Start with Docking Facility Alpha for reliable access to gentle water, a straightforward reach to nearby businesses, and a safe, illuminated entry that makes evening arrivals practical. This choice bundles commercial services, a bike-friendly route to waterfront restaurants, and a calm but capable environment for both daily use and weekend getaways, even if you’re testing the waters.
Facility Beta offers solid value for longer stays: robust electrical pedestals, a full-service fuel dock, clean potable water, and a harbour-side row of conveniences. It sits along a polite canal network with quick access to islands and a sheltered basin, a setup begun as a small family dock and grown into a dependable stop for mariners. This location is ideal for sunrises and easy maintenance before heading out on another leg of your voyage.
Facility Gamma stands out with a unique vibe: cocoa-tinted sunsets, gentle currents, and a quay where locals gather, making the life afloat feel quirky yet practical. The docks provide secure berthing, well-lit paths, and quick reach to several island clusters via protected canals.
Facility Delta is a quirky An anchor for boating culture, where donation drives cycle through the harbour and a few restaurants are reachable by a short bike ride. It features direct access through a network of canals, with a lively maritime start for visiting crews and a community that supports ventures and startups near Matlacha-like venues where life and business blend on the water.
Before you decide, map your reach to the nearest islands and canals, compare the commercial services offered, and consider how the illuminated nights and bike-friendly paths will affect your schedule. Your choice should offer a solid base for daily life on the water, a place where you can enjoy good food, friendly charity events, and a steady rhythm for cruising or staying aboard.
Practical guide to choose between Hernando Beach and Cortez marinas
Choose a site with direct gulf access and a lighted docking station for reliable year-round use. If you're handling a larger vessel, prioritise slips with solid depth and a protected channel; family-owned operators often manage funds and offer responsive service. A vibrant waterfront with riverwalk and road access along lively streets creates a lively day ashore for parks and tourists. For a quick stop, arrive near punta and a nearby monument where you can rest, refuel, and plan your next leg.
Seasonality matters: during peak periods, check event calendars and consider access windows when roads and parking fill up. Parades draw tourists; the riverfront parks become lively places to stroll. You're likely to see butterfly sightings along the water, and the point near the monument offers a pleasant sunset outlook.
To compare options side by side, see the table below. It highlights slip depth, lighted docking, riverside access, and management style, along with costs and nearby attractions that influence life ashore.
| metric | Harbour A | Harbour B |
|---|---|---|
| depth (ft) | 16–22 | 20–26 |
| lit docking | Yes | Yes |
| riverwalk access | Yes | No |
| Gulf access | Direct | Via channel |
| management | family-owned | limited / corporate |
| nearby parks | 0. 5 km | 1 mi |
| seasonal events | Parades, markets | Occasional |
| monthly cost | £400–£800 | £500–£1000 |
| vessel-friendly slips | Yes | Yes |
| point | monument nearby | points nearby |
Heads up: verify channel depth and check forecast today; if you're aiming for a quieter season, arrive on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Hernando Beach Marina – Mooring options, berth sizes and water depth
Recommendation: select a sheltered inner-basin layout with 40–50 ft berths to fit larger boats, aiming for 7–9 ft MLW depth; ask harbour managers Michael and Ralph to confirm current availability and seasonality. This setup has strong appeal for anglers and cruisers alike.
Dock configurations include finger piers and fixed berths: lengths available in 25 ft, 30 ft, 40 ft, and 50 ft; berth widths typically 9–12 ft; floating sections offer 6–8 ft of vertical clearance under normal tides; electrical pedestals provide 30A and 50A at 120/240V, with potable water taps at multiple manoeuvre points; the floor is non-slip, and signage clearly marks each berth number for quick access.
Water depth specifics: face depths commonly 6–8 ft at mean low water, with deeper pockets of 9–12 ft along the main channel; during higher tides you may see up to 12–13 ft in select berths; plan for seasonal variations and choose inner slips for calmer conditions and easier handling during the passing of craft.
