Reviews: Tidewater Yacht Marina

Reviewed by: David Meindl on Nov 4, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 47'
Draft: 5.7'

Rating: 5

Rick, the dockmaster was very helpful. We had a transmission issue and Rick was extremely accommodating as far as adjusting our arrival date (as we had delays) and working with us on a great rate since we were stuck there unintentionally for weeks. They were very sympathetic to our frustrating situation with the delay we had. There is a water taxi that will take you over to Portsmouth ($2 each way exact change cash only) and there are a host of great restaurants on Granby street across the river) Check out Freemasons Abbey restaurant; a great restaurant in an old church with fantastic food. There is also a score of restaurants within walking distance of the marina.

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Reviewed by: Bradley Varuska , Kansakota Winds, on Oct 9, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 41'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Great customer service! We were at anchor and purchased generator and dinghy fuel, drinks, clothing and purchased daily use of the showers, restrooms and laundry. Clean facilities. Great location for walking around Portsmouth. Great onsite restaurant Fish n Slips. Awesome experience.

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Reviewed by: Elizabeth Scott on Jun 1, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 51'
Draft: 3.6'

Rating: 5

Spent several nights here as we had some air travel to work in. Great marina and the staff are outstanding. We loved the restaurant onsite and enjoyed walking around historic Portsmouth. The facilities are top notch with many of the docks being recently replaced.

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Reviewed by: Lance Williamson on May 10, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 5

We spent five nights at the marina. The upgrades to the marina are great. The staff were friendly and helpful. We received fresh cookies when we checked in! We had packages sent to the marina and we received them with no problems. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. The food at their restaurant was very good and reasonably priced. We will definitely stay here again if we are in the area.

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Reviewed by: Lance Williamson on Nov 9, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 4

This marina has been undergoing a major upgrade. We visited the marina (not on our boat) in the spring of 2023 and main dock from the parking lot was being replaced. The new walkway is great! There are additional upgrades on the way. The staff was VERY helpful with instructions on getting to our slip and helping us with dock line and hooking up our electrical cords. They will be deserving 5 stars when the upgrades are complete .

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Reviewed by: James Newsome , CaiLeigh Anna, on Sep 26, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 34'
Draft: 5.8'

Rating: 3

This is my first visit to Tidewater. I'm leaving here on a delivery for Annapolis. I think there's a lot of potential for this to be a 5 star marina. It's mostly nice, but some areas are in need of repair. Staff was gone when we arrived. Other boaters said the staff is minimal but friendly. Restroom and shower was nice. Floating pool has been removed. Kind of a strange feel that the marina is in auto-pilot.

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Reviewed by: Janet Gannon on Aug 31, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 5

Yes there is construction going on. It didn't seem to be messy or inconvenient to us. We had a nice floating dock and felt secure. Good bar (with a nice happy hour) on premises. Nice showers and laundry (machines take credit cards not coins). They texted me a map of the marina before arrival, so we knew where the heck we were going! Loved that, it was great customer service. Good walking in town, some good restaurants (beer garden especially), Children's Museum, theater. Plus we took the ferry over to Norfolk and tours the USS Wisconsin, an absolute must. You need exact fare OR you can get tickets at the corner of High St and Water St at the kiosk. We rented a car (you can walk to Enterprise if you don't mind a sketchy neighborhood) and visited Williamsburg.

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Reviewed by: Brenda King , Escapade, on Jul 23, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 53'
Draft: 4.9'

Rating: 3

This Suntek Marina is In a state of disrepair/repair. Lots of projects going on but the place overall is a mess.

They have no fuel, the pool is gone and the laundry room machines are mostly broken. Luckily the pump out works ?. The bathrooms by the office are okay and do seemed to get cleaned somewhat regularly but things like hand the hand soap go unfilled for days.

It's dirty .. I get construction, as I have managed huge multi-million dollar projects in my career. There is definitely room for improvements here, the staff don't seem to have any vested interest in making the place look better or clean it up. The staff also don't seem to know what's going on or when anything will be finished.

