Reviews: PORT 32 Jacksonville

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Scott on May 5, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 51'
Draft: 3.6'

Rating: 5

We stayed here for a week and can't say enough nice things about this marina. Top-notch facilities including a pool and hot tub. Walking distance to Publix and restaurants. Watch the depth approaching the bridge. The staff here were amongst the best we have dealt with anywhere. We would definitely be back.

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Reviewed by: Richard Lewis , Sea-Quel, on Apr 20, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 56'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Left our boat there for a week to so we could go home. The good: great facility, great staff , Publix, West Marine and restaurants a couple of blocks away and wonderful folks that dock there permanently. The bad : come in at high tide . We draw 4.5' . We had 5'9" at high tide going out. We were not so fortunate coming in and saw less than 5'. Also note some of the channel markers were missing when we were there last week. We'll come back but only at high tide.

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Reviewed by: John Chant , Wild Goose, on Mar 9, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Very clean and updated facility. Pool and hot tub are very nice and water chemistry is well maintained. Everyone here is very friendly. We came for one night, stayed for two and wish we could stay longer just for the resort atmosphere here. Made many new friends.

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Reviewed by: david kanzler , Hygge, on Mar 4, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 29'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 5

One of the nicest marinas we have been to in 2,600 great loop miles. Very close to Publix, West Marine, Panera, Chipotle and more. Nice showers, pool and hot tub. Accommodating staff.

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Reviewed by: Jelles Fonda , Talulah, on Feb 11, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Had always thought about trying Port 32 but was put off given it's location distant from the ICW. Explored the St. John's River this year and decided to stop at Pier 32 Ortega for several days. Great marina! Well kept and secure in a good neighborhood plus a Publix is in walking distance.

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Reviewed by: John Tyrell on Jan 16, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.7'

Rating: 5

Office staff (Celina) and dockmaster (Louis) very friendly and helpful. Nice sturdy concrete floating docks. Pool, hot tub, free laundry. Walking distance to Publix. In-slip pump outs ($15 on their weekly schedule; $30 off schedule). Sociable, friendly marina with events for boaters. Huge boaters' lounge

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Reviewed by: Bill Kight , Cookie, on Mar 7, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.2'

Rating: 5

We stayed two nights in late February 2022. We didn't want to leave. This marina is the best we have stayed in EVER. The attention to detail is a artifact of excellent, competent management. I can add nothing more to the accolades already expressed in other reviews.

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Reviewed by: Ray Sirois , Shellerina, on Dec 29, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

December 14 2021 arrival. 10 star rating in my book. Pool is heated??. Hot Tub amazing. Umbrella to block Sun. Showers very clean. Laundry free no coins needed here. Oh also free ice. Pump Out every 2 weeks free.

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Reviewed by: Captain Gene on Nov 14, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

November 11,2021 staying for months again as this is a six star marina. Convenient to restaurants, Publix grocery,West marine, three boat yards, and nice neighborhoods. Management excellent. Very nice facilities with hot tub,pool, clean showers and beautiful boaters lounge. Friendly atmosphere is the normal here. This is a hurricane hole. Only concern could be if you're deep draft boat, otherwise it is near perfect.

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Reviewed by: Michael Doherty on Jun 21, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

This is probably the nicest marina I've ever stayed at. The facilities are fantastic including a comfortable Captain's Lounge, clean gas grills throughout the marina, and clean shower facilities. Groceries are easy walking distance and the staff is extremely helpful.

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Reviewed by: Barney B , Barney B , on May 28, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 30'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Yep, the reviews of five stars for The Marina at Ortega Landing are correct. Great Staff and facilities. Nearby walking distance Rosevelt Square Shopping Center is being remodeled. Metro Diner is excellent, Okinawa Japanese Grill House is not so good.

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Reviewed by: Rob Dare , Liberty Call , on Feb 19, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 46'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Nicest marina that we have stayed in. Great heated pool and hot tub. We stayed here during Covid-19 because of their extra cleaning protocols. Prior to Covid they thru fantastic parties every month with lots of food and drinks. Bruce is a great dock master who always manages to fit someone in. Cam is very engaged General Manager and is often walking the docks and talking to the boaters. A really nice home for liveaboards with good restaurants and a Publix nearby.

