Reviews: Banana Bay Resort & Marina

Reviews Summary

The reviews for the marina present a mixed picture.

1. Negative Experience: One reviewer had a particularly negative experience with the new management, citing poor communication and a lack of engagement from the staff, leading to discomfort. They do not recommend the marina under the current management.

2. Positive Aspects: Several other reviews highlight the marina's friendly atmosphere, helpful staff, and good amenities. Guests appreciated the small size of the marina, the beautiful views, and the availability of facilities like a pool, jacuzzi, and loaner bikes. The dockmaster, Doris, received praise for her assistance.

3. Operational Issues: Some reviews mention confusion regarding new rules and reservation systems, particularly with the transition to Dockwa for slip reservations. There were also reports of maintenance issues, such as an outdated shower facility and a broken hot tub.

4. Accessibility: The marina is noted for its convenient location, with easy access to restaurants and grocery stores, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

Overall, while some guests enjoyed their stay and appreciated the community atmosphere, others expressed concerns about management changes and operational inconsistencies.

Reviewed by: Ron Zienka on Apr 4, 2026
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 4.7'

Rating: 3

Upon the arrival of Sara O'Leary and her husband Chris in mid-February 2026, we had nothing but trouble.
For example, their engagement with guests was minimal, and communication often felt preemptive and adversarial. Emails were sent placing boaters on notice before any issues had occurred, creating a sense of discomfort rather than support. As such, we do not recommend Banana Bay Resort & Marina, Marathon, FL while they are associated with the resort/marina. We encourage others to consider alternative options as well.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Captain Wes , Toscana, on Feb 19, 2026
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

2/9/26 - Spent 2 nights to visit friends. Marina took our $ without the use of Dockwa, so GOOD ON THEM! Great access to all of Marathon. Reasonable (for the keys) monthly rates.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Rick Conrad , Conrad Rose, on Apr 15, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 54'
Draft: 4.1'

Rating: 5

We love this small and friendly marina. The view is amazing! They have nice amenities and good service. No Complaints.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Lance Williamson on Feb 28, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 5

We enjoyed our stay at this marina. Tom is the new dock master and was quite helpful. This marina is quite small and it is very friendly. We had no problems with using Dockwa for reservations. There is a nice pool and jacuzzi. There are loaner bikes available. There are two grocery stores about 0.7 mile away. We really enjoyed our stay.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Jeff , Indecision , on Mar 30, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 33'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Dockmaster Scott Wilson left nearly 2 years ago. Current Dockmaster is Doris. This is her 2nd winter here. Also, slip reservations are now through Dockwa, which leaves a lot to be desired. Nice friendly marina & quite well protected, best on the Gulf side. Avoid the slips on the East side.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Penelope Singleton , Solitude , on Mar 19, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 28'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

This marina is very well organized. We received an email in the morning with details of our slip and wifi password etc. The marina is small and the dock master, Doris, came to help us with our lines. She comes to your boat in the morning if you request a pump out. We enjoyed eating at the Barracuda Grill which was a two minute walk. The pool was large and warm with a bar next to it. In the evenings there is another bar to watch the sunset from. All really nice and well maintained. The only let down were the showers which are housed in an older shed like structure across a dirt road. They were clean, but never looked it because there was wet dirt on the floors. There were also signs of past leaks and a little mold. I still had a good shower with my flip flops on, but they could do with a whole new shower block for marina boats only. Despite that, still one of our favorite marinas so far.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Steve Meyers , Moku, on Feb 18, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 3

A nice little marina, but corporate changeover has made the rules of the marina confusing and there is no one on site to talk to about them. When we were there, the hot tub broke, instead of fixing it, they changed the sign to whirlpool. Also, there is a charted hump getting in to the basin, but at hightide, we never bumped with a 5'10" draft.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Linda Franko , Yesterday's Dream, on Dec 25, 2016
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 5

Wonderful relatively small marina with a great seasonal community of boaters. Pool, hot tub on premise. Restaurants, grocery stores, rug store, Home Depot all within easy walking distance. Dockmaster is very helpful.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer