Reviews: The Wharf Marina

Reviewed by: Dan Hendon , Arcadia, on Nov 29, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

Good: Nice floating docks. Friendly staff, though as others noted they didn't help with docking. Restroom, laundry and lounge were nice. Several restaurants and bars right next to the marina. Bad: Shopping center adjacent is not helpful for boaters, mostly brand name retail clothes and tourist shops. No transportation unless you get an uber. Not ready for FL prices! Shocked by the final price due to the 16% Orange Beach tax and credit card fees.

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Reviewed by: Frank de Heer , MS Proost, on Nov 18, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

Good: Beautiful marina, very nice and well kept docks. nice lounge and shower facilities. Nice location next to (dead in November) shopping street.
Poor, we realise we are back in the Florida panhandle area (and Alabama) so prices creep up. BUT: $163 for a 45 ft boat, including (??%) AGLCA discount, a 16%!! Orange Beach lodging tax and 3.5% credit card fee!! Poor directions by VHF attendant, as if we were bothering her. No dock help offered (did not need it, but we did not know that on windy approach) (3 dockhands were lounging in the office we noticed later). Needless to say, we should have just anchored somewhere.

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Reviewed by: Scott Gregory , My Happiness, on Nov 7, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Nice place and a step up from where we stayed on the rivers coming down. But, way overpriced. We paid $3.00 a foot with the AGLCA discount. Electric was included. Beautiful floating docks. The staff was very helpful and friendly.

Our slip was right in front so very convenient to the restrooms. We also had to show our AGLCA card, boat documentation, and insurance. None of which is a big deal. We always have a copy ready if requested.

Tons of shopping available if you are into that and a number of restaurants and bars you can patronize. Groceries are an Uber ride away so don't plan on a provisioning run from here.

If it wasn't for the price I would give 4 stars.

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Reviewed by: Capt Maria Langer , Do It Now, on Dec 28, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 3

Honestly, I don't know why so many people are in love with this marina. The marina is full of and seems to cater to very large yachts; my 32' Ranger Tug was easily the smallest boat there. They parked me and the two other transients at the far end of the marina, near the fuel dock and patio boat rentals. It was a nearly 1/4 mile long walk -- I measured it -- to the only restrooms on the property. The docks are in generally good condition, although the screws holding the planks down were loose or even missing in more than a few places. The marina claimed it was doing renovations, but the only sign of work that I saw was a pair of guys noisily power washing the concrete walls and docks daily on weekdays. The trash receptacles on the dock were only emptied once during the week I was there; most were full and one was overflowing. The restrooms, private boater's lounge, and small but sufficient laundry room is probably the best feature of this place. Even then it was flawed: one of the showers had a rattling exhaust fan that cycled on and off intermittently and the handicapped restroom had missing ceiling tiles. Everything was clean. There is no courtesy car or shuttle. The slips/docks are not secured with locked gates; there's a simple chain across the walkway ramps at night and a plainclothes security guy who walks the premises. That said, I never felt unsafe walking around. The place is very dog-friendly with ample area to walk or exercise a dog.

The adjacent shopping center is a mix of brand name shops and the typical coastal tourist fare. If you want groceries beyond milk, pop, chips, or alcoholic beverages, you'll need to Uber to a Publix or Walmart. There are restaurants and bars. (The one I visited for their twice weekly prime rib special served me the worst prime rib I'd ever eaten. I hope the other restaurants are better.) The "marine retail" referred to in the marina listing is a logo shop with mostly clothing; there were no boat supplies at all.

Transients -- even for one night! -- are required to sign a 13-page lease agreement, show proof of insurance, and submit boat documentation/registration paperwork. (I've never been to a marina with requirements like this.) The marina charges $3.25/foot/night plus tax. You can save 75¢/foot/night if you're an AGLCA member; I actually joined and saved enough to pay for my membership. They offer a weekly rate of $10/foot plus power for AGLCA members but you must stay a full seven days. (I mistakenly thought it would apply to my five-day stay and when I was told it wouldn't, I stayed the extra two days to save $80 plus tax.) Although I was charged based on the actual length of my boat (32 feet), I heard the marina manager tell a customer who called that the minimum boat length was 40 feet and they would be charged that even if the boat was shorter. My power bill came to $29. I was told on check-in that if I didn't return the key card I needed to access the bathrooms, I'd be charged $150.

Overall, I think this facility is overpriced for what it offers. The only reason I came was because I needed to replace the batteries on my boat and this is where the service guys told me to come. Unseasonably cold weather and the Christmas holidays made me stay longer than I normally would have. It might make a nice overnight stay if you need a shopping or dining fix, but beyond that? I can't recommend it.

