Top Real Estate Investment Markets Near the World’s Best Marinas

04/12/2025

Industry Insights International Outlook

Top Real Estate Investment Markets Near the World’s Best Marinas | Brevitas

Investors are charting a course for waterfront properties, drawn by the promise of strong returns and an unbeatable lifestyle. Proximity to a major marina – whether in a U.S. coastal city or a far-flung international port – can elevate real estate value by attracting affluent boaters, steady tourism, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades. In this guide, we spotlight leading marina-adjacent markets around the globe and analyze why these harborside locales are primed for real estate investment.

Marina Proximity: A Boating Lifestyle & Investment Catalyst

Properties near prestigious marinas benefit from more than just scenic views – they tap into a dynamic boating community that drives demand for housing, retail, and hospitality. Marinas often serve as hubs for upscale dining, shopping, and services, creating an amenity-rich environment for residents and visitors alike. Many top marinas operate at full capacity with wait lists for slips, a testament to the high demand from yacht owners . This translates into reliable foot traffic for local businesses and strong occupancy for nearby hotels and rentals during peak sailing season.

Yacht travelers are typically high-net-worth individuals who seek convenience and luxury on shore. They need places to stay (or purchase second homes), fine restaurants, provisioning services, and entertainment – all of which bolster the local economy. Seasonality plays a role: in summer hotspots, marinas teem with activity and seasonal residents, while in winter havens like Florida and the Caribbean, the influx of boaters boosts the off-season economy. Savvy investors recognize that marina improvements and maritime infrastructure spending can be a harbinger of rising real estate values. For example, major investment firms are acquiring marina portfolios – Blackstone’s recent $5.65 billion purchase of Safe Harbor Marinas underscores confidence in the long-term growth of the boating sector and often comes with plans to enhance facilities. As marinas upgrade and expand, nearby property values can climb in tandem.

In short, the allure of the boating lifestyle – coupled with limited waterfront supply – makes marina-adjacent real estate a compelling addition to any portfolio. Below, we explore key markets in the U.S. and abroad where marina proximity is proving to be a powerful value enhancer for investors.

United States Marina Hotspots

West Coast: San Francisco Bay Area & San Diego

The West Coast boasts iconic boating destinations that marry maritime prestige with robust real estate fundamentals. In the San Francisco Bay Area, the Marina District and surrounding waterfront neighborhoods exemplify marina-driven demand. San Francisco’s marinas (such as the Golden Gate Yacht Harbor and South Beach Harbor) draw both local sailors and international yachting events. When the America’s Cup was hosted in SF Bay, it spotlighted the city’s marina infrastructure and spurred redevelopment along the Embarcadero. Residential property in SF’s Marina District commands a premium; homes average around $1,100+ per square foot and the median sale price is about $2.3 million, well above citywide averages. This lofty pricing reflects not just scarcity of land but the cachet of being steps from the bay – panoramic views, jogging along Marina Green, and harbor access for boat owners. Even with high entry costs, investor interest remains strong, as upscale renters and buyers consistently seek out this area for its blend of urban amenities and waterfront leisure.

Farther south in San Diego, a city synonymous with year-round boating, marina-adjacent investments are flourishing. San Diego Bay is lined with renowned marinas (Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Downtown Marina) that host everything from sailboats to superyachts. The downtown Marina District has seen a boom in luxury condo towers catering to those who want city living with a marina view and slip access. Condo prices here span from the high $400,000s for smaller units to $3+ million for penthouse residences overlooking the harbor . The median listing price for Marina District condos sits around $830,000 , indicating broad accessibility for investors at different price points. San Diego’s marinas are not just showpieces; they drive serious economic traffic – local yacht clubs, charter companies, and the annual international boat show all feed into demand for nearby hotels, short-term rentals, and upscale shopping. A mixed-use development trend is emerging around the waterfront, with projects that integrate ground-floor retail or restaurants to serve both land and sea clientele. For investors, San Diego offers the dual benefit of a strong tourism market and a large year-round boating community courtesy of the Navy and private sector; this dynamic underpins resilient rental demand and the potential for appreciable property values as the “Port of San Diego” continues to invest in its maritime facilities.

Pacific Northwest: Seattle & Alaska

The Pacific Northwest provides a unique case of seasonal yet intense marina activity fueling real estate opportunities. In Seattle, boating is a beloved part of the culture – the city and its surrounds have one of the highest per capita boat ownership rates in the U.S. Seattle’s sprawling freshwater and saltwater marinas (from Lake Union to Elliott Bay) anchor vibrant waterfront districts. The 1,200-slip Elliott Bay Marina, one of the West Coast’s largest private marinas, offers resort-like amenities and sits minutes from downtown. Its presence has catalyzed upscale development in the Magnolia and Interbay neighborhoods, and the marina’s sale to a dedicated investment group signals further enhancements that could elevate nearby property values. Residential options in Seattle’s marina-adjacent areas range from floating home communities and boutique condo buildings on Lake Union to luxury high-rises near the downtown waterfront. Price points vary widely – for instance, houseboats can fetch $700,000+, while a new high-rise condo with Puget Sound views easily crosses $1 million. Notably, Seattle’s tech-driven prosperity means many well-paid professionals are in the market for waterfront homes, keeping demand high. Investors eyeing Seattle should consider properties in neighborhoods like Queen Anne, Fremont, or Ballard that offer quick marina access (Shilshole Bay Marina in Ballard is another 1,400-slip facility constantly at capacity). These areas combine strong long-term appreciation (Seattle home values remain on an upward trend) with niche appeal to the boating community.

While Seattle is a year-round market, Alaska’s marina-linked real estate is highly seasonal – yet significant. Coastal Alaskan towns from Seward to Ketchikan swell in population each summer as both private yachts and cruise ships arrive en masse. For example, Juneau’s port welcomed a record 1.73 million cruise passengers in 2024, bringing a surge of spending to local businesses. Investors have taken note, especially in hospitality: hotels, lodges, and B&Bs near the docks see full bookings through the summer, and many are expanding or upgrading. In Seward and Homer, the marinas primarily host fishing vessels and adventure yachts exploring Alaska’s fjords. Small apartment complexes or cabins in these towns can offer strong seasonal rental yields (e.g., crew housing or tourist stays) and are often undervalued compared to Lower 48 waterfronts. Anchorage, while not a yachting hub, has the state’s largest small-craft harbor at Whittier just an hour away, and some investors choose Anchorage as a base for summer short-term rentals targeting fishermen and boaters before they head out to sea. Alaska might not have the glitz of Monaco, but its strategic value lies in catering to niche demand: eco-tourists, sport fishers, and cruise excursions. With Alaska planning port infrastructure upgrades and new tourism initiatives, now is an interesting time to scout for underpriced commercial spaces (think waterfront restaurants or gear outfitters) that could thrive with the next wave of summer travelers.

Florida: The Yachting Capital’s Property Boom

Florida is often the first locale that comes to mind when thinking of marina-side real estate – and for good reason. The state is home to dozens of world-class marinas, from Miami’s glitzy docks to the sprawling marine facilities of Tampa Bay. Nowhere is the synergy between marinas and property investment more evident than in Fort Lauderdale, known as the “Yachting Capital of the World.” Greater Fort Lauderdale alone hosts over 50,000 registered yachts and 300 miles of inland waterways, spawning an entire ecosystem of marine businesses and a constant flow of affluent boat enthusiasts. Waterfront neighborhoods like Las Olas Isles are tailor-made for this demographic: the area’s luxury homes come with private docks and deep-water access for mega yachts. Prices in Las Olas Isles range from around $1 million for older inland cottages up to $10+ million for modern waterfront estates, a range that reflects both strong appreciation and ongoing new construction to meet luxury demand. Importantly, properties here are “desirable for boaters and yacht owners” – a quote echoed by local brokers – meaning resale values are bolstered by a steady stream of boat-loving buyers. Investors have also found success with boutique vacation rentals in Fort Lauderdale; a villa with a dock can command top dollar from yachting crews and event visitors, especially during the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (which attracts 100,000+ visitors and pumps $1+ billion into the economy).

