Traveling by boat offers a unique and exciting way to explore new destinations. While many people may think of traveling by boat as only cruising through the ocean, there are also opportunities to dock at different marinas and experience life on land while still being surrounded by the water. One such marina that offers an extraordinary experience is the Fernandina Beach Marina, located on Amelia Island, Florida.
The Fernandina Beach Marina is nestled on the northern tip of Amelia Island, offering boaters a prime location to explore this quaint and historic town. One of the biggest draws of this marina is its proximity to several unique restaurants. Within walking distance, boaters can find a variety of dining options, from sushi, Cuban, seafood, pizza and deli’s. This convenient location allows boaters to try out different cuisines easily without having to travel far from their boat.
A dinghy dock is available at the marina for a small fee of $5.00. And for an extra $5.00, boaters can also use the laundry and shower facilities at the marina. The laundry room features two washers and two dryers, each at a cost of $2.50, making it easy for boaters to do their laundry and freshen up after a day on the water. While not new, the shower stalls are clean and provide a private dressing area, shower, toilet, and sink for boaters’ convenience.
While there are a few dining options within walking distance, the marina also features Brett’s restaurant, which offers delicious meals at a slightly higher price point. For a more casual and budget-friendly option, boaters can try out The Salty Pelican, which is known for its huge portions and laid-back atmosphere. This is a popular spot among boaters and locals alike.
Regarding overnight accommodations, the Fernandina Beach Marina offers mooring balls available on a first come, first served basis for $30.00 per night. Slip fees range from $2.50 to $3.00 per foot, depending on the season. The marina also offers a variety of amenities, including 4,000 feet of alongside dockage, a fuel dock, and a bait and tackle shop. Boaters can also take advantage of the boaters’ lounge, which has a television, WiFi internet access, and a dock-n-dine option for dining on their boat.
Aside from the amenities at the marina, boaters can also take a short walk to explore the town of Fernandina. This town is packed with history, including the oldest bar in Florida, antique shops, art galleries, clothing stores, and even a cute little history museum. One store that stands out is for me is The Spice & Tea Exchange, offering boaters the freshest spices, salts, seasoning blends, and a large selection of teas.
It is worth noting that there is a grocery store located 2.2 miles away from the marina, but transportation options are limited. Uber is spotty at best, but boaters can order a taxi for about $15 each way.
