Reviews: Safe Harbor Marathon

Reviewed by: Edwin Weaver , She’s a Keeper II, on Apr 3, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 33'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Stayed one night (MAR 19) at new floating dock near fuel dock and staff, especially Claudia, were very accommodating. Diesel fuel price was best we found on entire trip from Tampa to Marathon/KW and back. Recommend if traveling through Marathon.

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Reviewed by: Teresa Scott on Mar 24, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

Spent 3 nights here to wait out bad weather. Floating docks were in good shape. Nice amenities although the temporary laundry is limited on machines so a bit of a wait for that. The fitness center looked interesting but we didn't take the time. Everyone around here was very nice both staff and residents.

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Reviewed by: Mike Hopkins , Tortue de Mer, on Feb 28, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 2

Where to begin… our first time to the Keys and Marathon, we were excited. We've had good experiences with Safe Harbors in the past so we chose one again. As it happens a lot, schedules change while boating. My wife tried to reach out to cancel one of our two day reservations on Sunday, no answer, tried Monday no answer, Tuesday we had no cell service while in the Everglades, Wednesday we arrived, took on fuel and got our slip assignment. I have no thrusters and only one engine and was concerned with the slip assignment and asked for a change to a wider area of the marina, I was told NO. I managed to get in fine and went to check in only to find out I'm being charged for two nights not one, we explained the attempts for cancelling and asked for a refund on the canceled day, I was told NO. They have a 72 hr cancelation policy, yes we know, we tried. We dropped a $1,000 in less than an hour to be treated this way! The final straw was the shower in the women's bathroom didn't drain so my wife was stuck in ankle deep water. My frustration is with admin and corporate greed. The dock and fueling hands were great but lack of customer service at this marina has a lot to be desired. We will not be returning to this marina when we come back through next month.

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Reviewed by: Capt Maria Langer , Do It Now, on Jan 6, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 3

I stopped there at first for fuel -- they have a very good diesel price -- and then decided to take a slip. Overall, I was disappointed. The marina is built around a basin and if your slip is on the east side (E Docks), you have to walk around the entire basin to get to the office, laundry facility, and land. The "temporary" laundry room had just two washers and one working dryer; of course they were in use when I walked all the way over to use them. The shower near my slip had lukewarm water that was barely hot enough to shower in. The slips, however, were in excellent condition. Passable wifi but also excellent cell signal. There was a restaurant adjacent to the property and 7 Mile Grill just across US 1 -- if you have the nerve to cross the road in ceaseless traffic. Good areas for walking dogs; dog friendly. I don't think the place was worth the price, especially considering the laundry facility's shortcomings and the lack of hot water in the shower. But it is convenient and the fuel dock staff are very helpful.

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Reviewed by: Bill Herrmann on Apr 26, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 38'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Regular stop on my deliveries. Easy in and out, great staff and a great restaurant!

This time we had a problem getting out of the yard in Miami. Called here and got a last minute reservation. We arrived after the office was closed, so they left a key for us. In the morning we opened gas dock, left key FOB with them and were underway 0730.

If you spend the night, be sure to hit the restaurant. Like many places down in The Keys, the prices 'ain't what they were'. But the food is still great.

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Reviewed by: Paul Hoffman , Changes in L'Attitudes, on Apr 21, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 4

Easy in and out, right off the channel before you enter the harbor. Watch the shallows, check Waterway Guide alerts. East, E Docks, are perfect for short stay transients. The E docks are floating. The E dock slips feature the Aqua Lounge (bathhouse) and a small office and store that can fulfil all quick stop needs. Longer stay amenities such as the bar/restaurant, pool, gym, and laundry are better served from the western docks.

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Reviewed by: Robert Sherer on Apr 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Easy in and out for fuel but if you want a pump-out, be sure to use the fuel dock to the left of the dock house. The fuel dock closest to the channel does not have pump-out.

We used the floating docks which were first-rate. The WiFi slowed down at night, we had to use our iPhone with an HDMI connection to our TV using our Verizon cellular data. We could not stream over an Amazon Fire Stick, WiFi kept dropping out.

The facilities are very nice but we didn't use them, just an overnight stay. There is a first rate restaurant at the marina, Lazy Days, but It's a long walk to any other restaurant.

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Reviewed by: rene walsh on Feb 24, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Clean, well maintained marina. Smaller marina a little tight for our cat but the staff and location are great! Docks are fixed. We will be back.

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Reviewed by: Richard on Feb 20, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Very nice marina with nice heated saltwater pool and good facilities. Fixed docks in good condition. Fuel reasonably priced and easy to obtain. Great staff. Only downside, poor Internet service on the docks.

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Reviewed by: William Langston , Uno Mas, on Jan 31, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

The information posted about the discounts from the posted fuel prices is incorrect. After being asked specifically about these following our complete fillup of over 200 gallons we were informed that "Marathon Marina" used to have discounts but now "Safe Harbor Marathon Marina" does not. Doesn't matter whether you were staying at the marina, etc. The only discount was if you were a "Black Card Holder" with Safe Harbor. That said, the posted fuel price of $3.76 (+tax) was reasonable relative to others in the area.
Moving beyond that, it's a nice marina and the floating dock we were on for 3 nights were well maintained as well as the rest of the facilities.

