Top 3 Liveaboard Marinas in Miami, Florida

Experience the thrill of living in Miami without a monstrous price tag. The Top 3 Liveaboard Marinas in the Miami, Florida area offer moderately priced living with views of water from your salon windows. Miami liveaboard marinas allow you to live an untethered life year around or on a seasonal basis. You can choose from an oceanfront marina or a lakefront dock, each with many amenities to keep you entertained while on land.

MiaMarina at Bayside

The municipal marina is located within the Bayside Marketplace district and is within walking distance to dozens of restaurants, convenience stores and boutiques. The marina's nearest neighbor is the Miami Heat next door at the American Airlines Arena. Stroll, drive or ride a bike to South Beach and enjoy a day on land relaxing in the southern Florida sunshine. Nearby attractions include the Miami Seaquarium and Parrot Jungle Island. The Strictly Sail event is hosted by MiaMarina at Bayside annually. Marina amenities include laundry facilities, Internet access, cable television, 30/50/100 amp electrical service, deep water slips, boat charter service, 24 hour security and concrete docks and finger piers.

Dinner Key Marina

The marina is situated in the southern section of downtown Miami, in the Coconut Grove historic district. The municipal marina is noted as one of the largest marine facilities in the state of Florida. The marina was once home to Pan American Airway. Enjoy a bit of history when strolling around the facility's manicured leisure areas by visiting the old Pan Am terminal and flying boat displays. Attractions located within walking distance from Dinner Key Marina include the James Deering museum, Coconut Grove Village featuring the CocoWalk entertainment area. Marina amenities include Internet access, laundry facilities, 30/50/100 amp electrical service, 24 hour security, fishing charters, concrete docks and wood finger piers, boat slips offering protections from seven foot drafts.

Sunset Marina Marina and Yacht Club

You can lease or purchase a slip at this South Beach marina and lounge in luxurious surroundings. Slips are available on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis. Although this marina is the most expensive of the top three liveaboard marinas in Miami, the amenities and locations make it a must see for those who are willing to pay a little extra for a south Florida boat slip. Amenities include an on-site fitness center, heated outdoor swimming pool, valet parking, air-conditioned bathhouse, laundry facilities, 24 hour security, Internet access, digital satellite television, diesel delivery and 30/50/100 amp service.

Liveaboard Laws and Regulations

Due to state and municipal laws, the number of liveaboard marinas has decreased over the past decade. While some marinas turn a blind eye to permanent anchorage, local authorities can levy fines and confiscate property for those who choose to break the law. Review the long-term stay aboard boats in Miami-Dade County before signing a lease or purchasing a slip. Some areas permit lodging up to 184 days on a boat at specific marinas.