Reviews: Alpena Marina

Reviewed by: Kevin Williams , m/v Blue Tortuga, on Aug 23, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

We ended up staying here a few nights longer than planned due to weather. Super great attractions in the area, such as the maritime museum and shipwreck tours. Good restaurants in the area (including Mexican) and a nice theatre. The floating dock we were on was mildly unstable and needed a little TLC. Other than that, great marina with a friendly staff willing to help.

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Reviewed by: Douglas Morrow , Ripple, on Jun 13, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Great location for a marina so close to town. We passed a cruise ship as we were coming in the marina. Try PIK for fantastic dry cider. There are breweries within walking distance too as well as lots of shops and restaurants. Red Brick has gourmet dining in a casual atmosphere. We were only there one night so did not get to the maritime museum that was nearby. The marina/boatyard needs some TLC (we were given wrong code and could not enter the washrooms). The dock help was great when we came in.

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Reviewed by: Kerry Batty on Sep 14, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 4

Bit of a trek into the bay to Alpena. Watch out for the smaller than expected entrance to the marina.

Discount grocery store across the street. Great playground for kids on the far side of the parking lot.

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Reviewed by: Alan Estep , Voyager, on Sep 6, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We stopped in Alpena to wait out some ugly weather for a few days and what a pleasant stay we had. Shannon, the Dock master was wonderful, very friendly and helpful. She also has an excellent staff of young men and women working there, always eager to help and just say hello. I can just echo what the other reviewers have said about the location and facilities. The town is close by with several shops and restaurants within walking distance. We were even able to get our dog groomed without an appointment at a groomer a couple blocks away. We would highly recommend a stop here if your itinerary allows.

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Reviewed by: Michael Williams on Sep 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 59'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

We hadn't planned on stopping in Alpena but the weather had other ideas. Dock master Shannon was extremely helpful and accommodating. The docks are newer floating and well constructed. The town is great the grocery store is less than a block away and the next several blocks offer numerous restaurants and shops. I would recommend adding this port to your itinerary

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Reviewed by: Jeffrey Skoda on Sep 6, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 65'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

First Class marina and facility. Easy walk to downtown restaurants and shops. The grocery store is one block from the marina with a descent selection.

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Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel on Aug 11, 2021
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Alpena City Harbor is another example of a first class Michigan DNR harbor. It is well constructed, well maintained, and well run. While we were there they were pressure washing the docks to get rid of algal growth. The harbor is just off the breakwater with a sharp 90 degree turn to port to enter. The high breakwater makes visibility a problem so a warning horn blast before entering or leaving is not a bad idea. Approach and dock depth were over 10 feet.

Marina fairways were wide as were the slips. Marina help were on the dock to meet us and help us tie up. New power pedestals with 30 and 50 amp service. Fuel dock was easy to access and staff was in the fuel dock house all day. Calling the dock number gets faster response than does calling the office. Restrooms are keyed and deposit is necessary for the key fob. They were clean as was the rest of the marina. The grocery store is a block from the marina and there is a Wednesday/Saturday morning Farmers Market in the same area. There is excellent marina WiFi and cellular reception. The marina is dog friendly.

The only negative about the Alpena City Harbor is that, if you are moving up or down the coast, the marina is 15 miles off the normal travel track.

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Reviewed by: Jeffrey Brown , Sea Tiger, on May 17, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

City of Alpena Marina, 13 May. Follow main channel to mouth of Thunder Bay River. Upon entering the river just beyond the Alpena South Breakwater Light and Alpena Light/Fog, turn left in the marina basin, water is generally 12 feet to fuel dock located on far south of marina before boat ramps. On 13 May price of diesel is $3.40. Electrical service offers 50, 30 and 20 amps. Nearest the marina is a Save-A-Lot for general shopping needs. Slightly further is shopping and restaurants. I walked the 30 minutes to Austin Brewery and was not disappointed with craft brew and menu choices.

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Reviewed by: Mike on May 20, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 52'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Stopped by while transiting southbound and refueled upon arrival. Despite not being officially open for the season yet, the dockhands helped us refuel and get situated for our stay. Due to weather, we extended our stay for a second night. The docks were excellent, although the potable water on the docks was not operational yet due to the earliness of the season - the temperatures went from 80 degrees when we arrived to 38 degrees when we departed!

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