Reviews: Isle of Palms Marina

Reviewed by: Robert Hedrick , Morning Starr, on Jun 18, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

Although we really like this marina it never fails to disappoint us. Staff is helpful, friendly and tries, but they are not very well trained. We stayed on May 22, 2024 and again on June 10, 2024. On May visit there was no working power on six of the facedock pedestals. Had to move boat back to find working electric. Then had to walk to the marina office to get the codes for everything. When I went to take a shower the was a big sign on the door that they were under construction. Went back to the office and they checked and told me I could use the shower. SHOWER WAS FILLED WITH DIRT FROM THE CONSTRUCTION!! For the price there should have been some type of arrangement for showers!! The restaurant however is wonderful!!

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Reviewed by: Gerald Orazem , Latis, on Jan 6, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 2

For $3.50/ft plus power I expected better. Laundry was out of order, restroom/shower was a mess. Out of order fixture, holes in wall, mold on the ceiling, and mold all over their $5 Dollar General shower curtain.

Dock hand needed some education as well.

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Reviewed by: Janet Gannon on May 22, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 3

The good: top notch docks with easy access from the ICW. There's a good restaurant with great music on weekends. You can walk to a great beach and we walked to Harris Teeter (2.3 miles away). Even found a dog park!

The bad: expensive with absolutely no amenities to justify it. The bathroom at one point had no toilet paper and was filthy (same toilet paper and debris on the floor for 4 days), rustic shower, the laundry didn't work, I couldn't find a trash can (I used a construction dumpster), no waste oil disposal.

The ugly: Seems like there's no adult in charge, just some kids of questionable maturity (I could tell a tale but won't). We were there in a big blow and a huge plastic dock float washed up between 2 boats. Our neighbors hauled it up onto the dock to prevent damage to boats. It was there 2 days later. Same with metal signs that got knocked off of pilings when the tide rose quite high. The dock staff was hard to find. They never, ever answer the phone, after something like 20 tries I gave up.

If you have no other choice, this is a safe place to be. Just have low expectations.

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Reviewed by: Dusty Pickering , Gemini, on Jan 2, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 49'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 2

The location is good for exploring the island by bikes, Ubers available for nearby visits to Sullivan's Island, Mount Pleasant or Charleston. The marina was just sold/leased and much southern hospitality was very lacking. The docks are floating and in great shape, however you will be waked by either the ferries or the fishing boats as there is a boat ramp in the middle of the marina. They do have fuel & pump out available. There is Islander 71 Restaurant by the marina. Music most nights playing classic rock, very busy on the weekends. We stayed a month and would not recommend for long stays, in fact I think they are only doing short stays with new ownership. Prices have increased significantly from previous listings. It is still an easy in/out for a quick stay but that's about it. Can confirm gate codes & bathroom codes were messed up and the washer wasn't working the whole time, staff didn't seem to care. It felt like we were a bother and in the way.

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Reviewed by: Heading South on Dec 30, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 1

Always have stopped here but no more. Passcodes furnished by corporate email for payment provided incorrect codes for bathroom and wifi. Security gate was broken so I got locked out. WiFi was poor and was told bathroom was being fixed but wasn't so it was unusable. Not sure what has happened to this marina...new ownership maybe?

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Reviewed by: Scott Doyle , Cruisin Cat, on Oct 19, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Stayed in the spring and again in the fall 2022. New docks are great, good help with docking. Plenty of water (6') even at low tide. Nice marina store, nice bathrooms and laundry. This is a busy marina in season but a nice stop along the AICW.

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Reviewed by: Jim Mincher , Nomad, on Jun 8, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

We had a great stopover here. Friendly staff and new floating docks. Restaurant on site.

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Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on May 4, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Stopped here on our way out of Charleston for a few nights. Although Charleston is a must-see stop, this was a much more relaxing environment and less expensive. Marina staff were helpful. Docks were in good shape (we stayed on the one near the fuel docks) and the ship store was great. As mentioned, a very short walk to a beautiful quiet beach. Only downside: because of the marina location, there are no restaurants close by and the marina restaurant was still closed. It looks nice so hoping it will be open for next visit. There are several very good restaurants via a golf cart (you can rent) or bike ride 3-4 miles away. Not sure about Uber or taxi service.

