Best Marina Facilities in the Caribbean and South America

As luxury yachting continues its global ascent in 2025, discerning travelers and superyacht owners are increasingly turning their attention to the pristine waters of the Caribbean and South America. While traditional Mediterranean destinations retain their charm, the western Atlantic and southern hemispheric coastlines are now redefining standards of marina excellence. From world-class infrastructure to eco-sensitive innovations, these regions are home to some of the finest marina facilities in the world, perfectly blending opulence, security, and seamless access to tropical adventure.

For global cruisers navigating between the Panama Canal, the Windward Islands, and the Atlantic coastlines of Brazil, marinas are no longer mere docking points—they serve as full-service hubs of luxury, logistics, and lifestyle. This article explores the leading marinas across these diverse locales, taking into account the interests of our international audience at Yacht Review, and offering valuable guidance on where to anchor in style.

Why the Caribbean and South America Are Booming for Yachting

The strategic importance of the Caribbean basin and South American coasts in global yacht cruising routes has grown exponentially. Not only do these regions offer warm weather year-round, but they also present unmatched biodiversity, cultural richness, and growing investment in marine tourism infrastructure. Island nations such as Saint Lucia, Antigua, and the Bahamas have poured resources into expanding and modernizing their marinas, while South American destinations like Colombia, Brazil, and Uruguay are leveraging their long coastlines to attract both leisure cruisers and superyacht fleets.

According to the Caribbean Marine Association, marina developments across the region have grown by over 30% since 2020, driven by rising charter demand, geopolitical stability, and increased air connectivity. Additionally, government-led incentives and international partnerships have bolstered sustainable development in the sector. In South America, cities like Cartagena, Fortaleza, and Punta del Este have made headlines for modernizing facilities while maintaining ecological safeguards. Learn more about sustainable business practices shaping marinas in these regions.

Let’s delve deeper into the standout marinas that define the modern maritime experience across the Caribbean and South America.

Caribbean's Premier Marina Destinations

Yacht Haven Grande – St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Consistently ranked among the finest marinas in the world, Yacht Haven Grande is the Caribbean’s crown jewel. Located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, it offers unparalleled superyacht services, including 600 feet of uninterrupted dockage, 24/7 security, in-slip fueling, customs clearance, and a dedicated yacht concierge service. The marina is also part of the IGY Marinas network, known for maintaining international quality benchmarks.

Beyond technical excellence, its proximity to elite shopping, gourmet dining, and vibrant island culture makes it a favorite for both charter operators and private owners. It also adheres to Blue Flag environmental standards, ensuring responsible marine tourism in the region.

Explore more on Yacht Review’s Cruising section for itineraries that include the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Port Louis Marina – Grenada

Operated by Camper & Nicholsons Marinas, Port Louis Marina in St. George’s, Grenada combines modern engineering with colonial-era charm. With 227 berths accommodating vessels up to 300 feet, it has become a major hub for yachts making seasonal transatlantic crossings. Grenada’s geographic location outside the hurricane belt adds to its strategic appeal, making it a top choice for long-term storage and refitting.

Port Louis is also renowned for its sustainability credentials, actively participating in reef restoration programs and marine life monitoring in the region. Onshore, its luxury residences, fitness centers, and cultural events provide an integrated lifestyle for yacht crews and owners alike.

Rodney Bay Marina – Saint Lucia

A flagship location for IGY Marinas, Rodney Bay Marina is one of the Caribbean’s most complete yachting destinations. With 253 slips and the ability to accommodate mega yachts, its recent upgrades include a new travel lift, expanded dry dock capacity, and advanced shore power systems. It also serves as a key stop for the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers).

The marina’s surrounding amenities, including waterfront dining, eco-tours, and proximity to the majestic Pitons, offer a holistic luxury-meets-nature experience. Rodney Bay is also heavily involved in crew welfare programs and hosts numerous regional boating events throughout the year.

Get more insights on Caribbean yacht design considerations on Yacht Review Design.

