Reviews from Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena (19)

Marina Review for Duncan L. Clinch Marina

Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on Aug 30, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Clinch Marina. Facilities were in great condition. Staff was helpful and the assistant Dockmaster was terrific!!! Location couldn't be more perfect! The town of Travese City has to be one of our favorites in our 5000+ miles. Intended on staying 2 nights and ended up staying a week. There is a beach right at the marina, a 26 mile bike path, Shops, restaurants and breweries all within easy walking distance. There is also a small grocery (Burritts). We ended up renting a car at the airport for 3 days and making a larger provision run. Also drove to Sleeping Bear Dunes (35 min), explored the Old Mission Pennisula (lighthouse and several beaches). Highly recommend touring the many wineries in the area as well! Great Experience and loved the marina!! The only downside we experienced... There are three "first come" TRANSIENT walls. The wall we had to park on (west wall) had an awkward safety railing along the entire wall with no walkway. Although there were a few gaps in the railing to get thru, you had to tie ropes just right to hit those spots to prevent having to climb over the railing and if several boats are there, it might not even be possible due to spacing. There were two other walls that did not have this railing and/or had walkways, but unfortunately they were full. The issue was that several of the boats docked there were not occupied during our entire stay (just parked) and there appears to be no time limit, despite being transient spaces. I would encourage management to consider including those two much more convenient walls in transient slip booking process. Hopefully they will build a walkway along the west wall, but in the meantime I would recommend securing a slip to guarantee a much easier on/off.

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Marina Review for Rod 'N' Reel Resort

Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on Jun 1, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

The facilities have the potential to be great but they were in rough condition during our visit. The docks were in good shape though. We also saw 2.3ft under out prop leaving at low tide. Important to note: If E/NE winds, avoid staying on the pier right as you enter the marina channel. It may be easy to get into but we were in the first slip and were tossed most of the night by waves/wind blowing straight up into the channel. There is a breaker wall that does protect the rest of the slips though. Cute town but be sure to walk /bike into Northeast Beach Town as well. Great Boardwalk along with dining options.

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Marina Review for Riverwalk Landing Piers

Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on Jun 1, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Loved this stop. Marina is in a great location to the town and American Revolution Museum (an absolute MUST SEE when visiting Yorktown.) Beaches are right at the marina. Farmers market was also very good on Saturday morning. Dock staff was super helpful. Agree with slack tide comment.

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Marina Review for Inner Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on Jun 1, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Great staff. Super helpful. Great location to Federal Hill, Camden Yards, National Aquarium and downtown Baltimore. Great park right next to the marina for walking/runing or even bikes. Easy marina to get into as well. Would definitely stay here again on our next visit!

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Marina Review for St. Michaels Marina LLC

Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on Jun 1, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

The Good: Great location. Marina is fine. Dock staff is good.
The reason its not 4 stars: The Dockmaster was quite rude and not helpful. We even witnessed her dockstaff trying to smooth things over with customers, including two situations with us! All we asked for was availability for an extra night because storms were coming in and we wanted shelter. She told us NO and then called me later to offer a "premium slip" that was open but we would have to pay the premium price! All we were trying to do was stay safe from a high wind storm...other marinas have done this at no additional charge when the slip was sitting open. There was nothing premium about the slip except larger and larger shore power which we didn't need. The next morning we asked again about cancellations and she ended up raising her voice to us to tell us NO again (dockhand stepped in again). All I asked her to do was check with the incoming boat to insure they were still coming as they would also be impacted by the weather. She wouldn't do it.
We rode out the storm in an anchorage nearby. Good facility and location but unfortunately, the worst Dockmaster we've dealt with by far.

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Marina Review for Isle of Palms Marina

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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Marina Review for Morningstar Marinas Southport

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

Rating: 5

Very nice facility just off ICW. Well protected. Marina offers all amenities along with a great staff that was super-helpfiul both coming in and leaving. The facility is within walking distance of downtown Southport with lots of restaurants and shops. Although we didn't need a grocery store, we were happy to find an Ace Hardware less than two miles away that was an easy bike ride to get some needed things. Highly recommend this facility and this town for a multi-night stopover!