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Reviewed by: Karen Ratte on Apr 4, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 49'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Recently renovated and nice docks and facilities, though weird cleats. Good location if you want to avoid Charleston. Rate is actually $3/ft, and while the marina is nice don't think it's a good value. Note also the channel there is very busy on weekends.

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Reviewed by: Michael Palotta , Buona Fortuna, on Mar 30, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Stayed for one night on fuel dock and fueled with Diesel the staff very friendly and helpful. Brand new fuel dock still under construction so no water yet but great store facilities.

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Reviewed by: Tony-donna Lagera on Mar 22, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 4

We stayed here for several days as our family was vacationing nearby. The marina has made a lot of improvements to their floating docks. The staff is really helpful and friendly and there is plenty of walking areas for dogs. There is a nice store and breakfast/lunch counter onsite and they were working on a new restaurant while we were there. Our slip was on the ICW and since it isn't a no-wake zone we were hit pretty regularly with wakes from other boats.

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Reviewed by: Cindy Wallach on Dec 2, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

The marina is newly renovated it seems, and we had a lovely experience here. Last minute slip was easy to get during peak Thanksgiving weekend. Dock hands were top notch, and slip was easy to get in and out of. Bathhouse was clean and comfortable. The little ship's store has food, junk food, souvenirs, and other items. And it was a short 1/2 mile walk to a beautiful dog friendly beach, with dolphins and loads of shells. This is a great family friendly alternative to Charleston, which is more expensive and busier.

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Reviewed by: Laurel Sorber , At Last , on May 12, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 4.6'

Rating: 3

Made a reservation early in the morning, staff right on the dock to assist and were very helpful. However, they allowed other boats to take our space so we ended up on a dock that had no power or water(ok we can deal). The docks needing help is an understatement. If you stand too close to the end, your feet will get wet. The store is very neat and interesting to look around and I’m sure once the restaurant reopens that will be nice too but right now I wouldn’t stay there again unless necessary.

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Reviewed by: Heading South on Mar 14, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Great location and easy side tie at the fuel dock. Clean and private bathrooms. Dock boards needed attention. Busy spot with boat rentals.

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Reviewed by: Happy on Apr 19, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

We have always enjoyed coming to this marina. Not this time. We were told we couldn’t come in till six because the place was full and we had to go on the fuel dock. Understandable for sure but when the weather turned bad we called back and were able to come in at 4. The place was half empty with transient slips available from the store to the restaurant. The dockhand did not want to venture out in the rain. He attached two lines and walked back into the shack. Price of a transient slip almost doubles in April yet the password for the internet is incorrect and all you get is a sorry for that from the same dockhand. We had a tip ready but it stayed safely in our pocket. Where is that super helpful and nice dockhand with the dog? Don’t think we will be back

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Reviewed by: Joe Stuart , Hattrix, on Nov 22, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 5

Not sure why all other reviews had great things to say but everyone only gave 4 stars. This place is 5 stars. Staff was great, decent fuel prices, awesome atmosphere and area. I stopped on way to Florida for the night; they put me up with only 10 minutes notice. They also let me stay right at fuel dock for early departure. Food and drinks good next door and plenty of local captains with local knowledge.

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Reviewed by: DEBBIE JORDAN on Nov 13, 2018
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 34'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 4

Stopped in for fuel, great staff very helpful.

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Reviewed by: Eddy Johnsen , Spiritus, on Apr 4, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

This stop was truly a pleasant surprise! Used the marina's excellent, free loaner bikes to ride on the beach AND to get provisions at Harris Teeter's. Didn't realize this island was such a family-oriented vacation destination. April is the beginning of their "high season", so daily transient rates are steeper now thru summer; much more reasonable in the off-season. The adjacent Morgan Creek Grill is very busy in the evenings but serves excellent food. It has two distinct dining rooms, each with its own separate menu (formal vs. casual). Because of its location, water current has little affect on most of the transient lay-along dock.

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Reviewed by: Andrew Skelton on Dec 4, 2016
Draft: 0.0'

Rating: 4

Friendly staff. Great marina store with a great eatery that opens early for breakfast. Showers and restrooms very clean. Will stay again.

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