Beyond Fort Lauderdale, Florida offers diverse marina-centric markets. In Miami, areas like Miami Beach Marina and Coconut Grove’s Dinner Key Marina serve both year-round residents and international visitors who dock their yachts for the winter party season. Condo developments in these areas often advertise marina access as a key amenity. For example, the Miami Beach Marina area has seen new high-rises where owners can lease boat slips, effectively integrating real estate and marina usage. Up the coast, Palm Beach’s marinas (like the newly redeveloped Royal Poinciana docks) draw in the yachting elite – property near Palm Harbor Marina sees listing prices pushing record highs as wealthy Northeast “snowbirds” snap up second homes. On Florida’s Gulf Coast, cities such as Naples, Sarasota, and St. Petersburg feature marinas that fuel downtown revitalizations. St. Petersburg’s municipal marina, one of the largest in the Southeast, has helped turn its once-sleepy downtown into a lively mixed-use waterfront, boosting condo values significantly over the past decade. Even relatively quiet marina towns can be hidden gems; for instance, Stuart on the Treasure Coast (with its slogan “Sailfish Capital”) has affordable waterfront condos and dockominiums that are gaining attention as larger markets heat up. Overall, Florida’s statewide trend is clear: marina improvements and expansions are typically matched by rising property values nearby, making it a fertile ground for investors – whether flipping a dockside home in the Keys or developing a new waterfront retail center in a growing port city.

Northeast & Carolinas: New York, Charleston & Beyond

The Northeast U.S. has fewer year-round boating havens, but its summer sailing culture is second to none – and this creates lucrative seasonal markets. In New York, the city’s limited marina space makes adjacent real estate ultra-premium. Manhattan’s primary pleasure-boat marina, North Cove in Battery Park City, is surrounded by luxury condos and office towers that boast Hudson River marina views. These Battery Park City residences regularly fetch over $2,000 per square foot, a reflection of both Manhattan’s overall market and the micro-location allure for yacht owners who dock in the city. Up the river, the Liberty Landing Marina (just across in Jersey City) has similarly spurred high-end development; the convenience of being a short ferry ride from Wall Street while keeping one’s yacht nearby is a unique selling point. The broader New York metro also extends to Long Island Sound and the Hamptons. In Sag Harbor – a historic whaling port turned luxury marina village – the median home listing price is around $3 million. This harbor’s ability to accommodate mega-yachts has made it a playground for CEOs and celebrities, driving up waterfront estate prices dramatically. Summer rental rates in the Hamptons are notorious (six figures for a month in a bayfront home is not unheard of), giving investors a chance at hefty seasonal income. It’s worth noting that marinas in this region, like Montauk or Newport (Rhode Island), have a cachet that can anchor entire towns’ economies. Owning commercial property near these marinas – say, a restaurant or boutique – can be extremely profitable May through September, though investors must account for the quieter off-season.

Heading down the coast, the Carolinas offer a blend of year-round mild weather and growing marina infrastructure. Charleston, South Carolina stands out as a Southern gem for marina-adjacent investment. The City Marina in Charleston (famed for its “Megadock” accommodating superyachts) is walking distance from the historic downtown, linking tourism, boating, and luxury real estate in one package. Charleston’s waterfront neighborhoods, like South of Broad and Harleston Village, are steeped in charm and command high prices (historic mansions $5M+), but even newer condos with harbor views are breaking records – it’s not unusual to see 3-bedroom waterfront condos list for $1–2 million given the limited inventory. Meanwhile, developers have been creating modern condo communities slightly uptown along the Cooper River with marina access (e.g., The Wharf in Daniel Island), tapping into pent-up demand at lower price points. For investors, Charleston presents an opportunity to get in before the next leap; compared to South Florida, prices are still relatively reasonable (many waterfront homes $600-800k range, though rising) and the city’s popularity as a boating and culinary destination is only growing. In North Carolina, look at the Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach area and the Outer Banks. Wilmington’s marinas along the Cape Fear River and ICW (Intracoastal Waterway) are fueling a surge in downtown redevelopment – warehouses converting to food halls, new hotels overlooking boat slips, etc. The Outer Banks, known for sportfishing marinas like Oregon Inlet and Hatteras, see thousands of anglers each year; small multifamily properties or vacation rentals in these towns can yield high returns during fishing tournaments and summer weeks. Overall, the Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas region is on an upswing: cities like Charleston and Wilmington are investing in port and marina facilities, and as they gain recognition among yacht owners (including transient “snowbird” boaters migrating seasonally), the surrounding real estate is appreciating. Investors might find especially good values in under-the-radar spots here – think small Carolina towns with newly improved marinas that have yet to be “discovered” by mainstream developers.

