There is no denying that South Florida is one of the best places to own and enjoy a boat, and it’s not because the region is flashy or overly built around tourism. It’s because there is exceptional boating and marina access near West Palm Beach that makes others envious of those who get to live near it.
If you live near West Palm Beach, you can look forward to the Intracoastal Waterway running through the city and the Atlantic being minutes away. There is also a well-established network of marinas that can service small center consoles while providing access for large yachts. All things considered, boating in West Palm Beach fits naturally into daily life.
With a West Palm Beach marina nearby, you’ll have the opportunity to head out on the water in the early morning for a quiet cruise alone. Or you can spend the afternoon offshore fishing. You can also even meet friends for lunch on a boat. Yet, the beauty of it is that there doesn’t need to be a special occasion to enjoy your boat near West Palm Beach. You just can because you want to.
Major Marinas Near Downtown
There is no single West Palm Beach marina. The region benefits from several well-located marinas. This means you won’t need to rely solely on one marina; you can access the water wherever you see fit, even during the busier seasons.
Safe Harbor Rybovich
One of the most recognized marinas in the area is Safe Harbor Rybovich. You, among others, may favor this marina if you have a larger yacht or vessel. This will be especially true if you’ll be requiring routine technical services.
This marina is known internationally for its refitting and repair work. In fact, its refit and repair services are the main draw for yachts traveling to West Palm Beach.
The Safe Harbor Rybovich Marina also provides slips, fueling, and amenities that support everyday boating. So you don’t have to worry about it only catering to the big boys out on the water. It’s the ideal choice if you want top-tier infrastructure and comprehensive services in one location.
Palm Harbor Marina
Those looking for a marina where they can step off and easily walk or bike downtown to West Palm Beach will want to use Palm Harbor Marina. This marina offers quick access to the city after docking. Its location is convenient, as you can step off the boat and walk to shops, restaurants, and waterfront paths. For many, this ease of connection is part of the appeal of living in West Palm Beach at residences like The Berkeley Palm Beach.
Marina Village
Marina Village is a good option if you’re near Palm Beach Island and need fuel or transient docking. It’s a good pick for short stays, and its proximity to waterfront attractions and dining makes it a popular stop. So if you enjoy boating in West Palm Beach and love mixing time on the water with time on land, it’s worth checking out in the near future.
Loggerhead Marina (Riviera Beach)
A more traditional marina is Loggerhead Marina at Riviera Beach. This marina is well known in the community for its impeccable security, full-service capabilities, and organized operations. There are dependable long-term boating options and yacht access.
Types of Boating Access
Boating in West Palm Beach works well because there are many ways to store, use, and own a boat. If you’re interested in learning more about the types of boating access for a West Palm Beach marina, here’s what you need to know:
Wet Slips
When a marina refers to wet slip access, it means your boat is kept in the water, ready to go at all times. Usually, wet slip access is important for frequent boaters who value immediate access to the water. There are a handful of marinas near West Palm Beach that offer wet slips for larger vessels and owners who want their boats available without any preparation.
Dry Storage
With dry storage, your boat would be kept out of the water and only launched when you need it. Many prefer dry storage because it reduces the need for hull maintenance by reducing exposure to saltwater. Even if you boat regularly, dry storage is a good option because most marinas have staff on hand to handle launching and retrieval for you.
Slip Ownership vs. Rental
You may not know this, but you can choose between slip ownership and slip rental. If you own a slip, it offers you stability and consistency. You’ll have access to that slip no matter what.
On the other hand, renting offers you flexibility, especially if you plan to be a seasonal resident of West Palm Beach. Considering West Palm Beach is somewhat of a boater’s paradise, both options are widely available at marinas near the area. This should make it easy for you to match your setup to how often you plan to be in town.
Waterway Access
Waterway access in West Palm Beach is phenomenal. Once you leave a marina, you could find yourself on the Intracoastal Waterway, which promises a safe and protected route with calm waters for cruising. You could also find yourself near the Lake Worth inlet, which gives you fast access to the Atlantic Ocean.
Additionally, for most marinas in or near West Palm Beach, it takes only a short run to reach the inlet. This means that island-hopping, offshore fishing, and long-distance cruising are available almost immediately after departure. There is no need for a lengthy idle time, and you don’t have to pass through narrow, heavily trafficked channels and zones before you can enjoy being out on the water.
You’ll likely also love to learn that the Intracoastal itself offers countless destinations you may want to explore. For example, Peanut Island remains a favorite for relaxed afternoons or short trips, and Palm Beach Island offers stunning waterfront dining and scenic cruising. And if you head north, you’ll cruise toward Jupiter and its surrounding waterways, and south allows you to explore Boca Raton and beyond.
Ultimately, calm cruising in protected waters is always an option, as is offshore adventure and exploration of open waters if you live near West Palm Beach and make use of its waterways.
Boating Lifestyle in West Palm Beach
As you may already imagine, West Palm Beach is a place where boating becomes a part of your everyday life. In this region, boats head out early and return by mid-afternoon, or leave the dock just in time to catch the sunset.
This could be you enjoying these trips if you live in the area. You would also be able to enjoy dock-and-dine trips, as there are plenty of restaurants where you can pull up to the water for a lunch meeting or dinner with friends.
You also won’t need to worry about drastic pace shifts, considering West Palm Beach often enjoys favorable weather, so boating never really stops.
Choosing a Residence with Boating in Mind
If you want boating to become part of your routine, it’s time to begin exploring where you could live, especially if you want to be close to a West Palm Beach marina. For those who want to reduce the small delays between home and the water and who want boating to stay simple, rather than logistical residences like The Berkeley Palm Beach, are worth considering.
The Berkeley Palm Beach offers convenient access to the Intracoastal and nearby marinas. It’s also near Palm Beach International Airport. However, even though it’s near these amenities, it remains residential in character. It boasts state-of-the-art condos, tastefully designed and access to an in-residence fitness center, wellness center, spa, and rooftop pool.
For those who value boating as part of their everyday life, The Berkeley offers the perfect setting to support your spirit of adventure. If you want to explore current availability, you can connect with our team here. We’ll help you choose a condo that will keep your time on and off the water uncomplicated.