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Reviewed by: David Fuller , Still Waters II, on Nov 26, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

This excellent marina is undergoing renovation, which will make the facility even better.

However, be careful when entering the main marina basin after you pass the fuel dock and go under the bridge. The floating dock just east of the bridge is currently removed and in process of being replaced. DO NOT try to cut into the marina. Continue east bound until you see four large vertically mounted poles with red and green that mark the marina basin entrance.

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Reviewed by: DeeDee H on Aug 28, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

Marina and facilities are great. There is also a nice shopping area within walking distance with restaurants and bars. I would rank the marina 5 stars except the marina manager was hostile. Having to sign a multi-page lease (wanted immediately while underway with no pricing information on it) for a one-night stay is ridiculous. Then when we checked in, we were told we'd be charged $50 if we don't return the facility keys. Then we were called while at a restaurant for additional paperwork - for one night. No welcoming words or smile. Will probably go elsewhere next time due to the hassle.

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Reviewed by: Tom Anderson on Jan 19, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

This should be a must stop on the Intracoastal. Floating docks. Yea! Top notch modern facility loaded with amenities. This place offers lots to do just steps off your boat. We even went to a movie at a large multiplex theater. Unfortunately, one tiny negative, we did not find a nearby grocery store. Easy in, easy out right on the waterway.

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Reviewed by: Robert Hansen , Soulmate , on Dec 8, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

The Wharf Marina is a very well run facility! The docks and pedestals are clean and in good condition.The office staff were excellent and very helpful. The facilities, bathroom and showers are very clean and well maintained.

There are many dining places, shopping and a dentist nearby. There is a lot to do within .25 miles.

There isn't a lender vehicle, but the Wharf Marina deserves 5 stars!

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Reviewed by: Bill Mcmahon on Nov 29, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Nice solid floating docks. Knowledgeable dockhands. As with most big marinas, unless you get lucky, it is a long walk to the facilities, but they were nice. New clean showers and restrooms all within a nice lounge area with 3 washers and dryers. Good WiFi.

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Reviewed by: Rob Dare , Liberty Call , on Nov 22, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 46'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Nicest marina we have stayed at. Great restaurants, bars and shops. Live music and lots of outdoor seating at the bars and restaurants. Super friendly and helpful staff. 2 nights is not enough to begin to take in all they have to offer. Wide docks that are in great shape. Tons of great places to walk a dog.

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Reviewed by: David Mann , Now or Never, on Nov 8, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.7'

Rating: 5

Great place for an extended stay or to catch your breath. Everything is of modern design and still in great condition. Moveable cleats allow for optimum holding. Retail boutiques accompany various places to eat or drink. An adjacent hotel allows for others to come visit with you without taking up that valuable space in your boat. No courtesy car on site although routine options are present. Mall area includes a multi screen theater. Fuel and pump outs on site. Calm water.

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Reviewed by: Eddy Johnsen , Spiritus, on Jun 18, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Besides having superb floating docks, this marina touts a first class boater's lounge, shower & laundry facilities, easy access to a variety of restaurants and retail shops, a Springhill Suites hotel within a stone's throw away as well as a multiplex theater! If you're doing extended cruising on your boat, this is truly a vacation destination at which your friends and family would enjoy meeting you!

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Reviewed by: Jeff Sink on Jan 9, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Great staff, nice floating docks. Good working WIFI (and I was on the way out dock) open air mall, great restaurant options. They need to fix the dockside pump out. Great stay.

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Reviewed by: Robert Magee , The 4th Quarter, on Mar 24, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Truly a destination area. Great venue with shops, restaurants and entertainment. However, basic grocery and pharmacy services are a few miles away. West Marine also, but a car is needed, as there is no courtesy car available. Showers and washer/dryers are spotless. AGLCA, Waterway Guide and other discounts are not applicable during prime season. Pump out was close, not dockside, but broken. Diesel prices are high, no discounts. All thing considered, this place is a great place to spend some time, especially for us during the quarantine of spring 2020.

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Reviewed by: Wayne Carter , Chasing Eighty*, on Dec 16, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 5

Great place to stop. Shops, good restaurants, good service, and the people are very helpful!

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Reviewed by: Ronald , Kara Mia 2, on Dec 28, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

This place has all the amenities and good service. It is a resort with a good marina. Staff and facilities were top notch with restaurants and shopping all decked out for Christmas. Right on the IGW so a little wake action.

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Reviewed by: Chris Caldwell , AskCaptainChris, on Jul 10, 2016
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Great hurricane hole in LA, that means Lower Alabama. Narrow ICW, not much waves caused by high winds but does have tugboat traffic up close and personal. Look before casting off.

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