Dogs on Deck: The Best Dog-Friendly Marinas on Dockwa

And remember, always make sure your pets have the gear and care they need: a snug-but-comfortable life vest, plenty of water, and shade. Although there are plenty of dog-friendly marinas with dog parks on Dockwa, we’re highlighting some of our top highly rated picks. Do you work at a marina that goes above and beyond to welcome dogs? Reach out to marketing@dockwa.com to be added to the list.

Northeast

 As one of the most prolific boating destinations in the US, encompassing hundreds of miles of coastline, the Northeast is a must-visit destination. From the charming beauty of Maine to the vibrant, bustling hub of New York City, the Northeast offers plenty for every type of boater.

• Dolphin Marina & Restaurant (South Harpswell, ME):

  Sitting at the tip of Basin Point, on the water's edge of Pott's Harbor, this marina is a premier destination for seasonal mariners, transient boaters, and cruising yacht clubs exploring the coast of Maine. This marina also has direct, deep water access from the ocean and is protected by the surrounding islands of Bailey, Haskell, Flag, Eagle, Horse, Birch, and Whaleboat. 

• Burlington Harbor Marina (Burlington, VT):

  Burlington Harbor Marina is located on Lake Champlain with outstanding access to parks, recreation, and amenities. The marina also has access to downtown Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace, restaurants, shopping, bike paths, walking trails, breweries, entertainment, and more. Bring the dog along for a great time at this marina! 

• Donovan's Shady Harbor Marina (New Baltimore, NY):

  Just south of Albany on the Hudson River (Lat 42° 27′, Lon -73° 47′), Donovan's Shady Harbor Marina is an Active Captain 1st Choice Marina & proud sponsor of America's Great Loop Association. Stay for the day or the entire season at this family & pet-friendly facility and enjoy a full-service marina complete with a convenience store, ships store, gift shop, air-conditioned bath house, laundry room, pool, restaurant, & more. This marina also offers water hookup, gas & diesel, electricity, and pump-out service for overnight dockers.

• Saybrook Point Marina- (Old Saybrook, CT):

  Chart a course for relaxation and enjoyment at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina. Located at the mouth of the Connecticut River in historic Old Saybrook, Saybrook Point provides convenient access to Long Island Sound. The Saybrook Point Marina can accommodate vessels from 13-200 feet and is Connecticut’s first designated Clean Marina. 

• Chicks Marina- (Kennebunkport, ME):

  Chicks Marina's first-class facilities are the finest in Maine and are continuously upgraded to ensure that your stay will be a safe, pleasant, and memorable one. Chicks offers transient dockage, seasonal summer slips, and heated indoor winter storage. Chicks’ floating dock and piling system was completely replaced only a few seasons ago, with upgraded electrical (30/50/100 amp) and water systems. The large open-face dock and slips are dredged to 7 feet at MLW comfortably accommodate vessels up to 165 feet. Chicks is the only marina in the Kennebunkport area to offer 91 Octane gasoline and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. 

• Constitution Marina, Boston Harbor- (Boston, MA)

  Constitution Marina is located in Boston’s Inner Harbor, just minutes from the Freedom Trail in the Charlestown neighborhood of Boston. Constitution Marina also hosts yacht clubs, sport-fishing tournaments, sailboat races, and flotillas, from the International Nonsuch Association to the New York Yacht Club. 

•  Harbour Cove Marina- (Somers Point, NJ)

  Harbour Cove Marina has served generations of boaters in the maritime community of Somers Point, New Jersey. This 415-slip marina provides value, convenience, and excellence with easy access to the Great Egg Inlet and some of the mid-Atlantic’s richest waters. This marina’s storm-protected location, state-of-the-art waterfront complex, floating fuel dock, onsite restaurant, and a long list of services and amenities make Harbour Cove Marina the region’s premier place to dock, store and service your vessel.

  

Chesapeake Bay

As one of the most iconic boating locations on the east coast, Chesapeake Bay’s reputation for breathtaking sunsets, abundant fishing grounds, and significant nautical history draws boaters from all over the country to see the sites. For those cruising with their furry first mate, there’s plenty to explore in this premier boating destination. 

• Herrington Harbour North- (Tracy's Landing, MD)

  Located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Tracy's Landing, MD, Herrington North has 600 slips, first-class haul-out services, land storage, on-site marine contractors, and yacht brokers. The perfect combination of the marina resort and full-service yacht yard offers a complete boating experience. Explore this picturesque marina where the "Countryside Meets the Chesapeake Bay."

• Spring Cove Marina, Solomons- (Solomons, MD)

  Spring Cove Marina is considered one of the Bay's finest marinas, with friendly and professional staff and a convenient location on Historic Solomons Island. This family-run business offers transient and annual slips, a beautiful 25-yard swimming pool, picnic grounds, full-service boatyard, dry storage, and more in a park-like setting. Spring Cove Marina offers 246 slips spread over 1,800 feet of shoreline on 10 acres of property.

• Chesapeake Inn Restaurant & Marina- (Chesapeake City, MD)

  The Chesapeake Inn Marina is located in the scenic Back Creek Basin and offers boaters a beautiful place to spend the day or stay the night. With the support of their expert marina staff, easily accessible amenities, and worry-free floating docks, you’ll have nothing but fun from tie-up to cast-off. Chesapeake Inn Restaurant & Marina also provides live music, slip-side food, drink service, and a docking aid daily to ensure your satisfaction in an experience as unique as the Chesapeake Bay itself.

  

Midwest

Made up of countless small towns that come together to form what some call “America’s Heartland,” the Midwest is known for its industry, farming, and residents with friendly, down-to-earth attitudes. From the bustle of Chicago to the calm of a day on the Great Lakes, the Midwest is a great place to hang with your pup. 

• Bay Harbor Lake Marina- (Bay Harbor, MI)

  Bay Harbor Lake Marina is located in Bay Harbor Lake and adjoining the pristine waters of Lake Michigan, offering superior amenities and services to seasonal and transient boaters. The marina has 111 slips for vessels up to 185' and drafts up to 12'. The marina has been certified as a Michigan Clean Marina.

• Heritage Harbor Ottawa- (Ottawa, IL)

  Positioned on the Illinois Waterway, the Heritage Harbor Marina offers 32 acres of the 8-foot deep harbor and boasts a harbor opening width of 200 feet and 140 boat slips ranging between 35 and 60 feet. You’ll enjoy each slip's single-load floating docks and private dock boxes. The gorgeous Illinois River provides an incredible backdrop to the marina’s amazing resort.

• Belmont Harbor, the Chicago Harbors- (Chicago, IL)

  Belmont Harbor is located in the heart of beautiful Lincoln Park and is one of the largest harbors in the Chicago Harbors system. A favorite among families and long-time boaters, the harbor is surrounded by acres of park space and a beautiful skyline view to the south. There are 818 slips, mooring cans, and star docks that can accommodate boats from 28-80 ft+ in length.

• Safe Harbor Jefferson Beach- (St Clair Shores, MI)
  

  As a full-service marina with over 50 years of experience, Safe Harbor Jefferson Beach is one of Michigan's largest and most well-known marinas. Safe Harbor Jefferson Beach offers 800 deepwater wells for both seasonal and transient boaters. Slips range in size from 18 ft. to 85 ft., with the capacity to accommodate vessels up to 135 ft.

  

South

The South has many unique boating opportunities, from the beautiful Florida coast to the lush greenery of the Louisiana bayou. Florida is a boater's dream, with access to the beautiful, crystal clear Atlantic Ocean and the warm sunshine. In addition, boaters can explore the Gulf Coast and the vibrant food and culture scene along the water.

