St. Augustine City Marina Guide | Slips, Amenities & Attractions
Alexandra
When planning a waterfront stay in the historic city of St. Augustine, the St. Augustine City Marina should be at the top of your list. This marina sits in the heart of one of Florida’s most popular travel destinations, offering boaters and visitors unmatched access to downtown attractions, local dining, and essential amenities. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about slips, mooring options, facilities, and how to make the most of your visit.
Why Choose the St. Augustine City Marina?
The St. Augustine City Marina is more than just a place to tie up your boat — it’s a gateway to centuries of maritime history and vibrant culture. Located just south of the iconic Bridge of Lions, the marina places you within walking distance of historic streets, museums, and top-rated restaurants. Whether you’re planning a quick overnight stop or an extended stay, this marina has the services and local charm to make your visit memorable.
Slips and Mooring Options at St. Augustine City Marina
One of the biggest draws of the St. Augustine City Marina is its variety of slip and mooring options. With more than 100 slips available, plus mooring balls for vessels up to 100 feet, there’s something for every size boat and budget. Dockage is included with full access to essential amenities, including shore power, water hookups, pump-out stations, and a fuel dock.
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The marina’s fuel dock is well-maintained and offers both gasoline and diesel. Boaters can monitor VHF ch 16 or VHF ch 71 for up-to-date information and to notify the marina office of their immediate needs. During peak transit seasons and certain holidays, we strongly recommend making reservations in advance to secure your spot. High volume weekends often fill up quickly, so accommodating last minute arrivals may not always be possible.
Amenities to Expect at St. Augustine City Marina
The marina is staffed 24/7, providing around-the-clock assistance for transient boaters. The marina staff monitors VHF radio channels for immediate communication regarding slip assignment or any current circumstance that may affect your docking.
Amenities include:
- Clean restrooms and showers
- Laundry facilities
- Wi-Fi access throughout the docks
- Pump-out service
- Secure gated access to docks
- On-site fuel dock
There’s also a limited tender service and service and dinghy dockage for those mooring away from the main slips. If you prefer the flexibility of anchoring nearby, the marina’s mooring fee includes access to shore facilities, ensuring your comfort during your intended visit.
Navigating to the Marina
Arriving at the St. Augustine City Marina is straightforward. The entrance channel is well-marked and maintained, but it’s important to monitor current weather conditions and boat traffic. Always check the current weather and tidal conditions before your approach, as the area near the Bridge of Lions can experience swift currents, especially during spring tides.
When approaching, call the marina office via VHF ch 16 or VHF ch 71 to confirm your slip assignment or mooring ball number. Please contact the marina office early if your plans change to accommodate last minute adjustments or to guarantee your designated reserved space.
Slip Assignment and Reservations
Because of the increasing popularity of St. Augustine as a boating and sailing hub, we strongly recommend making reservations ahead of your intended visit. High volume weekends and peak transit seasons often require advance payment to hold your slip or mooring.
The marina offers an easy reservation process by phone or VHF radio, with slip assignment confirmed on arrival. To guarantee a spot, plan to reserve at least two weeks ahead during busy travel months.
Limited Tender Service and Dinghy Dockage
For boaters using mooring balls, the marina offers a limited tender service that operates on a fixed schedule to ferry guests to and from shore. Alternatively, you can use your own dinghy, with service and dinghy dockage available near the marina office. This makes accessing downtown St. Augustine simple and stress-free.
On-Site Fuel Dock and Pump-Out
The fuel dock is one of the busiest features of the St. Augustine City Marina, and for good reason. Open daily, it provides both gasoline and diesel, plus a pump-out station for convenient waste management. We recommend fueling during off-peak hours to avoid waits, especially during high volume weekends.
Staying Safe and Connected
Safety is a top priority here. The marina is staffed 24/7 and monitored by security cameras. VHF monitored communication ensures you can reach the staff any time. For urgent updates on slip assignments, pump-out schedules, or weather conditions, you can rely on your VHF radio.
Exploring Downtown St. Augustine
Once your boat is securely docked, it’s time to explore the city of St. Augustine. Known as the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States, St. Augustine offers cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and vibrant nightlife.
Walk to the Castillo de San Marcos, grab a bite at one of the city’s award-winning seafood restaurants, or shop for unique souvenirs on St. George Street. Many travelers say the real charm of this city lies in its ability to blend history with modern coastal living.
Local Dining and Attractions Near the Marina
Being docked right downtown means endless options for food and entertainment. From the marina, it’s an easy stroll to popular eateries offering fresh seafood, local craft beer, and live music. Many restaurants overlook the Matanzas River, giving you beautiful sunset views to enjoy with your meal.
Nearby attractions include the Lightner Museum, the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, and guided boat tours that showcase the city’s coastline. It’s a good idea to plan ahead, as some tours require advance booking, especially during high season.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
To make the most of your time at the St. Augustine City Marina, here are some final tips:
- Always check the current weather and tide reports before arriving.
- Monitor VHF ch 16 or VHF ch 71 to stay updated with marina staff.
- Be prepared for high volume weekends and peak transit seasons — we strongly recommend making reservations early.
- Use the limited tender service if you’re on a mooring ball, or bring your own dinghy for more flexibility.
- If you plan to refuel, visit the fuel dock during non-peak hours.
- Have your slip assignment and payment details ready to speed up check-in.
- Please contact the marina office immediately if your arrival is delayed to accommodate last minute changes.
Final Thoughts
A visit to the St. Augustine City Marina puts you in the heart of Florida’s oldest city, with easy access to all that historic St. Augustine has to offer. Whether you’re staying for a night or an extended adventure, the marina’s modern amenities, welcoming staff, and unbeatable location make it a standout choice for boaters and travelers alike.
We hope this guide helps you plan your next docking experience in St. Augustine. From its convenient fuel dock and well-organized slips to the limited tender service, there’s no better place to start your exploration of this remarkable augustine destination. So, plan ahead, monitor your vhf, and get ready to enjoy the charm of the St. Augustine City Marina!
