Reviews: Grand Haven Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: G. Jay Nelson , Pegasus, on Oct 5, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 2

The Grand Haven Municipal Marina was difficult stop for us. Grand Haven Municipal Marina is a Michigan DNR marina, so reservations have to be made through their online reservation system. Three days prior to our planned stop, the reservation system was reporting the marina was full. Knowing the DNR keeps a percentage of slips available to support their safe harbor policy, we tried several times to call the marina directly. We left messages each time, but our calls were never returned. When we entered the Grand Haven channel, we called the marina on channels 9 and 16, with no response. When we arrived, there were only two boats in the marina so we docked and walked up to the office. The office was locked, and the phone number posted on the office door to call was never answered. As a result, we could not get the code to the restrooms/showers and laundry. The only way we could pay for the two nights we stayed at the marina was to pay for reservations in the future. The marina docks are old, and although generally stable, they are in need of maintenance. Two of the dock cleats in the slip were unusable because of broken dock boards. Because of the high winds we tied up on the dock pilings. The marina is generally unprotected from the prevailing wind direction. We had to use all eight of our fenders as the wind kept the boat banging significantly against the dock throughout the night. One of our fenders was destroyed on protruding dock screws. On the positive side, the marina has large grassy areas, making the marina very pet friendly. The location in regards to the town of Grand Haven is excellent. The town of Grand Haven is charming, with a variety of shops and restaurants. There is a city trolly service that will pick you up at the marina and take you anywhere in the city for a mere $0.75 per person. We took the trolly to Walmart to provision the boat, and one of the other boaters in the marina used the service to get to Home Depot. We enjoyed a very nice meal at the Kirby House.

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Reviewed by: Lburket on Jun 19, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

Marina was accessible and easy to navigate. Slip numbers were hard to locate on some. Facilities were standard public/marina space. Showers were large. Town was accessible and had lots of choices. Trolly was a great feature. Really recommend using it for transportation if you can. Very affordable. Lots of ice cream choices :)

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Reviewed by: Lori Pickette on Sep 18, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

Super easy/in out to fixed, wide docks. Single sex, password protected bathrooms/showers are clean. Best way to contact the marina is by phone. Downtown is close by with numerous shops, restaurants and ice cream shops. There's a little wake from passing boats during the day that goes away at night. We'll definitely return.

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Reviewed by: Graeme Walker , Confirmed Aquaholic, on Oct 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 54'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We had a great time here, great walking area, no security but didn't feel we needed it. City has done a great job with the waterfront. Some wakes from passing boats but that didn't bother us. If there is a west wind be wary as there can be significant swell even this far into the river, day after us had several boats damaged.

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Reviewed by: Patricia And Steven Stanley , Calypso, on Aug 23, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

We enjoyed 2 nights at Grand Haven Municipal marina. The staff is friendly and efficient. They have nice fixed wooden docks, bathrooms, showers and 1 washer/drier (only $2/load). Most stores and shops are within walking distance. You can call Harbor Transit for a free pick up and ride to the Meijer's grocery store which is about 2 miles away. The wifi works well at the docks. Many boats travel by during the day so you get some wakes, but it's not bad. They have a nightly water fountain light show set to music from Memorial through Labor Day which is spectacular.

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Reviewed by: Linda McCormick on Jul 31, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 2

Slips are along the shore, adjacent to an active park and walkway. Gang washrooms with showers that are a little grubby. Not a provisioning stop as groceries are at least 3 miles away. River is very busy, especially on weekends with lots of boats touring up and down the river. The harbour is very rough when winds are out of the SW or W as the swells come up river and reach the docks.

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Reviewed by: Bill Mcmahon on Sep 12, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Good marina, nice town. Long fixed finger piers from shore with both posts and cleats. The dock hands knew what to do (not always the case). The showers and restrooms were together in the same room and were clean.

A lot of motion for being at a dock. Waves seem to surge down the river with the right conditions.

Great little town. We were treated to the musical fountain show across the river and a free concert on Friday night.

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Reviewed by: Jonathan Walsdorf , M/V Golfinho, on Sep 2, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Very nice marina, staff was helpful and courteous. Harbor Master Kari was accommodating and adjusted slip assignments for incoming boats as weather was about to deteriorate for the next few days. Great place in a beautiful community!

Oh, good WiFi, super clean facility. We’re enjoying Grand Haven!!!!

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Reviewed by: Tina Pickell on May 16, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 62'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Shipshape facilities and quaint location! Marina is clean and well taken care of. Staff was eager to help with dining options and area attractions. A bit surprised that there wasn't any pump out service-- but two other nearby marinas had facilities. We were too early in the season to see the Water/Light show-- but the brand new grass tiered stadium that replaced the bleachers looks like a wonderful spot for an evening picnic. Easy walk to the beach and downtown areas. The Tri-Cities Historical Museum (free) is a walk through time-- from geological formations, native culture, fur trading, logging, pioneer settlement to the Victorian era. An amazing sea tale of the SS Michigan on the second floor shouldn't be missed.

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Reviewed by: Terrance Godbold on Aug 31, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Good marina, very friendly and helpful. Great water light show.

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