Best Marinas in Key Largo, Florida for Boaters – Dockage, Amenities, and Tips

Choose one marina with open berths; advance reservations during peak seasons pay off. In this island cluster, timely planning yields longer stays, minimal wait times, bright sunsets; launch options increase; a houseboat vibe is common near shorelines, with conch shells decorating the promenade; marinas offering robust services nurture loyal customer relations.

Look for docks built to withstand tropical squalls; restrooms with fresh water; a social area that allows you to relax after trip planning. A good harbor complex offers kayaks available; a feature set that includes a small shop, a fuel dock; shaded hammock corners for quiet downtime; the open layout makes it easy to move between boats without stepping into crowds.

Notable marinas around the archipelago deliver steady berthing options; nearby fuel; guest services that earn repeat customer praise. In the largos area, a conch market sits near the dock; famous sunsets view from open decks draw photographers; the layout permits paddle boards; kayaks available for use; a small shop stocks spare parts and restrooms on the finger piers. The koehn team runs a tide-savvy charter nearby; their desk answers questions before arrival, helps with advance bookings, and highlights sale promotions on essentials for a weekend trip.

Practical steps: start with a quick plan to verify mooring availability; making the process smoother with a checklist that includes restrooms, service hours; nearby eateries; choose a marina with open water access, a robust marine store; crew ready to answer questions on gear care; pack a hammock; reserve a mooring; schedule a trip along the coast; consider a sale on basic gear for sunsets cruises.

Key Largo Boating Marinas: Dockage, Amenities, and Pro Tips

Reserve a wide-slip with electric service plus fresh water at a mangrove-protected harbor near a sandbar; this option delivers an unforgettable stay, especially during monthly visits. Look for facilities featuring 50-amp circuits, pump-out, a dedicated lookout during peak periods.

In a marine setting, berths present wide channels for easy turning; stone breakwaters protect these slips; road access; berths over 60 foot length exist; max vessel length typical up to 60 foot; beam capacity to fit largos vessels; ensure water depth remains comfortable at low tide.

Facilities include restrooms, showers, potable water, laundry; kitchens available for self-contained meals; plus accommodations may include guest lounges, lookout decks; Wi-Fi coverage may be spotty; download maps; note offline routes.

Pro insights: apply early during 21st peak periods; non-refundable deposits common; note monthly plans yield savings versus daily rates; boater accommodations may often require a local purchase of provisions at the dockside market; snorkeling near mangrove creeks; sandbars offer unforgettable exposure.

Note practicalities: fuel docks near the sandbar offer fresh snacks; required safety gear stored on board; purchase ice, groceries before sunset; road access down the road from the highway is straightforward; lookout points on the pier enhance safety during night passages. Special periods spike rates; consider a monthly plan to maximize value, with non-refundable deposits applying when you book in advance.

Slip sizes, beam/LOA limits, draft clearances, and live-aboard rules

Recommendation: target slips with LOA 60–75 ft; beam 15–18 ft; draft clearance 8–12 ft MLW; confirm with dock master during booking; verify lowest tide windows; select a marina with canal access; stone seawalls; sandbar nearby; proximity to markets; restaurants close by; kitchens on-site; time to review live-aboard rules before arrival.

• Slip sizes: typical options range 30–100 ft LOA; 60–75 ft LOA covers the majority of cruisers; bow sprit, davits, or tender mounts add length; measure vessel length including these features; request exact slip dimensions during a call to the dock master.
• Beam/LOA limits: most docks cap beam 14–20 ft; recommended beam 15 ft or more; catamarans require 18–20 ft; verify posted limits at the dock box; if vessel width exceeds limit, seek a larger slip or alternative dock.
• Draft clearances: depths 6–8 ft MLW typical in sheltered basins; dredged basins 8–12 ft; account for engine draft plus 1.5 ft safety margin; check tide charts; ask the dock master to confirm lowest tide clearance corresponding to your vessel.
• Live-aboard rules: monthly occupancy patterns common; residency proof may be required; security deposit typical; minimum stay 30 days; quiet hours after 10 pm; guest policy; waste handling; pump-out requirements; restrooms; showers on-site; pets allowed with leash; booking windows vary; discounts may apply during shoulder seasons; offers often include access to kitchens; purchase marina access card; sunrise views from dock; proximity to restaurants; holidays bring higher demand; kayaks allowed near canal; sandbar trips possible; stone seawalls protect docking moorage; trip planning starts with reading posted rules; keep copies of booking details; call the dock master to confirm tide windows.

Pricing structure, reservations, deposits, and cancellation policies

Book early; select a flexible option with a clear cancellation window to lock rates during peak markets.

Simonton style policies favor early confirmed stays; confirm a stay at least seven days before arrival; choose non-refundable deposits when plans stay fixed.

Pricing structure varies by season; duration length; vessel type; market demand; add-ons such as parking, storage, or equipment rentals may adjust rates.

Deposit policy: typical ranges include 20% non-refundable; sale periods feature non-refundable options. Staff will provide exact figures upon confirmation; a houseboat package may require a higher initial hold.

