commencement Week (End of May). If you are in the area for the show, you are in for a treat!
• Summer Concert Series: Enjoy live music every 1st and 3rd Friday from 6pm-8pm from May-September at the Boathouse Pavilion in the East Village. This family-friendly event offers a relaxing atmosphere with performances from local bands, making it a perfect way to unwind and enjoy summer evenings in Annapolis.

Dining & Nightlife

Waterfront Restaurants

• The Iron Rooster: A popular spot known for its all-day breakfast menu, featuring comfort food with a twist, located near the Annapolis waterfront.
• Chart House: Upscale seafood dining with panoramic harbor views, offering a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood and prime steaks.
• Carrol's Creek Cafe: Fine dining in Eastport with a seafood-focused menu, offering beautiful views of the Annapolis Harbor.
• Chick & Ruth's Delly:  Featured on Man vs. Food for their food challenges, this is a great place to visit in Annapolis! 

Local Breweries & Wineries

• Forward Brewing: A small-batch brewery with a cozy taproom in Eastport, offering locally crafted beers with a focus on sustainability.
• Great Frogs Winery: Located a short drive from downtown, this rustic winery offers tastings of handcrafted wines made from Maryland-grown grapes, providing a laid-back, countryside experience.

Nightlife

• Enjoy a lively nightlife scene along West Street and around City Dock, with bars, pubs, and venues featuring live music, outdoor seating, and a vibrant atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.

Essential Services

Medical Facilities

• Anne Arundel Medical Center: 2001 Medical Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21401

Boat Repair & Maintenance

• Port Annapolis Marina
• Eastport Yacht Center

Travel Options

• Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (30-minute drive) 
• Water Taxi available from most Back Creek marinas to downtown 
• Uber/Lyft typically available in Annapolis

Insider's Tips

Hidden Gems

Sunset from Annapolis Harbor

Local Knowledge

• Reserve dockage early during peak season, as spaces fill up quickly, especially on weekends or during events.
• Water taxis are a great way to get around the harbor and explore different areas without worrying about parking.
• Watch out for crab pots in the Chesapeake and upon your final approach to Annapolis. 

Community Connections

Local Businesses

• Kayak Rentals: Annapolis Canoe and Kayak is the go-to spot for renting kayaks and paddleboards to explore the scenic waters of Spa Creek and the Chesapeake Bay. They also offer guided tours, perfect for discovering hidden coves and taking in the local wildlife.
• Fishing Charters: Annapolis Fishing Charters operates right out of the Annapolis Harbor, offering both half-day and full-day trips for anglers of all levels. Whether you're after rockfish, bluefish, or perch, their expert guides will help you reel in a great catch!

Local Social Media Accounts

• @USNavalAcademy

• @VisitAnnapolis
• AnnapolisBoatShow

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