Suntek needs to update their website and let transient boaters and know what to expect here. The property has so much potential.

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Reviewed by: Lisa Vidor on Jun 18, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Perfect spot to watch the Harborfest. They put on a dinner which was delicious. Easy to take ferry over to Norfolk.

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Reviewed by: Alison Morrow on May 8, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 14.0'

Rating: 4

This will be a very nice Marina once they get the construction done. The ladies showers need a remodel. The restaurant at the marina Fish and Slips was great! Good extended happy hours too! It's over half mile one way to walk to town. It's a cute town with lots of restaurants. Sadly Biergarten was closed. Thai Basil has great Thai food. There is a ferry close by that takes you to into Norfolk for $2 ($1 for seniors).

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Reviewed by: Chris Ensing , Pau Hana, on May 7, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 31'
Draft: 3.4'

Rating: 3

The location is great, right near the ferry stop and easy to get to Waterside in Norfolk. However, it is expensive, which would be fine except, the pool was closed, the center dock was torn up and they were working on while we were there, driving pilings and tons of noise. Other docks by the parking lot in bad shape. No toilet paper in the restrooms for 2 days, the restroom/shower facility was dirty, the electric was out in the showers. There are no hooks in the shower, had to lay my stuff on the floor. The restaurant will inform you (luckily) that there is an automatic 18% gratuity. The staff was nice & I liked the marina but for what we paid it wasn't that great. Perhaps when they get all the repairs done.

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Reviewed by: Robert Perimian , Martha B, on Nov 5, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

What a great marina! Very clean and well maintained. Very helpful in assisting us to fuel up (their diesel tanks are down temporarily but Caitlin told us where to get fuel). Easy docking. Caitlin, Curt and Rick were all super friendly! I had a cold and was worried it might be COVID- pharmacies didn't open till 9 so they went to a grocery store (out of walking distance) and got me a COVID test!!!! Talk about ABOVE AND BEYOND! (I was negative!). Old town is a lovely walk from the boat. Plenty of cute restaurants and the buildings were really quaint. A lot of history there I am sure. Our first trip from Cape Cod to Fl and Rick and Curt gave us a lot of tips. Even though we had researched it, it is always reassuring to hear it from someone. Again, many thanks to Caitlin, Curt and Rick for their thoughtfulness. We will return on our way back!

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Reviewed by: Geoff Roddick on Oct 13, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

We spent four nights in October at Tidewater Yacht Marina after coming down the Chesapeake. When we arrived, there was a fair bit of confusion as to our slip and requirements, but to the credit of the dockmaster Curt everything was sorted out in a friendly and efficient manner. During our stay we found all the staff from Sarah and Cait in the office to the dock hands very friendly and helpful.
While we were there, the bathrooms under the restaurant were under renovation so were not available, but the bathrooms at the head of the dock had been renovated and were spick and span clean. The laundry facilities looked rather old, but worked well and were very reasonably priced ($2 a load for wash or dry).
We will definitely be staying here again!
If you are a "narrow" catamaran (fit in normal slips), you are best to call them for your reservation so you aren't charged the catamaran rate.

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Reviewed by: Kirk Conners , Fancy Nancy, on Jul 22, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

This is a good marina. Scott, the dockmaster was very helpful getting in and during our stay made sure we were appraised of the changes going on. It looks like he's doing his best to upgrade as much as possible.
Floating docks are good, but the finger docks need a little help.
Restrooms and Laundry are clean and functional. Looks like men's room was recently renovated.
Location was excellent. In Portsmouth, which is actually a little better than Norfolk. And it's only a $2 ferry ride to Norfolk.
Pool was interesting. It's on a floating platform, so it rolls and rumbles from passing ships. Not much, but you can feel it.
Restaurant was a bust. Food was OK, but not great. Bad part was they added an 18% gratuity to the bill, and they don't tell you about that. I'm not a fan, and if the owner decides on the tip, that's all they get.
All being said, would definitely stop here again.

