Top Marinas in New London, Connecticut: Your Complete Guide
Alexandra
When it comes to boating along the Connecticut coast, few destinations rival the top marinas in New London. This vibrant coastal city is renowned for its maritime heritage, easy access to Long Island Sound, and diverse waterfront attractions that make docking here an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re seeking a full service marina, a family-friendly boatyard, or slips with direct access to historic landmarks like historic fort trumbull, New London has a marina to fit every sailor’s needs.
Why Choose New London for Your Next Marina Stay
New London is an ideal spot for boaters exploring the Long Island Sound or cruising up the Thames River. The city combines a historic charm with modern marina amenities and offers boaters convenient access to downtown New London’s restaurants, museums, and cultural attractions. Many marinas here are full service marinas, offering extensive boatyard facilities, fuel docks, ship stores, laundry rooms, and 24/7 dockside services.
1. Crocker’s Boatyard and Marina: A Full Service Marina Gem
Crocker’s Boatyard is one of the top marinas in New London, Connecticut. Located just minutes from downtown New London, this marina is well-known for its comprehensive services and welcoming atmosphere.
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Amenities & Services
Crocker’s Boatyard is a full service marina that can accommodate vessels up to 60 feet. The facility offers a 35-ton travel lift, fuel dock, ship store, and a laundry room for visiting boaters. Skilled staff handle everything from minor repairs to major overhauls.
Location & Surroundings
The marina is a short walk from historic fort trumbull, providing an ideal base for sightseeing. Within walking distance, you’ll find the downtown New London area filled with popular restaurants, shops, and historic sites.
2. Thamesport Marina: Boating at Its Best
Thamesport Marina is another of the top marinas in New London. Nestled along the Thames River, it’s popular for its easy access to Long Island Sound and its reputation as a full service marina.
Facilities
This marina features floating docks that can accommodate vessels up to 100 feet. Services include a full service boatyard, fuel dock, travel lift, and modern amenities like clean showers, laundry room, and picnic areas. The on-site ship store is stocked with essentials for boaters.
Attractions Nearby
Boaters enjoy convenient access to downtown New London, the historic fort, and the waterfront park near fort trumbull. This location makes it easy to explore the surrounding area without straying far from your slip.
3. Burr’s Marina: A Local Favorite
Burr’s Marina is among the marinas in New London that locals and visitors alike trust for reliable services and a welcoming atmosphere.
Key Features
This family-run, full service marina offers 80 slips, a boatyard with expert repairs, and a well-equipped ship store. It can accommodate both seasonal and transient boaters. Burr’s is known for its easy access to the river and Long Island Sound.
Why Choose Burr’s
Boaters appreciate the calm waters, nearby restaurants, and the short drive to attractions like historic fort trumbull and other downtown highlights. The marina’s helpful staff provide top-notch services that keep customers coming back.
4. New London City Pier: Where History Meets Convenience
The City Pier is a unique stop among the top marinas in New London. While not a full service marina in the traditional sense, it’s a popular docking point for short visits to downtown New London.
What to Expect
The pier is located at 56 Howard Street, CT 06320, just steps from downtown attractions. While it doesn’t offer fuel docks or a ship store, it provides boaters with short-term docking and easy access to restaurants, museums, and the train station.
Nearby Attractions
You’re within minutes of the historic fort trumbull State Park, the Custom House Maritime Museum, and a vibrant dining scene.
Full Service Marina Benefits in New London
Choosing a full service marina in New London means you get more than just a slip for your boat. These marinas offer haul-outs, winter storage, engine repairs, fuel docks, and marine supplies all in one place. The convenience saves time and ensures your vessel stays in top condition. Many marinas also have on-site laundry rooms, picnic areas, and ship stores to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
What Makes New London Marinas Special?
Marinas in New London stand out for their combination of historic surroundings, modern facilities, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re docking for a night or planning to keep your vessel here year-round, you’ll appreciate the warm welcome, easy access to the Long Island Sound, and proximity to historic sites like fort trumbull.
Planning Tips for Boaters Visiting New London
1. Book Ahead
Top marinas in New London can fill up during peak boating season. It’s smart to reserve your slip in advance, especially if you need specific services like a full service boatyard or a travel lift.
2. Explore Downtown New London
Don’t miss out on the lively downtown scene. From waterfront dining to art galleries, there’s plenty to see within walking distance of your marina slip.
3. Visit Historic Fort Trumbull
No boating trip to New London is complete without a tour of historic fort trumbull. This historic site offers guided tours, walking trails, and stunning views of the river and Long Island Sound.
Top Marina Amenities to Look For
When choosing from the top marinas in New London, keep an eye out for amenities that will make your stay smooth and enjoyable:
- Full Service Marina Facilities: Haul-out, repairs, fuel dock, and travel lift.
- Ship Store: Stock up on essentials without leaving the dock.
- Laundry Room: A must for longer stays.
- Easy Access to Downtown: Save time with marinas close to restaurants and shops.
- Security: Look for gated docks and surveillance for peace of mind.
Staying Safe and Eco-Friendly
New London’s marinas take environmental stewardship seriously. Many participate in Clean Marina programs that encourage proper waste disposal and eco-friendly fuel dock operations. Boaters are encouraged to respect the surrounding area by following no-discharge rules and properly disposing of waste.
Enjoy the Surrounding Area
Your boating adventure doesn’t have to stop at the dock. The surrounding area is full of attractions, from the historic fort trumbull to the Custom House Maritime Museum. Take a short walk to downtown New London for live music, fresh seafood, and local shopping.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a full service marina, a simple boatyard, or a slip with easy access to downtown New London, this city offers some of the best marinas on the Connecticut coast. With modern amenities, a rich maritime heritage, and plenty of attractions within a short walk, the top marinas in New London are ready to welcome you and your crew.
Plan your visit, book early, and discover why New London continues to be a favorite destination for boaters cruising the Long Island Sound and beyond.
Ready to Dock in New London?
Choosing one of the top marinas in New London guarantees more than just a place to tie up your boat — it’s your gateway to exploring a historic waterfront city with excellent services, full service marinas, and a warm community vibe. Next time you set sail, make New London your port of choice.