International Marina Markets

Mexico & Central America: Los Cabos to Costa Rica

Latin America’s Pacific coastlines are dotted with marina havens that are attracting increasing investor attention. In Mexico, the twin capes of Los Cabos (at Baja’s southern tip) illustrate how marina development can transform a region. Cabo San Lucas has long been famous for its lively marina, which serves as the heartbeat of the downtown tourist zone – luxury retailers, nightlife, and high-end condos encircle the slips filled with sportfishing boats and yachts. Property here isn’t cheap: oceanview condos and villas in Cabo often range from $500,000 up into the multi-millions, especially if they sit in gated communities with direct marina access. However, savvy investors are looking just a bit east to San José del Cabo, where the newer Puerto Los Cabos marina (often called La Playita) is an underappreciated gem. This world-class marina, opened in the late 2000s, still has surrounding land and inventory at a discount relative to Cabo San Lucas. For instance, brand-new luxury condo units with marina and Sea of Cortez views have been listed around $600,000 – a bargain compared to similar offerings in more developed marina markets. Puerto Los Cabos’ master plan includes a Marina Village and golf resorts, signaling that today’s buys could see significant appreciation as the area matures. Investors can consider San José del Cabo’s boutique hotels, as well: with more yacht owners opting for the quieter Puerto Los Cabos, there’s growing demand for upscale accommodations and dining in the marina vicinity. Elsewhere in Mexico, other “sleeper” marina markets include La Paz (with its protected bay attracting sailors circumnavigating the globe) and Puerto Vallarta’s Marina Vallarta, which anchors a whole district of condos, a golf course, and a boardwalk; properties around Marina Vallarta can be found in the $300k–$800k range, offering rental appeal to snowbirds and boaters flying in from the U.S. and Canada.

Moving south to Costa Rica, the rise of marinas has elevated this eco-paradise into a luxury real estate contender. The flagship is Los Sueños Resort & Marina on the Central Pacific Coast. Los Sueños is a master-planned resort featuring a 200-slip marina, a Marriott hotel, golf course, and numerous condo and villa communities. It’s a case study in value creation: early buyers in the 2000s paid a few hundred thousand for condos that now trade significantly higher. Currently, condos in Los Sueños range from around the mid-$300,000s for a smaller unit to well over $1 million for premium offerings, and the development’s continued popularity has kept occupancy and rental rates strong. Los Sueños proved that well-heeled sportfishing enthusiasts (drawn by Costa Rica’s legendary billfish waters) will invest in local real estate. Following its success, other marinas have popped up: Marina Pez Vela in Quepos (gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park) now has a small enclave of condos and townhomes nearby, and the Papagayo Peninsula in the north has its own upscale marina serving luxury resorts and residences. Many of these projects are still in their early phases, presenting a window for investors to get in on the ground floor. Rental demand in Costa Rica’s marina areas is two-fold: seasonal high-end tourism and an expatriate community of boat owners who split time between Central America and home. Additionally, Costa Rica’s government has been investing in maritime infrastructure and simplifying yacht entry regulations to attract more boaters – a positive sign for anyone holding real estate in these zones. As marinas become year-round hubs (some yacht owners now base in Costa Rica to explore Central America and the Galápagos), we anticipate property values and rents will trend upward accordingly.

Caribbean: The Bahamas & Tropical Ports of Call

The Caribbean is a natural magnet for yachting activity, and its real estate markets reflect the ebb and flow of those luxury vessels. The Bahamas stands out as a premier example, given its close proximity to Florida and its status as a gateway to the Caribbean. Nassau and Paradise Island feature several elite marinas, such as Atlantis Marina and Bay Street Marina, which attract megayachts year-round. The ripple effect on local real estate is significant: Paradise Island’s oceanfront condos and homes (many within developments like Ocean Club Estates) routinely sell for several million USD, bolstered by the appeal of docking a yacht and enjoying resort amenities. Beyond New Providence, the Bahamas’ many Out Islands are also drawing investor interest. The Abacos, for example, had a thriving marina scene (Marsh Harbour, Treasure Cay) that is rebuilding after hurricane damage – new and rebuilt properties here may be undervalued relative to the peak, offering a potential upside as the boating community returns. In Bimini, a short hop from Miami, Genting Group’s Resorts World marina and casino complex spurred a mini real estate boom: condos and villas in the resort area were snatched up by those seeking weekend getaways with a slip for the boat. Prices in such niche developments can range from $400,000 for smaller units to $1M+ for townhouses, demonstrating that even tiny islands can command big-city prices when a top-notch marina is involved.

Elsewhere in the Caribbean, look to the “yachtie” enclaves: St. Thomas in the USVI, Sint Maarten, St. Barts, and the British Virgin Islands each host famed marinas that are essentially the living rooms for the global sailing community. In St. Thomas, the Yacht Haven Grande marina, which accommodates superyachts, has luxury retail and condos adjacent – an investor who bought in early when Yacht Haven was under development would have seen property values climb as the marina filled with vessels and high-spending visitors. On Sint Maarten, the Simpson Bay Lagoon is surrounded by homes and boutique hotels catering to boaters who need safe harbor during hurricane season. Demand for rental properties spikes each winter, as yacht crews and owners set up base. As a strategy, some investors purchase villas in these areas not just for vacation rental income but to offer them as management HQs or crew housing for large yachts – a creative way to secure long-term, premium rental contracts. It’s also worth mentioning that many Caribbean nations actively encourage foreign investment in real estate with incentives (like residency permits or tax breaks), especially when tied to tourism development. The Dominican Republic’s Cap Cana Marina and Antigua’s developments around English Harbour are examples where government and private developers partnered to create marinas with surrounding condo-hotels, selling units to investors worldwide. For those looking at the Caribbean, a key consideration is accessibility and political stability; the Bahamas, with its easy access and stable governance, often comes out on top, but an exploratory eye can find gems in other islands where a new marina project is on the horizon and property prices have yet to catch up to their potential.

Mediterranean Europe: From Riviera Glamour to Emerging Harbors

No discussion of marina real estate is complete without touching on the Mediterranean, home to some of the world’s most celebrated ports of call. The French Riviera and Italian coast have long been synonymous with yachting luxury – marinas like Port Hercules in Monaco, Port Vauban in Antibes, and Marina Grande in Capri are legends in their own right. Surrounding these harbors are ultra-prime properties: Monaco famously has the most expensive real estate on the planet (with prices well above $5,000 per square foot) driven in part by the constant presence of yachts and the prestige they confer on the locale. While Monaco is a unique case, even “downmarket” Riviera towns are pricey; in Cannes or Nice, an apartment overlooking the marina and promenade will command a significant premium over one even a few blocks inland. Investors interested in Europe’s top-tier marina markets often need deep pockets and a long-term view, as rental yields can be modest relative to purchase price (these markets trade more on capital appreciation and wealth preservation). That said, short-term rentals during events – think the Cannes Film Festival or Monaco Grand Prix – can fetch astronomical rates if you own a property with a view of the harbor.

More intriguing from a growth perspective are the emerging European marina markets. Countries like Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece have been building state-of-the-art marinas to capitalize on the overflow of yachts (and yacht buyers) in Western Europe. Montenegro’s Porto Montenegro is a standout example: developed in the 2010s, this luxury marina complex in the Bay of Kotor includes high-end residences, a yacht club, and retail. Early investors in Porto Montenegro condos saw substantial gains as the project turned Tivat from a quiet naval base into a jet-set destination. Even now, a modern marina-view apartment there might be priced at a fraction of an equivalent in France or Italy, suggesting room for further appreciation as the Mediterranean’s center of gravity expands eastward. Similarly, Croatia’s Adriatic Coast, with its countless islands and clear waters, has added marinas in cities like Split and Dubrovnik, prompting a spike in boutique hotel openings and vacation home developments nearby. In these markets, an investor can find opportunities such as a small hotel or apartment building near a new marina at a relatively accessible price, then benefit as yacht tourism stimulates the local economy. There are also government-driven initiatives – Greece, for instance, has been privatizing and upgrading marinas (Athens’ Alimos marina is undergoing a major revamp), aiming to boost marine tourism and extend the season. The ripple effect: neglected waterfront districts in Athens and other Greek isles are getting makeovers, and property prices are beginning to reflect the improved prospects. In summary, Europe offers a spectrum from ultra-stable, high-cost marina markets to those on the upswing where a marina development can be a game-changer for real estate values. Investors should weigh their goals – trophy asset vs. growth play – and choose their harbor accordingly.

Ready to Ride the Wave of Marina Real Estate?

Waterfront investments near great marinas offer not just financial returns, but a chance to be part of vibrant, exclusive communities that few get to enjoy. Whether you’re aiming to diversify your portfolio with a seaside rental or develop the next marina-front hotspot, timing and location are everything. Many of the markets discussed are on an upward trajectory – the slips are filling up, the diners are packed with boaters, and the properties are following suit. As you chart your next investment move, consider setting sail with an asset that’s anchored by one of the world’s best marinas.

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