Reviews: Syracuse Inner Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Maryanne on May 27, 2023
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 0.0'

Rating: 2

Entered end may 2023 - very shallow (3' at min), but seemed to be mud bottom when we hit.

I was here 20 years ago and it seemed a little uncomfortable (security wise) then

This trip we decided to be aboard all evening, but went for a great walk in the day along the creek trail (which is pretty and saves you having to cross main roads) into town and had an AMAZING meal at dinosaur BBQ

Water was off at docks but the only other boat there was using power (we didn't need power so didn't try).

Unfortunately someone untied out lines (4 lines) while we slept and we found ourselves adrift/aground in the shallows at 6:15 this morning - we were lucky we didn't make it all the way to the bridge and damage the boat/bridge

Such a shame this beautiful location cannot be enjoyed.

If you do visit - be wary!!!

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Capt Maria Langer on Aug 18, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 27'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 3

This was apparently built as part of a project to revitalize the waterfront in Syracuse. For whatever reason, the project was not completed. So what there is here is a long floating dock with power and water kiosks adjacent to a boutique hotel. We pulled up, parked, and plugged in.

The city's downtown area is within walking distance through an area that is being gentrified with loft apartments and small restaurants. Downtown is where you'll find restaurants -- I highly recommend Dinosaur BBQ -- and museums -- we went to the Erie Canal Museum. There's a walking trail beside a creek that feeds into the harbor.

It was raining when it was time to walk back, so we tried Uber. The ride came in 7 minutes and the fare was about $12 back to the dock. There is also a large mall within sight of the marina that's probably also walking distance.

Be advised that entering the Inner Harbor is kind of tricky. The opening to the channel was poorly marked and has both pilings and a field of floating debris that included rather large logs. We were able to get around most of the debris. The next obstacle is the 17' vertical clearance bridge; we brushed the antenna of our 27' Ranger Tug on the bottom of it so tall boats are definitely a no-no. (The other bridges are higher, but I guess that doesn't matter.) The water was brown and silty and there was some floating trash. But the depth never got below 10 feet on the way in and there was plenty of room to maneuver.

A nice stop if you want to check out the museums and architecture of downtown Syracuse. Just nothing much in the way of services.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer