Reviews: Port Tarpon Marina

Reviewed by: William Mcnutt , Vacatio, on Jun 26, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 50'
Draft: 8.0'

Rating: 3

The first thing to know about this marina is that it's SHALLOW. I went there to refuel because it was supposed to have eight feet of water all the way up to the dock at dead low tide.

It does not. I found myself with my keel perched on a rock formation about 10 - 20 yards upstream of the green channel marker. I waited out the tide, and with the able help of the local BoatUS lad (you rock Jake), floated off at high tide.

There are also shoals on the OTHER side of the green marker, between the green marker and the western end of the fuel dock.

None of that is the marina's fault, thought. But you needed to know. Anyway . . . after dealing with grounding, the storm, and the late night, I never left the dock. They didn't have a transient slip for me, but were kind enough to let me spend the night on their fuel dock, as their diesel pump was out of order and they didn't need that end of the dock anyway. I had power, water, and a fixed concrete dock. I did not check out the rest of the facility, so I can't help you there.

So - a useful over night stop but do NOT try it at low tide unless you have a draft of less than, oh, say, 5 feet.

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Reviewed by: G. Jay Nelson , Pegasus, on Jan 11, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

The three-star rating for the Port Tarpon Marina reflects the marina's current state of recovering from recent hurricane damage. The buildings are all being rebuilt and, quite obviously the onsite restaurant is closed. The marina has no power, with the exception of the office that is running on a generator. Even so, the marina was powering their ice cooler so they could provide ice to their customers. This is a full-service marina capable of a wide range of engine, hull and propeller repairs. The marina staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful with information about local repair services availability. Alonzo was at the dock when we arrived to help us with the lines, and later carried a sixty-five-pound battery from the parking lot to our boat. Stacy in the office was a delight. There is only one transient slip, actually the end of the fuel dock, which is a fixed concrete pier that requires mooring and fendering to accommodate a 3.5 to 4-foot tide swing. The marina is not pet-friendly, requiring a lengthy walk to a small grassy strip along very busy roadway. There is nothing within a 45-minute walking distance of the marina, but there are Uber/Lyft services available. The Rusty Bellies restaurant is a short dinghy ride up the Anclote River from the marina and has a low floating dinghy dock for easy access. The largely seafood menu is reasonably priced and the food is good.

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Reviewed by: Richard Lewis , Sea-Quel, on Mar 24, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 56'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Only one transient slip. Easy to get to and good prices. We stayed while waiting out a blow. Fixed dock with concrete. Watch out for 3"bolt sticking out from concrete . Restrooms were clean. Have to UBER to get to sponge docks in town.

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Reviewed by: Len Barton on Jan 9, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Spent one night at the fuel dock.
Interesting that it's $1.00 per foot unless you want electricity. If you do, it's $2.00 per foot. We're 41 feet so that means $41 per night for electricity!
Restaurant is very good and marina staff were fantastic.

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Reviewed by: Chris Himmelheber on Jan 12, 2018
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 36'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 4

Thank goodness for this marina! Going south, it is difficult to make it any further in one day from Crystal River. They have only two transient berths that I could see, both at the end of the fueling dock. There is only 50amp power, and no pump-out. WiFi exists, but doesn’t reach the dock. Restrooms are close, clean, and nice. The men’s shower is pretty rudimentary, but is clean and private. I can’t speak for the women’s facilities.

The river approach had plenty of depth for my 5 foot keel, as did the dock. The current is moderate, and I don’t know how low it gets at low tide. Be aware that this is a manatee hang-out, so keep speeds down.

There is a restaurant at the marina office that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and looks very good. Very inclusive menu, including a wine list! I couldn’t stay to check out the local sights and businesses, but it is a very picturesque area. Staff was very friendly and accommodating.

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