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Marina Review for Fort Pierce City Marina

Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on Mar 30, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

What a terrific marina!! Anne is the best and the rest of the staff is terrific as well. A well run marina with a great location. Very helpful dock staff for parking and fueling. Two restaurants on site with so many more in Downtown Ft Piece within easy walking distance. Be sure to check out Old Florida Coffee Company, Beach Bowls (smoothies and Acai bowls!), 2nd Street Bistro, Taco Dive and Seaway Smokehouse... all withing walking distance. Avoid Pickled...food is pretty good but way overpriced. Road out two storms here..well protected and no issues. Highly recommend this great crew and location for an easy and entertaining stop on the ICW. Anne knows... we will be back!! :)

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Marina Review for Marlin Bay Resort & Marina

Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on Mar 13, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Loved this place. Collectively, stayed here over a month while in the Keys. Staff is fabulous! Docks are new and very nice. Pumpout available but no fuel. Access to pool facilities and tiki bar with lots of games around the pool area. Only downsides...no laundry, there is only one shower, and there is no restuarant. None of this outweighed the rest of the offerings! There are numerous restaurants in the area including Keys Fisheries (great food/experience), Upper Crust Pizza and Overseas Pub/Restaurant. Florida Fish and Lobster is also great but a bit pricey. Publix is a little over a mile. Pass both Home Depot and Walgreens on the way. Be sure to check out the small Marathon Community Movie Theatre (non-profit)! A great break from the bar/restaurant scene and refreshing change of pace from movies on the boat. Laundry facility about 1.7 miles. West Marine also close by. We will be back to this location for sure!

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Marina Review for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on Mar 13, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Price was great for the area. Pumpout available but no fuel. If you are anything but a stern in and use that as your entrance, you will want to make the marina aware. We are a side entrance and they put us on a walkway accessible slip. There is also a T-dock. This piece is important to pay attention to as the other reviews state that many of slips are just poles with no walkway. The area is beautiful, very well protected from all directions. So much to do with kayaking, snorkeling/dive boats, two small beaches, nature trails, small seaquarium and gift shop. Staff was great and super accommodating. Park is close to several great restaurants incl The Fish House, Lazy Lobster, Alfredo's for breakfast or dinner and an amazing Donut Food truck on Overseas Hwy just next to Dive shop outside the park. Opened only on weekends right now. Publix is about 1.5 miles from park entrance. Very easy walk or taxi. Can't beat this place for the money. Glad we stayed here!

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Anchorage Review for Virginia Key

Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on Mar 13, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

We were planning on Marine Stadium but it was jammed full and loud, even on a Tuesday. Double back a mile or so to this anchorage. We were facing mainly south winds and tucked in close to a small beach there that offered protection. You can expect protection from E/SE winds but open to West and potentially North. Didn't really feel much from ICW waves as its pretty far off the path. Saw 6-8ft. We are a 4ft draft and had no issues. A small beach there you could dinghy to but we did not so not sure what is offered in the area for provisions or dining but the Miami Seaquarium is there so I'm sure plenty of restaurants as well.

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Marina Review for Moss Marina

Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on Dec 16, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

This marina is in our top 3 out of our 1500 miles so far! Loopers take note! : We opted to stay here on the Beach side vs. on the Ft Myers City side and couldn't have been happier with our choice! Great dockhands that were so helpful. We had family in town and opted to head to different islands each day. The current can be a bit strong at times (ONLY downside) but the dockhands were always a radio call away and they were there everytime to help us back in. Wade and Malari in the office were super accommodating! Facilities were great! No restaurant onsight but the location put us within minutes of restaurants, shops AND the beach was just a very walkable few blocks away. Can't say enough about this marina and the location! We will be back!