Amenities and access: reliable security lighting, on-site management, and a charitable hall nearby with crew rooms to support after-work recovery and small gatherings; after-party events occasionally utilise nearby open spaces, making it easy to balance socialising with quiet evenings at the dock; overall this area offers convenient access for back-to-back trips and routine maintenance.
Location, habitat, and opportunities: the boulevard side hosts beauty shops and shops along a scenic shoreline, with easy connections to boynton and dunedin for day trips and sightseeing; the season draws anglers and families to nearby beaches and historical trails, while the harbour creates a habitat that supports wildlife along the shorelines; this setting provides numerous opportunities for community events, shoreline strolls and educational tours in the historical district.
Cortez Area Marina – Access to waterways, channel depth and visitor berths
Book a guest berth before your Gulf crossing. This family-run marina is a best-kept secret with easy access to navigable waterways. Parking is convenient on-site, there are lights along the dock for night arrivals, and snacks and a grill are available nearby for handy meals ashore. The quaint setting sits along a grand shoreline, with views much admired from the dock, creating a romantic mood. If you're docking here, you're minutes from the shoreline and open water, and the maritime experience feels welcoming to every person who arrives.
Approach channels feed a protected basin, with depths commonly 6–8 ft MLW on the main route and deeper pockets toward the mouth. Given the tides, docking windows vary seasonally, but the marina offers guest slips that accommodate boats up to roughly 40–45 ft LOA, with 115V/30A power and potable water. If you're planning a Gulf escape, you're minutes from the shoreline and open water, with a straightforward route toward the river and beyond; a short hop toward clearwater beaches adds variety to the itinerary. The ciega current is easy to time on charts, especially during calm mornings.
On-site amenities reflect practical hospitality from a family-owned crew: tidy slips, a small marina store, and parking near the dock, plus a grill and snacks for after biking along the shoreline. The quaint, grand setting provides romantic sunsets and dependable lights that give the harbour a safe, welcoming feel after dark, with views that many guests have viewed from the riverside walk and harbour walk. There’s no need for grandiose theatrics here; America's maritime tradition is alive, with Ralph sharing dockside tales as visitors stroll the quay and watch the water.
Location and access: The harbour lies within easy reach of coastal dining and shops; parking suits families and solo travellers alike. Biking along the shoreline is a popular pre-dock activity, with a grill offering fresh snacks nearby for a quick bite before sunset. The vibe blends a quaint outpost feel with a grand maritime atmosphere that appeals to romantics and families alike, and the lights along the piers create a safe, inviting scene. From marco to clearwater routes, this anchor fits neatly into Americas coastal itineraries, and you can plan a trip that forgets city noise while enjoying the sunset and the glow along the shoreline.
Suncoast Harbour Marina – Fuel dock, pump-out service, and maintenance

Recommendation: Enter the harbour with confidence–fuel at the dock for petrol or diesel, then keep your vessel ready with quick pump-out and hands-on maintenance that minimises downtime.
The fuel dock handles a wide range of craft, from small runabouts to large craft, with an attendant on duty during peak hours to assist and guide lines. It accepts major cards and onboard accounts, and the fuelling area is shaded and organised for safe, efficient entry and turn. For many visits, this setup helps you relax and focus on the waters ahead rather than logistics.
The pump-out service operates on a clear, customer-friendly schedule and supports vessels of various sizes. The operation complies with state and local environmental regulations, minimising impact on the passage and surrounding waters. Prices are transparent, and you can arrange service via the dock office or with a quick call – contact is straightforward for those on the move.
Maintenance capabilities cover the essentials: engine diagnostics, electrical repairs, propulsion work, and preventative care. On-site technicians handle hull cleaning, bottom protection, and seasonal winterisation. Founded by Edith and a team of craftspeople, the shop emphasises a solid foundation of reliability, thorough checks, and transparent communication about needed repairs. These efforts translate to fewer headaches for heads and skippers alike.