Cancellation policy: cancel seven days prior yields a full refund; late cancellations may produce credit; partial refunds possible; certain bookings carry non-refundable terms during peak season; always confirm policy at booking.

Reservations: where to book; staff assist by telephone; once confirmed, a confirmation code is issued. The process remains easy; staying groups may switch to a different date if space remains open; verify parking availability before arrival.

Option	Deposit	Cancellation window	Refund policy	Notes
Non-refundable sale rate	20% non-refundable	Cancel within 7 days of arrival: no refund	Non-refundable	parking available; wide slips; baths available; draft limits observed; sunrise access; suitable for tiny vessels
Flexible refundable	25% refundable	14+ days prior: full refund; 7–13 days prior: 50% refund; <7 days: non-refundable	Partial refunds based on window	easy changes; walking paths nearby; markets nearby
Simonton policy	15% refundable	21+ days prior: higher refund; 7–20 days prior: partial; <7 days: non-refundable	Refunds vary by date; confirm at booking	upper slips available; open during season; preferred by early planners
Houseboat package	30% refundable	30+ days prior: full refund; 15–29 days: 75% refund; <15 days: non-refundable	Full or partial refunds per window	parking included; sunrise docking; pointe access; suitable for vacation stays; supports rehabilitation funds

Paradise experiences emerge with easy decision making; book early using staff guidance; ownership of parking options remains clear; markets nearby provide variety; walking paths, kayaking access, and a community facility enhance staying experiences during the season.

Amenities at the docks: fueling, water, electrical service (30/50A), pump-out, showers, laundry, and Wi‑Fi

Recommendation: Prefer a tropical harbor with modern 30/50A electrical service; a reliable pump-out; hot showers; a laundry facility; Wi‑Fi with solid signal.

Fueling operations clearly marked; diesel and gasoline options available; water fill stations distributed along the main dock; pedestals provide 30/50A service to each slip; pump-out at a central area of slips.

Showers are modern; stalls roomy; warm water; baths well-lit; décor clean; laundry facility with multiple machines; Wi‑Fi extends to the laundry area.

Wi-Fi coverage stays strong across spaces; foot traffic stays light during evenings; lookouts keep sightlines clear; chairs line the porch where guests relax; relaxing spaces surround the dock; a tropical, club-like vibe surrounds the dock; staff monitor docks, keeping them clean.

Discounts apply with multi-day stays; locals plus guests rating the facility highly; koehn lookout positions strengthen safety; captain crew on-duty during evenings; learn from staff to optimize time aboard.

On-site security, gate access, lighting, and overnight guest docking policies

Install a staffed gate with numeric access code; implement a guest-pass workflow enabling controlled entry, plus a clear payment protocol at check-in. Provide a printed list showing guest names, dock locations, dates of stay, and days allowed.

Security cameras monitor canal approaches from the north; lighting along docks, ramps, water edges remains bright; motion sensors trigger alerts; night patrols plus extra coverage during tropical periods enhance safety.

Overnight guest docking is limited to designated slips; stays usually range up to three days; dates, arrival times, and slip numbers appear on a posted list, which slips are available changes with the season; payment options include credit card or mobile payment; a special discount applies to longer stays booked in advance.

Renovation work, rehabilitation efforts, plus a current list of slips shows where to dock; tropical surroundings, canal scenery, wide promenades create a romantic mood at dusk; look for pillows on dock benches; those seeking quieter times prefer spots along the north quay; friendly staff deliver special attention to guests, with discount options on select dates during sale periods.

Policy details depend on vessel size, water depth, quay height; once the rate is known, review payment terms with refundable deposits; this list serves many visiting crews; what matters is a calmer, more secure experience with clear access plus predictable schedules; exploring the canal area in daylight helps confirm ramp locations, slip placements, and signage about where to park.

Bakers Cay Resort Key Largo: marina proximity, guest docking options, and benefits for visitors

Reserve guest docking in advance through the resort concierge to secure a slip near the water; August demand fills slots quickly, so confirm docking times when booking; this helps their plans.

The marina proximity places the harbor facility within a short walk from guest rooms; a 5–7 minute stroll along tropical landscaping leads to the dock; Johnson Pointe provides quick water access on the western edge.

Guest docking options include slips with water connections; power supply; fueling nearby within the facility; a club access option offers extended docking windows; confirm the current requirements with the front desk; some slips accommodate vessels with honda outboards.

Outdoor spaces feature dining near outdoor kitchens; renovated facility with a redesigned kitchen area; tropical atmosphere; wildlife viewing throughout the mangrove area; conch cuisine featured at the club restaurant.

Popular nature excursions include mangrove tours; wildlife watching; tropical adventures when weather cooperates. August festivals around Bahia Honda attract visitors; Johnson hosts cultural events at nearby venues; conch celebrations echo through the harbor.

What to bring: light jackets for cool evenings; subscribe to alerts about harbor operations; mooring paperwork; proof of ID; other requirements.