• Manteo Waterfront Marina- (Manteo, NC)

  The Manteo Waterfront Marina is located less than a mile from the Roanoke Sound. It is a small, deep, well-protected harbor that can accommodate vessels up to 150 feet in length. Approximately 20 transient slips and 33 slips are dedicated to seasonal and annual boaters. Rates are based on length of stay and size of boat. Pump-out service is available at the marina, and fuel is available nearby. Casual dining, shopping, and supplies are within walking distance of the marina.

• Gulfport Municipal Marina- (Gulfport, FL)

  Gulfport Municipal Marina lies on approximately eleven acres of land and about seven and one-half acres of water. The marina includes twenty-five dry boat storage spaces, a ship store with restrooms and showers, a public boat ramp with seventy boat trailer parking spaces, two fueling stations, lighted range markers, and a guest docking facility. Clam Bayou is adjacent to the East side of the marina channel. The park offers several fishing docks, passive walking trails, dock walks, kayak launches, and Osprey nests.

• Harbour Town Yacht Basin- (Hilton Head Island, SC)

  For more than 40 years, the red and white striped Harbour Town Lighthouse has welcomed visitors to one of the most unique and beautiful places on earth. Located in the heart of The Sea Pines Resort and ideally situated on Hilton Head Island's captivating Calibogue Sound, the Harbour Town Yacht Basin is recognized as a premier yachting destination on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The full-service marina welcomes boaters year-round and offers slip rentals and sales, fuel, marine supplies and apparel, professional yacht sales and brokerage dealer, as well as a friendly, experienced staff.

• Pink Shell Beach Marina & Resort- (Fort Myers Beach, FL)

  Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina is the only resort among all Fort Myers Beach hotels. Every studio, villa, and condo faces the Gulf of Mexico, providing every guest with a sweeping beachfront view. Pink Shell is the premier choice for guests seeking beachfront relaxation, fun, and adventure.

• Smithfield Station- (Smithfield, VA)

  Tucked away and secluded on the Pagan River in Smithfield, Virginia, the Smithfield Station Marina is a serene refuge from the Chesapeake Bay and was recently recognized as the Best Resort Marina by Chesapeake Bay Magazine for six consecutive years in a row! In addition, the Smithfield Station Marina was also recognized as the Best Marina for Natural Environment, Best Dockmasters, and Best Dockside Bar.

West Coast

The West Coast is home to some of the US's most beautiful coastal views and landscapes. From the stunningly blue waters off the coast of central California to the jaw-droppingly beautiful greenery of the Pacific Northwest, the West Coast is a boating paradise. So whether you’re looking to enjoy the warm sunny beaches of Southern California or explore the eclectic Seattle scene, traveling to the West Coast opens the door to many new adventures.

• Sun Harbor Marina- (San Diego, CA)

  Sun Harbor Marina is the world's first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified marina. This San Diego marina boasts beautiful facilities, which are well maintained using ecologically sensitive practices. Boaters also enjoy quick access to San Diego Bay and the open waters of the Pacific Ocean for boating enjoyment. Marina management prides itself on personalized service, and tenants are proud to be part of a friendly and supportive marina community.

• Oak Harbor Marina- (Oak Harbor, WA)

  The Oak Harbor Marina is unique because it is a City-owned public marina. Although a public City-owned marina, you can expect to find all of the amenities you would find in more expensive private marinas. The marina has a full-service fuel dock (with super cheap fuel) and offers the following discounts: ~5¢ off per gallon on purchases over 100 gallons ~20¢ off per gallon up to the cost of the first night of guest moorage.

Boating with your best bud is a real treat (pun intended). No matter where you’re headed, you’ll be sure to make memories that last a lifetime. So next time you’re out on the boat with your favorite pup, snap a pic and tag us! (Please show us your adorable dog pics by tagging @dockwa on instagram or facebook!) 

Be sure to check out our other blog posts to get an inside look at our favorite destinations, marinas, liveaboards, and tips for boaters. Join the conversation on Flipboard, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.