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Reviewed by: Eddie Tuttle on Jun 14, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 46'
Draft: 4.7'

Rating: 5

Coming back to Marathon Marina after Covid lockdown is like heaven. We have been coming here for years and it is like coming home. Susan, the General Manager is amazing, working day and night to make your stay welcoming. Susan's leadership at the marina encourages the staff to make everyone feel like they are welcome and at home. Its the spirit of the place that we like so much.

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Reviewed by: Terry Franzel , No Fences, on Jun 2, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Great marina with friendly people! The staff were there to take our lines when we fueled as well as when we came into our dock. The restaurant was waterside with great food and even better cold beer! The staff was a lot of fun and the Admiral actually got to see a Manatee. In fact a few Manatees doing their mating ritual. There is a West Marine within walking distance, a bus station at the highway, ( a short walk), and Uber will pick you up and drop you off right at the gate. Perfect! Great fuel prices as well.

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Reviewed by: Kevin Odegard on Apr 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

One night in February, 2021 was good for us. The staff is professional, the slips are tidy and tight and it’s a very popular spot. Crowds in mid-pandemic was not our thing so we moved on. Great operation, well-worth your patronage.

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Reviewed by: Jason Spitz , Breathe, on Mar 31, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We spent the month of March at Marathon Marina and enjoyed our stay. The facilities are clean and well-maintained. The beautiful heated salt-water pool is certainly a highlight. The on-site restaurant, Lazy Days, is very good with daily happy hour specials. WiFi reception is excellent with repeaters set up throughout the marina. WiFi is typically good, but does slow down during prime time evening hours when many are streaming. Slip renters were friendly and we made quite a few new friends here. Excellent fuel dock. Pumpouts 1x weekly at your dock space. Walk to many restaurants. Publix/Winn Dixie/Walgreens are about 2.5 mile walk. We'll definitely return on our next trip to Marathon.

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Reviewed by: Ross Wiltse on Mar 15, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Stayed for a week, first marina just off the entrance to Boot Harbor. Plenty of access to restaurants for Happy Hour, Publix 2.4 miles away. Good Fuel Dock, free pumpout Tues & Weds. Everyone was helpful, I see why people stay for the season.

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Reviewed by: Cheryl H on Jan 24, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 50'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

We stayed here for a week. This was our second time here - last year for only 1 night. Great amenities -laundry, small gym, etc... All super clean. We did not need to use the shower facilities. We were on the fixed dock section - the docks are all in great shape. Very helpful dock hands when we came in. Pump out at every slip is handy. Really helpful and nice staff. Other marina guests were also very friendly - there's a really great vibe at this marina. Our slip had a terrific view of the sunset. Close to a bus stop for the Keys Loop. While a bit pricey for a 1 week stay, we would definitely come back!

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Reviewed by: Ed Tillett on Jan 4, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

The facilities here are exceptional. We spent two days on the floating docks. Staff and crew were on hand to get us tied up and connected. Clean, organized and well maintained, Marathon Marina and Resort knows how to take care of its guests - even with the pandemic. Thank you, Susan, for a delightful stay. We'll be back.

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Reviewed by: Bill Snow on Dec 18, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

The service here was exceptional and everybody made us feel at home. We stayed for a week during the start of the pandemic and there are no nicer people in the marine business. We were very sorry to hear of a death in the ranks. I am sure he will leave a hole in the hospitality forever. This is a very nice place to hang your hat. The marina comes with a lot of amentities and is a real joy to stay at. Locally the business' are accomodating and in fact bend over backwards for you. One of the stores even delivered a battery to the boat with misc. nuts and bolts. Fuel prices are good and I highly reccommend this marina.

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Reviewed by: Eddie Tuttle on Apr 2, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 46'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

We spent a month here in February. The marina and staff is the best anywhere. The General Manager Susan and all staff are friendly and go out of there way to help. There are many activities, seminars and things to do. The new fuel dock and floating docks are beautiful. The best thing is you feel right at home. We will be back.

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Reviewed by: David Chilman , Knot There, on Oct 18, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 35'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Nicest marina on the east coast.
Great service, amenities and restaurant.
Very enjoyable, we try to return every winter.

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Reviewed by: Robert Sherer on Apr 1, 2018
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

The floating docks are a great addition but they were full so we stayed at the fixed docks; not as great but okay. They were concrete and not forgiving, you had to be very careful in docking. They have a new fuel house with everything in tip-top shape. If you chose the side of the fixed docks facing the setting sun, you will be charged a "sunset fee" to be added on to your dockage.

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Reviewed by: Ronald , Kara Mia 2, on Feb 21, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Spent 5 days here early February. Love the floating docks. The staff (Deb) and management (Robert) were very helpful. Easy acess and depth. We found the facilities clean and amenities better than most.

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Reviewed by: George Buonocore , Sirocco, on Jul 10, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 1

For an overnight it is fine. Bathrooms are often dirty. I had my bottom painted here and it did not last 9 months. If you need a haul out the lift driver is amazing.

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Reviewed by: Kurt Walter , in HIS time, on May 6, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Very nice concrete docks with long finger piers. Great staff and amenities are good. Restaurant and pool are also very nice. Shopping will need to take a cab $5 anywhere on island. Small mom and pops within walking distance. Will come back again.

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