Reviews: Sun Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Amy SPENCER , Jessica Grace, on Nov 27, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

What a hidden gem for an overnight, and maybe longer when the restaurant is completed. New docks and onsite marina facilities, plenty of space, depths fine for our 3.5'' draft. Amazing dock assistance. Clean new bathrooms, although perhaps a bit European feel with non gender, "non-privacy" showers. Basically showers with a curtain. Restrooms all have doors. We would come back again.

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Reviewed by: Antony Dalton , Ambiance, on Nov 3, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 47'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 4

This marina was completely destroyed by Hurricane Michael and recently rebuilt. New wood docks and pilings. They have gas and diesel. The restaurant is not completed as of October, 2024. Some of the friendliest, most helpful people you will ever meet! The only thing keeping it from 5 stars is that it's not in a very pretty location and nothing is within walking distance, although all of Panama City is a short Uber ride away.

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Reviewed by: Chris Himmelheber on Dec 29, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 36'
Draft: 5.5'

Rating: 4

This marina has a lot going for it, but there are a couple of big caveats. The approach and dockside depths were plenty deep enough for my keel. Transients are placed among the regular slips, not separated. The restrooms and showers are on the far side of the marina office - a bit of a hike, but not too far. The laundry is near the same spot, and has about 4 washers and 4 dryers. There is a bar/restaurant right on the docks that is pretty good, if a little quiet in the off-season, and has plenty of TVs for sports. The ship’s store is pretty basic. Mostly soft drinks and T-shirts.

There is a diesel fuel station and pump out station out at the dock closest to the channel, with easy access. Panama Beach City is an easy Uber or Lyft ride away.

Now the down-sides: there is a significant wake effect from passing ships that will bash your boat against the dock if you don’t use spring lines that will keep you at least 2-3 feet away from the dock, and plenty of dock lines to keep you away from the pylons. And when the boats go by, you’re going to get bounced around a lot.

Also, I came in at night. I sail solo and can generally dock pretty easily by myself. However, if one of the live-aboard residents hadn’t noticed me coming in and lent a hand, I would have had a pretty tough time getting tucked in (and would not have known about the wake effects.) The finger docks between every other slip are only about 15 feet long, and the rest is done with pylons.

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Reviewed by: Zana on Sep 10, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 78'
Draft: 9.5'

Rating: 5

This is the BEST marina in the Panama City, FL area. The staff is always happy to assist with anything you might need. The docks and facilities are well maintained and are constantly being improved and upgraded. Great prices on gas and very convenient approach. Protected location near the Hathaway Bridge. The Shipyard Grill is a great place to eat. The tiki bar is always busy and they have music several days each week. We love it here!

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Reviewed by: Thomas on Jul 21, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 65'
Draft: 5.9'

Rating: 5

We were very pleased with the staff and their willingness to assist. Their fuel prices were the best we could find in the area so we filled up. On site they also have the Shipyard Restaurant which was a very pleasant surprise. The food was great and prices were more than fair. We also found out that on some evenings they have entertainment.

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Reviewed by: Bradley Lott on Dec 1, 2016
LOA: 57'

Rating: 5

Sun Harbor was/is Panama City's best! The approach is deep...mid-teens and very easy to see. The fuel dock is right in front. There is a great restaurant and tiki bar called the Shipyard. This is a great place to stop!!

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