More Top Caribbean Marinas

Marina Casa de Campo – La Romana, Dominican Republic

Marina Casa de Campo is one of the most comprehensive luxury marinas in the Caribbean. With over 370 slips that can accommodate yachts up to 250 feet, the facility is a premier gateway for those sailing between the Greater and Lesser Antilles. The marina is part of the prestigious Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, providing direct access to golf courses, polo fields, and private beaches.

Its state-of-the-art yacht club, advanced fueling systems, and full-service maintenance facilities make it a preferred base for charter companies. It’s also recognized for high-end real estate development surrounding the marina, appealing to yacht owners who seek both privacy and community in one location.

Learn more about exclusive marina experiences via our Global Travel section.

Marigot Bay Marina – Saint Lucia

Hidden within a natural hurricane-safe bay, Marigot Bay Marina has long been a favorite among luxury yachts seeking tranquility and lush scenery. With moorings available for vessels up to 280 feet, this five-star marina is part of the Marigot Bay Resort, offering crew-friendly accommodations and wellness programs.

The marina promotes environmental responsibility through its mangrove preservation and water quality monitoring. Its elegant aesthetic, designed in harmony with Saint Lucia’s topography, makes it a picturesque destination for extended stays and yacht tourism events.

Explore how marina aesthetics and heritage tie into yacht travel on Yacht Review History.

Blue Haven Marina – Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

Located in the heart of the Turks & Caicos Islands, Blue Haven Marina provides pristine waters, high-end service, and an all-encompassing luxury environment. As a member of IGY Marinas, Blue Haven is ISPS-compliant and offers customs and immigration support on-site, making it one of the most accessible marinas for international yachts entering the Caribbean.

It features a full-service boatyard, a luxury resort, and a wellness spa, making it not just a place to dock—but to rejuvenate. The nearby coral reefs and protected marine zones provide unique diving and eco-tourism opportunities.

Check out more Caribbean lifestyle offerings on our Boats section.

South America’s Leading Marina Destinations

Marina da Glória – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain, Marina da Glória in Rio de Janeiro is South America’s most iconic marina. With over 300 slips and full customs clearance facilities, it caters to both luxury leisure yachts and competitive sailing events, including those held during the Rio 2016 Olympics.

The marina is currently undergoing a $30 million renovation to further elevate its infrastructure, blending Brazilian design flair with cutting-edge nautical services. Its proximity to Rio’s cultural landmarks and international airport makes it an ideal entry point for foreign yachts.

The marina also acts as a green marine technology testbed, integrating solar power, waste management systems, and eco-hulls for visiting vessels. Learn more about these innovations on our Technology page.

Marina Santa Marta – Santa Marta, Colombia

Marina Santa Marta, located on Colombia’s stunning Caribbean coast, offers a strategic and scenic port of call for yachts traveling between the Panama Canal and the Eastern Caribbean. Operated by IGY Marinas, it provides 256 berths, a travel lift, in-slip fueling, and 24/7 bilingual concierge service.

Its urban waterfront location places it steps away from colonial-era architecture, museums, and authentic Colombian gastronomy. The marina is also adjacent to Tayrona National Park, offering access to indigenous eco-tourism experiences. This blend of maritime excellence and cultural immersion is why Santa Marta has grown rapidly in popularity among superyacht owners.

For more on South American cruising experiences, browse our Cruising section.

Expanding Marina Excellence in Uruguay, Chile, and Ecuador

Puerto del Buceo – Montevideo, Uruguay

Tucked along the scenic Rio de la Plata, Puerto del Buceo in Montevideo is a rising star among South America's yachting facilities. Though smaller than Caribbean superyacht marinas, it is known for its precision service, excellent infrastructure, and strategic location. The marina is popular with cruisers traveling along the southern Atlantic corridor between Brazil and Argentina.

Montevideo’s cosmopolitan appeal, safety, and growing tourism sector make it an increasingly attractive home port. With berths for vessels up to 65 feet and plans for future expansion to cater to larger yachts, Puerto del Buceo is quickly becoming a key asset in Uruguay’s nautical tourism strategy.

Yachting enthusiasts interested in Uruguay’s evolving market should visit the Business section for detailed investment developments.