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Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel on Jan 17, 2021
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Marina life in the time of COVID. While some of the social activities are curtailed, the marina staff has done an outstanding job of trying to maintain the atmosphere and access to the facilities while paying close attention to the necessities of social distancing. You do not get a "Lockdown" feeling at all. The facilities and staff are first rate. I could rave about many things but other reviewers have already spelled them out and we agree. Our favorite place to stay.

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Reviewed by: Technomadia on Jun 21, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 47'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

This is a marina to compare all others to - it pretty much has it all.

Fabulous staff, pool/hot tub, free laundry, exceptionally maintained docks & amenities, amazing catered parties & events (they don't skimp!), great lounge, vibrant cruising community, loaner bikes, free ice and walking distance to groceries & dining.

Just be aware that if you're staying at a monthly rate, they charge you by the size of your slip - not your LOA. And only 2 in-slip pump outs per month included ($15 extra each).

There's only one one bathhouse at the office - which can be quite the haul if you're not on A-dock. And there's often a wait for the 3 laundry machines. If there's anything that could be improved here - it would be adding a second bathhouse & laundry center by C/D dock.

We've stayed here a total of 3 months over 2018/2019 - and look forward to returning in the future.

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Reviewed by: Gerald Williams , Tanuki, on Apr 30, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Great service from the staff, very will maintained high end facilities. I especially enjoyed the location, provisioning, restaurants, supplies and marine services all located nearby.There is a vibrant and friendly cruising community with many opportunities for socializing with other boaters.

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Reviewed by: charles melangton on Feb 7, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We have to say that this is a very special destination and very well worth the time to transit downtown Jacksonville to visit this hidden gem, which is nestled along the Ortega River in the historic district, near restaurants and shops. Just a lovely setting.

The facilities are just beautiful; the Captain's lounge is like a ski lodge with floor to ceiling glass overlooking the yacht basin and Ortega River, a stone fireplace, 70" flat screen Home Theater, wrap around balcony with comfortable seating- nicer than many high- end resorts. Very pet friendly - our dog loved the large green spaces to run and play. This place has an incredible heated pool and hot tub and pristine restrooms and showers, free laundry, bikes, and ice. The WiFi is excellent, and we streamed video without issue. The Staff are helpful and fun, and will welcome you with a smile and sometimes a glass of champagne. The marina hosts boater events on the pool deck with live music and open bar once a month to welcome new boaters. The docks are floating and fairly new and in impeccable condition, and the staff are professional and visible daily cleaning and maintaining the facility like a high-end resort. We will be back! Probably the nicest all around place we have visited. It's difficult to say goodbye!

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Reviewed by: Tim on Nov 20, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

Very possibly the nicest marina we've visited in this part of the eastern seaboard. Yes, it is a bit out of the way for ICW cruisers but if you plan a week or more in the Jacksonville area, this is the place for you. Professional staff, new floating docks, the cleanest showers/ bathrooms I've seen, well protected, and a short walk/bike ride to any number of restaurants, grocery stores, etc. If you have a military ID, NAS Jacksonville is a 20 minute bike ride away with a huge commissary and exchange complex. There are even a couple passenger flights/week to the Hampton Roads area (Norfolk) that almost always have room for space A passengers. We will definitely return!