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Reviewed by: Jani Parker on Jun 15, 2022
Vessel Type: Power

Rating: 5

First, the marina was able to accommodate us on short notice (on Harborfest weekend) when our reservation was "misplaced" at another facility. Then we had engine trouble and the dockmaster comped our stay for the last night while we waited for parts. The marina has a brand new shower/restroom (in addition to the existing one), the docks are wide and uncluttered, the staff in the Ship Store was exceptionally friendly, and the restaurant had good food and amazing views. We will definitely go back there!

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Reviewed by: Patrick Roman on Jun 8, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

Didn't stay at the marina but just outside in the anchorage. They were very friendly when we went in with our dinghy helped us tie up and even helped unload our bikes. Not what we expected but very much appreciated.

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Reviewed by: Brian Wicks on May 19, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 2.0'

Rating: 4

Great marina and location. Had an extended stay here. Great restaurants. No fuel and ok facilities.

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Reviewed by: Bill Gallion , Northstar, on Nov 11, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 43'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Stayed 1 night. We were having battery issues. From the moment we arrived and told GM, Mason, of our issues, he went above and beyond to help us out. Was on the phone until he found us new batteries, came BACK to the marina and drove us 45 minutes ONE WAY to get them, took the old ones out for us and installed the new ones. This was on a Friday night too. He is an asset to this marina!!
Fish & Slips Restaurant was good too. This is the place to be.

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Reviewed by: Robert Hedrick , Morning Starr, on Oct 1, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 3

Stayed September 1 and 2, 2021. Dock hand was excellent in helping us dock in high winds. Had planned to stay three nights but the showers were dirty and unkept. We did have a nice trip across the river to Norfolk.

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Reviewed by: John Tyrell on Sep 10, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.7'

Rating: 3

Good docking help from Katherine. We were on a floating dock but they also have fixed docks. Docks are sturdy; easy entrancee; good depth. Restaurant on site. Not quite as protected as Waterside (across the river) but not bad. Wifi was good

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Reviewed by: Karen Ratte on Jun 25, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 49'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 2

Positives: Great location to explore historic Portsmouth and Norfolk, walk dog. Dockhands very helpful and friendly. Good restaurant onsite that is popular with locals.
Negatives: bath/showers just ok. Many advertised amenities not working the entire time we were there (several weeks) - wifi didn't work, pool closed, pump out and diesel not available, could never find a cart for provisioning runs. Worse was the lack of communication about what was not available. Fixed docks (Our beam is 18') are old, crumbling, and underwater at peak 3.5' tides with any storm surge.
SUMMARY: Good for short stay on one of their floating docks, but way overpriced for lack of amenities and avoid if they want to put you on a fixed Dock.

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Reviewed by: Ann Frederick on May 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 5.6'

Rating: 5

Great marina and staff. Outstanding service, above and beyond the norm. The marina within walking distance to the post office, High Street with restaurants and shops. Food Lion is about one mile. Olde Town is a nice walk thru the historic area. The Commodore is a restaurant/theater that is open now. You can take the ferry to Norfolk to see the sites there also.

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Reviewed by: Tom Wille on May 15, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 41'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Stayed here for a week - nice spot. Floating docks are good. Staff is friendly and accommodating. Fish and Slips has great food. Restrooms and showers were just ok.

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Reviewed by: Doug Banfield on May 6, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 40'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 3

Made a reservation here after traveling N bound through the Great Dismal Swamp.
Arrived after hours, but the Manager, “Mason”, said he’d stay around to help us tie up in the gusting to 20 breeze. He was there and did help, which was great. The restaurant, Fish and Slips, was fair.
The Marina had no diesel fuel due to tank replacement project in progress, and their WiFi was not working.

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Reviewed by: Simon E. on Apr 9, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 22'
Draft: 1.5'

Rating: 5

The marina is in a very convenient location and easy to navigate with a small to mid size boat. It may be a little more difficult with a larger vessel. They have fuel docks and a nice restaurant overlooking the harbor.