Marina Pez Vela – Quepos, Costa Rica (Honorable Mention)

While technically in Central America, Marina Pez Vela deserves recognition for its exceptional service and eco-conscious development. This award-winning marina in Quepos features 195 wet slips, a 265-ton travel lift, and premium amenities including a yacht club, concierge services, and luxury residences.

It is a model for sustainability in the region, operating on a carbon-reduction strategy and supporting ocean conservation programs. The facility is also a major destination for big-game sportfishing, and offers direct access to the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park.

Visit our Travel section to learn how Central and South American marinas are merging adventure with infrastructure.

Club de Yates Higuerillas – Viña del Mar, Chile

On Chile’s Pacific coast, Club de Yates Higuerillas in Viña del Mar is a hub for bluewater sailors heading north from Patagonia or south from Peru. While this marina has a more intimate, club-like ambiance, it offers deep-water access, dry dock facilities, and a long history of sailing excellence in the Southern Hemisphere.

The surrounding coastal towns are famed for culinary traditions and natural beauty, making this an essential stop for those exploring Chile’s nautical charm. The club also plays host to regional regattas and sailing training programs.

To explore the rich maritime traditions of the region, readers can explore our History page.

Puerto Lucia Yacht Club – Salinas, Ecuador

Puerto Lucia Yacht Club, located in Salinas, is Ecuador’s premier full-service marina and a strategic refueling point for yachts crossing the Pacific. With 100 slips accommodating vessels up to 120 feet, it offers on-site maintenance, provisioning services, customs clearance, and secure storage.

Salinas is known for its stable climate and welcoming sailing community. In recent years, the yacht club has also invested in digital infrastructure for visiting vessels, including real-time dock availability and virtual concierge services.

Ecuador’s proximity to the Galápagos Islands adds to its appeal, making Puerto Lucia a perfect launch point for ecological explorations. Interested in high-tech marina trends? Visit the Technology section.

Exclusive Services Elevating the Marina Experience

In both the Caribbean and South America, marina developers are recognizing that it’s no longer just about berthing—it’s about experience. The latest facilities offer a seamless fusion of hospitality, technology, and marine service excellence. Here are some standout offerings that are redefining marina luxury in 2025:

Concierge and Crew Services

Today’s top marinas provide 24/7 multilingual concierge support, crew recreation lounges, medical assistance coordination, private transportation, and visa facilitation. Marinas such as Yacht Haven Grande and Marina Santa Marta stand out for offering fully integrated apps that connect crew with onshore services, entertainment, and provisioning.

This holistic approach enhances crew well-being while ensuring owners receive white-glove treatment. Yacht Review regularly covers such innovations in our Family and Global sections.

Sustainability and Eco-Marine Certifications

From LEED-certified buildings to Blue Flag-certified marinas, environmental stewardship is no longer optional. Marinas like Marigot Bay and Port Louis are leading by example, adopting reef-friendly policies, solar integration, and gray water management systems. These efforts are helping protect fragile coastlines while satisfying eco-conscious clients.

To learn more about how marinas are embracing sustainability, check out Yacht Review News.

Digital Integration and Smart Docking

Digital transformation is also shaping the future of marina facilities. Many now offer automated check-in systems, remote berth reservations, and AI-powered fleet tracking for safety and efficiency. Features such as drone surveillance, dockside Wi-Fi mesh, and sensor-based mooring are becoming increasingly common in top-tier marinas.

The push toward smart marinas is making operations faster, more secure, and more cost-effective—critical advantages in a competitive market. Explore the technology evolution driving marina modernization.

Comparative Analysis of Caribbean and South American Marinas

While both the Caribbean and South America offer elite marina destinations, their appeal differs in several strategic and experiential dimensions. Understanding these nuances can help yacht owners, charter managers, and long-distance cruisers make informed porting decisions.

Infrastructure and Capacity

Caribbean marinas generally offer higher capacity and are more likely to support superyachts exceeding 300 feet, particularly at places like Yacht Haven Grande, Rodney Bay Marina, and Blue Haven Marina. These marinas are deeply integrated into international yacht routes, with ISPS compliance, helipads, and luxury onshore developments.