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Reviewed by: on Jun 1, 2016

Our visit to Huckins Boat Yard caused us to take a serious look at the marina to the east on the Ortega River: The Marina at Ortega Landing.
We had enjoyed our trip on the St. John's river the winter of 2015. My back needed a repair (number 3) and Jacksonville has a good VA hospital for my other issues.
The marina has been a pleasant stay as the amenities and the people are just wonderful.
Some of the marinas we had stayed at on the St. John's were laid back and primitive. A few you could see nowhere from their docks. 
Spotless comes to mind when describing the pool, hot tub, rest rooms, showers and the facilities in general. The staff, Joe and Bill, are always busy with projects and clean up, fixing the things that break before they become a problem. Bruce and Jeannie in the office could not be nicer, taking care of all the details. It is refreshing to deal with professionals that have the right attitude toward customer service.
Mornings are beautiful with the sunrise. The river traffic is not bad, but idiots try and see how fast they can go between the bridges. I do not understand the lack of a no wake zone. There are a few boats anchored in the river. The approach is well marked and the draw bridge is easy. The bridge tender has always been courteous for our needs. Just a call on 9 and he opens as we approach.
The marina has been full with all most all of the 192 + slips taken.  We have been here since last May after a winter South on the St John's river. Many live-aboards and long time boaters inhabit the docks. We have not met anyone that has not been the friendliness and nicest people on the water.
A few boats leave and more come in for a stay. Our boat is comfortable here with easy access to the hot tub and pool at the clubhouse. We leased a Toyota Corolla for $189 per month to get around in. We do miss the beach access we had at Jekyll. Here it is 23 miles to the beach.


Club House View

We keep our 18 ft fishing boat on the dock in a slip that is unused by bigger boats. The gated security makes for a safety we enjoy. The bike rack and dumpster are secured by cameras. Sad to say but our bike was stolen and our neighbors two bikes were taken soon after. Jax has a crime problem. Bikes and other valuables need careful watchfulness. 
The docks are easy in and out with room for the bigger boats. In slip pump outs, nice dock boxes and electrical service make the stay easy to handle. There is some current but not bad like some docks we have been on. The tide is around 2 ft. 
The club house is a very nice amenity that has grills, patio seating, wonderful views, organized parties and celebrations that the marina staff provide for guests, plus a full kitchen. The showers, restrooms and office are on first floor of the clubhouse. The laundry has three washer/dryer machines and is free along with the ice, grills and other amenities. The laundry is popular on some days as two of the dryers are sometimes slow to dry. There is a share a book lending library in the small laundry room.  The pool area, patio have excellent Wi Fi with lots of deck chairs and tables to share with friends and family. We use a digital TV antenna and pick up several local stations. If anything is amiss or needs fixing Bill and Joe take care of it often before we know about it. I have never observed a cleaner, nicer place on the water.


Open Space and Gazebo

The gathering place near C and D dock has a fire place, dinghy storage, bike rack and large field for dogs to play. They are very pet friendly and have stations for doggy bags. The marina rules cover leash and pet concerns. The grounds are kept up very nice. The fenced gated docks and well lit grounds help us to feel safe. 
The grounds have one completed condo. Before the recession of 2008 there were plans for more condos but that fell through. I have been told this was at one time a working boatyard and yacht sales. Heading west on the river are several major boatyards where you can have anything needed for sail or power done. The marina keeps a list of vendors that will service your boat in slip for most routine work. We had AC units replaced by Ralph and are very pleased with his work and prices. Huckins Boat Yard did our bottom and some fiberglass work at a reasonable cost last year. The brackish water of the river does not lend it's self to much bottom growth like the marinas in Georgia we stayed at before. 

Downtown Jax with restaurants, shops and more are a few miles away. The marina has a shopping center with Publix, West Marine, UPS and more just a few blocks away. Getting around Jax has been easy if you watch out for rush hour traffic. The interstates can get you most anywhere quickly. The Jax airport and the beach are a cheap Uber ride away. The marina has connection to Enterprise for rentals that will pick you up dockside. The Landing downtown offers free dockage for events and the restaurants of Five Points, Avondale and Riverside are not to be missed. The ICW is around 20 miles away. St Augustine and the St John's are excellent day trips. 
Several things we observed here over the past year. The no-see-ums that caused so much hassle at Jekyll have not bothered us here. The blind mosquitoes that take over the lower St. John's river have not appeared. The green deer flies of Cumberland and the ICW have not shown up so far nor do the mosquitoes bothered us. In the hottest part of the summer the pool is a welcome relief and there always seemed to be a breeze. Our electric bill is on a meter and is reasonable, a lot less than what we pay at other marinas that bill a flat fee. There is no trash or clutter allowed on the docks. The dumpster and recycle bins are tucked neatly away in the parking lot. 

At the end of the day where you stay is more of where do you want to be? What is a deal maker or breaker for you?  Where are you comfortable and what do you enjoy doing?  We have docked at a lot of marinas and so far this one is the best of the best.

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