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Marina Review for St. Petersburg Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on Dec 4, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

The town of St. Pete, marina location, the staff at the marina (especially Frank and Seth), the accessibility to provisions, restaurants, shops, entertainment, tourist attractions and biking all deserve 5+ stars. We found the marina well protected from wind and waves, especially on the north pier. Fuel was easy to access as well. I would agree with the 1/2 finger dock comments. We were able to make it work fine in our side entry boat with a small ladder on the side. If you have mobility issues, I wouldn't recommend this dock. Otherwise, we felt that all this area and marina had to offer far outweighed any issues that the dock caused. We will be back for sure! Our favorite "big city" dock so far in over 1400 miles.

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Anchorage Review for Welch Causeway Bridge Northeast

Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on Dec 4, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

A great anchorage. As mentioned, the McDonalds dock makes it so easy to access Publix and a few restaurants including a pizza place called Slyce that was very good. Walmart is about 1.3 miles away but walkable thru neighborhood streets and an ped overpass. Google maps WALK will get you there. Bridge to beach also right there and has protected walkway to cross. Takes you straight to the beach. We stayed 3 nights and never got bored! Also, not a Vet but this appeared to have a VERY active American Legion facility w/a dock. Depth was great at 6-8ft. You did get some wake from boaters in the channel but its a slower area due to bridge so not as bad. would recommend weekday stays for this reason.

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Marina Review for The Moorings of Carrabelle

Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on Nov 28, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Very friendly staff. New docks are very nice. Town is small so most everything is within walking distance. Prices for both fuel and slips were great (big slip discounts with fuel purchase). We came in on a very windy and strong current day and were fortunate to get a slip on their "t-dock" at the end of the new pier. If you are traveling on a windy day, I would call and ask for one of these slips. We have a 3'7" draft and did ground on our first morning at low tide. This is a great place to stay before/after your Gulf Crossing!

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Marina Review for Apalachicola Marina, Inc.

Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on Nov 28, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Great Service from George!! Small dock and you only have water and power but the location is awesome! Right by the downtown area where there are some great shops and restaurants! Loved this area and ended up staying an extra night just to enjoy it. Be careful turning into the channel as the marker is small/dirty so tough to see as you come in and it gets very shallow quickly!

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Marina Review for Clearwater Municipal Marinas (Clearwater Beach Marina)

Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on Nov 28, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

We were excited to try this marina after our great experience at the sister City dock on the Harbor side. Unfortunately it wasn't as great as we had hoped. Mike, the Harbormaster was the highlight for sure. Super helpful in resolving a Dockwa reservation mishap. As far as the stay: The good: we were close the beach and to tons of shops and dining. The not-so-good: Consistant with what others have said....walkways for the transient slips only come out about 15 ft and they are not floating docks. Our aft cabin boat has side entries and the walkway did not come out far enough so we had to climb over our railings. In addition, the extremely large tourist boats are coming/going all day and they don't adhere to any "no/low wake" rules that you would expect in a marina area so you are rocking most of the day/early evening. I wouldn't avoid this marina by any means but you may want to limit your stay to just a couple of nights to enjoy all of Clearwater Beach and then spend the rest of your time at the City's Harbor Marina.

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Marina Review for Clearwater Municipal Marinas (Clearwater Harbor Marina)

Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on Nov 28, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Terrific staff! Helped us get in safely on a very windy day. Nice floating dock. Protected area. Easy walk into the downtown area. Right next to the 2 mile causeway that takes you over to Clearwater Beach. Great bike ride or walk. Would stay here again.

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Marina Review for City of Tarpon Springs Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Green Turtle Bay Marina- Ford - Buena on Nov 25, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Highly recommend not only this marina but this town for a great stop on the Gulf! Mick was a knowledgeable and accommodating harbormaster, one of the best of our trip! He went out of his way to make our stay enjoyable.
The convenience of this location to the downtown area was perfect and we ended up staying an extra night because we enjoyed so much. Although at the back of the channel, it is worth the trip to take advantage of the hospitality and location. Would recommend Katerina's for an authentic Greek meal. Costa's, Rusty Bellies are also awesome and Empire is a great breakfast spot ... all walkable. Also, make sure to enjoy the dolphin escort both in and out of the channel! Another highlight.

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