In contrast, South American marinas—though growing rapidly—tend to have more limited mega-yacht infrastructure outside of flagship locations such as Marina da Glória and Puerto Lucia. However, their advantage lies in access to vast, unexplored cruising grounds, lower congestion, and a more adventurous appeal.

Services and Customs

Caribbean ports benefit from decades of experience catering to the yachting elite, offering efficient customs and immigration processing, extensive concierge services, and proximity to luxury resorts, entertainment, and medical facilities. Many marinas are part of international chains like IGY Marinas, ensuring consistency of service and standardization.

In South America, services are improving rapidly, particularly in Colombia, Brazil, and Uruguay, but travelers should expect more localized processes. That said, the personalized hospitality and cultural depth often exceed expectations, especially for those seeking immersion in Latin American heritage.

Learn more about culturally immersive marina destinations on our Global section.

Environmental and Regulatory Frameworks

Caribbean nations have adopted several multilateral agreements that promote sustainable marine tourism, including the Cartagena Convention and Blue Flag Marina Program. Their mature legal frameworks provide predictability for yacht operators and environmental protections for delicate ecosystems.

In South America, regulatory consistency varies by country, but recent investments and collaborations—such as those between Brazil’s Port Authority and the International Marina Institute—are moving the region toward greener, smarter facilities.

For ongoing updates on regulatory shifts, follow the News section.

The Future of Marina Development in the Americas

With international yacht traffic projected to grow by over 20% in the next five years, both the Caribbean and South America are set to expand their marina footprints further. A few trends shaping the future include:

Eco-Integrated Marina Villages

Architects and developers are collaborating to build eco-integrated marina villages that harmonize with the natural landscape. These next-generation ports, often incorporating rain gardens, reef restoration zones, and zero-emissions dock systems, appeal to a new generation of yachting clientele focused on sustainability and wellness.

Yacht-as-Residence Concepts

The growing trend of yachts doubling as full-time residences is influencing how marinas are designed. With this in mind, facilities now include long-term provisioning support, private offices, children’s play zones, education services, and onboard delivery platforms.

Caribbean hubs like Marina Casa de Campo and Marina at Christophe Harbour (Saint Kitts) are leading this movement, while South America is catching up with expanded residency visa programs and tax incentives for yacht-based living.

Discover design-centric marina trends on the Design section.

Tech-Forward Infrastructure

Expect to see more AI-powered marina management systems, electric-powered dock carts, smart energy grids, and blockchain-enabled port documentation. These advancements will redefine operational efficiency, security, and transparency in marina operations.

Learn more about these innovations through our coverage in the Technology section.

Recommendations for Yacht Owners, Captains, and Cruisers

Whether charting a winter escape in the Leeward Islands or planning a transoceanic journey to the Galápagos, understanding the strengths of individual marinas is critical to a smooth yachting experience. Here are a few expert recommendations:

For superyacht owners, prioritize marinas with robust ISPS security, large berthing capacity, and concierge services. Yacht Haven Grande, Rodney Bay, and Marina da Glória top the list.

Adventure-seekers should explore marinas in Ecuador, Chile, or Uruguay for less commercialized cruising experiences and access to remote natural wonders.

Eco-conscious travelers are encouraged to choose marinas certified by Blue Flag or involved in local conservation programs, such as Port Louis Marina and Marigot Bay Marina.

Charter companies looking for year-round operations may consider Caribbean locations outside the hurricane belt, like Grenada, or equatorial regions like Santa Marta, Colombia.

To dive deeper into regional trends and real yacht-owner stories, browse our full Reviews archive.

Redefining the Luxury Maritime Experience

In 2025, marinas across the Caribbean and South America are no longer just logistical necessities—they are experiential destinations. They provide not only shelter and service but access to culture, wellness, sustainability, and unmatched natural beauty. From the jet-set havens of Saint Lucia to the authentic charm of Uruguay’s Rio de la Plata, the Americas offer a vast and vibrant playground for today’s global mariner.

As yacht owners, captains, and industry stakeholders navigate this diverse and evolving landscape, one thing is clear: the best marina is no longer just about where you dock—it’s about where you belong.

Stay informed on marina news, yacht reviews, and global cruising trends at Yacht Review, your trusted source for everything maritime.