The yard offers a lush, welcoming environment with practical amenities. After a service turn, guests often grill and socialise at the tiki-style staging area, then plan the next leg of their journey along Clearwater waters or Tarpon passes. For shopping or supplies, the marina keeps a handy map and directions, and the staff is ready to chat about best routes and times to head out. To arrange services or ask questions, use the contact point at the dock office–this is a straightforward way to ensure you have all details before the next leg of your voyage.
Shoreside Cove Marina – Parking, security, showers, and on-site amenities
Plan your visit to a west coast waterfront hub where the car park is paved and lit, with direct access to the cove and canals. It’s convenient for anglers and families to load gear close to the docks and launch points.
Security is tight yet unobtrusive: gated entry, 24/7 CCTV, and a staffed desk during daylight hours. Barbara at the dock desk is known for quick local tips and friendly service.
Showers are private and bright, with hot water and clean towels; restrooms are well maintained and accessible after hours in line with dock operations.
On-site provisions include a fuel dock, tackle shop, a small cafe, an ice machine, and a laundry area. The facility also provides water and electric hook-ups on select berths for easy charging and power, plus a ciega-shaded seating area near the dock.
Décor draws on maritime giants and nautical décor, while lush landscaping frames the cove and waterfront views. Images on signage and walls celebrate local history and the parades that light up the setting.
Located near Clearwater and Lantana on the west coast, the location keeps access straightforward for local visitors. A lighted promenade invites strolling and offers balmy evenings with ocean breezes and occasional live music from nearby places.
During seasonal parades along the canalfront, you’ll see spectacular scenery and crowds. We’ve noticed families bring toys for kids while anglers prep gear, and funds for small dockside services stay affordable.
To proceed with a visit, plan to arrive early to secure a good parking spot in the west car park. Continue strolling the waterline for spectacular views, and capture images of the cove before you depart.
Quick marina comparison checklist – Pricing, hours, reservations, and accessibility
Start with dockside pricing clarity and straightforward reservations; choose options that publish itemised rates and a clear holds policy to avoid hidden fees and delays.
- Pricing and value – Publish itemised dockside rates (per slip length or per foot) and any transient or monthly options; confirm inclusions (electric, water, Wi-Fi) and surcharges (pump-out). Ensure the total starts from the base rate and that tax and service fees are shown upfront. If plans include travel toward Florida’s intracoastal routes or the Panama corridor, verify transit considerations and any partner discounts; look for proximity perks near boardwalks, tiki spots, and delectable seafood.
- Starts and hours – Verify standard operating hours for slips, fuelling docks, restrooms and security; note if after-hours access is allowed and how late arrivals are handled. Plan for nautical needs at dawn and during tarpon season; check easy access to a boardwalk and nearby town amenities to extend stays beyond the dock. Consider how early starts align with your angler schedule and party festivities across nearby towns.
- Reservations and attendance – Assess online booking capability, deposits, cancellation windows, and waitlists; look for limited slots during peak weekends and festival parties. Consider how sponsorships and donations influence space on busy days and whether large angler groups or clubs affect attendance. Include items you’ll need for stays and bring a packing list for overnight or multi-day visits.
- Accessibility and location – Examine dockside access (ramps, gangways, features for disabled access), easy exit to canals and intracoastal routes, and north-south orientation. Proximity to Treasure Island, islands, and nearby towns matters for meals, fuelling, and entertainment; evaluate parking, shuttle options, and proximity to Sparkman Wharf or other nautical hubs. Check noise levels during festivities and party nights, plus whether pontoon boats and other small craft can easily reach the quay. Consider nautical access for anglers and families who come for tarpon encounters; ensure you can pull up right beside your location and access nautical stores for last-minute items.
4 Best Hernando Beach FL Marinas – Top Marinas in Hernando Beach, FL">