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Reviewed by: Jerrod David on Jul 12, 2020
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 42'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 2

We had a bad experience here. Upon arriving we were assigned a slip. The young lady working the counter came out to catch our lines. Before we could fully pull into the slip and stop our boat she quickly tied off our stern spring line (short), which stopped the boat abruptly, swung our bow into the dock and our stern into the boat next to us. Luckily we were able to prevent any damage. She attempted to pull our stern in without using leverage from the dock cleat, at the same time one of the dock hands held our bow to the dock using a dock cleat. I politely asked her to cleat the stern line so i could properly use leverage to pull our stern towards the dock (18Klb vessel). She did cleat the line, but then yelled at me when I said the boat was too heavy to pull by hand. I then had to get the dock hand at the bow to let line out so we could straighten the boat. She then stormed off without offering to help hook up electricity, rudely telling us to come check in when we were done. We were in shock at this point, during check in they handed us a card, didn't tell us about the grounds, no more than 5 words from them even after asking questions. We tried to do laundry while there, again rude experience while asking for a key to the laundry room. The machines were in such nasty condition, (should have anticipated this after seeing the bathrooms) we promptly returned the key without washing our clothes. The marina it self is in a deteriorating state. The structural pilings on the main walkway leading to the parking lot are rotting below the water line. The dock and finger piers do have steal pilings so we felt our boat was secure. The marina is in a good location and it appeared work was underway to improve the structural issues and facilities. We will not be stopping here again and cannot recommend it to anyone else.

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Reviewed by: Leslie F on Jun 17, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 28'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Very nice marina but substandard bathrooms. No plugs to blow dry hair and no hooks in the shower area for clothes. Would think a marina of this caliber would have nicer amenities in bathroom.

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Reviewed by: Louise Anderson , Then Again, on Jun 8, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 4

Tidewater Marina is in a great location in Portsmouth. It's so close to the historic downtown and waterfront area, and a terminus for the ferry that goes to and from Norfolk downtown. There are a lot of mega yachts here, but they are pretty well segregated from the smaller slips. Fairways are good size if you are our size! Fish and Slips restaurant is on-site, with good food and great view of the harbor. The reasons this is not a 5 are (1) fuel dock and pump out are difficult to get to and if you are not a large yacht, you have to climb up a ladder from your boat to the pier to fuel and pump and (2) we never did find the laundry room. There is pump out service at the slip by a 3rd party that must be scheduled and will only take 25 gals of black water at a time. (We have a 40 gal tank). The office will give you info on how to sign up for the pump outs. Staff is very friendly and helpful.

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Reviewed by: John Rockwell on Apr 29, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Yes poor wifi, and the fairways are tight. But if you arrive late after hours look for a spot on the windward side of the westernmost finger pier. Just zip in against the wind, and hit reverse, no tricky maneuvering.

My 30 amp power was good. Staff was personable. Docks in good shape.

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Reviewed by: Don on May 5, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 55'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 2

Good location. Difficult in/out for our size due to narrow fairways. Low power (218v). Poor WiFi. Weekly rate is not much of a deal!

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Reviewed by: Harold Hutchins on Sep 13, 2016
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 36'
Draft: 2.5'

Rating: 5

Good stop. Good restaurant. Entrance a little tricky but worth the effort after being beat up on Chesapeake.

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Reviewed by: Ed Tillett on Jun 27, 2016
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Tidewater is a great marina. Good staff, great restaurant on site and clean facilities and docks. Across from Norfolk, you can ferry over to visit downtown Norfolk, or walk into Portsmouth for restaurants and shops. We stayed last fall on the way south.

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Reviewed by: Graham Jones , Pro-Line, on Jun 1, 2016
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 23'
Draft: 2.5'

Tidewater Yacht Marina: Great marina that is well protected inside the break-water. Waterway Guide vessel stayed here 10/22 and was thoroughly impressed. The dock hands helped us secure our spot in our slip (always helpful). The Wi-Fi worked extremely well. We had a great meal at the restaurant, food and service was excellent. Restrooms were clean and in great condition.

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