Reviews: Sandestin's Baytowne Marina

Reviewed by: Dick Heusinkveld on Nov 29, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 5

Well marked slips and wide fixed docks. Great help with docking and untying. Pricey compared to other marinas and no refunds if you have to leave early. Golf carts available to rent to explore the area and shopping and restaurants. The marina has no protection from north winds. Restaurant on site. Bathrooms and showers are in the restaurant so practically unusable on weekends.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Denis Hanna on Dec 14, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We spent 5 months here during the '22/'23 winter. We had planned to stay for only a month and bounce around the panhandle- but the San Destin area and the people on the dock made us stay the whole season. While it is expensive - it is worth it for more than a night or two. A downside to the marina is a North/Northeast wind will cause waves and can be very rough on the docks. In the winter, this wind was a regular occurrence. I consider the dock hands friends to this day, and all were attentive and enjoyable to interact with during our extended stay. The marina is within walking distance of many restaurants/bars and the community usually has major events monthly. We rented a golf cart for a short bit and ended up buying one and selling it at the end of our stay as the rental is expensive and this made the longer stay more affordable. The resort shuttle will take you to all corners of the village including the beachfront. Access to pools, beaches, high-end shopping, and trails make this a great stop for extended stays. If you do not have time to use, explore, and enjoy the facilities - this is not a great marina due to the cost and the community feel.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: David Richardson on Dec 18, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 4.6'

Rating: 3

We were docked near a large dinner cruise vessel which created a lot of pedestrian traffic on the dock. Our slip was very exposed to wind and waves. Dock staff were green and marginally helpful. Upon paying in the dock office the staff told us nothing even failing to provide gate code info but they were happy to collect the high price per foot. They seem to cater to much larger vessels and people who value the retail and restaurants nearby. Did not feel like a Looper marina to me.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Hale Walker , Gayle Anne, on Nov 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 60'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

This is a first class facility for our 60' with 5' draft. Easy access for fuel and pump out. On site restaurants and many other amenities I wasn't able to take advantage on a one night visit. Coming from the inland rivers there really hasn't been high caliber facilities. This is a refreshing change.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Glynn Alexander on Jul 6, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 53'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Beautiful marina with full service. Great restaurants, easy to refuel with both diesel or gas. Lots of help on the docks.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer

Reviewed by: Ronald , Kara Mia 2, on Jan 3, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Just spent a week there for the holidays. Great staff gave us a "looper" discount. As a part of the Sandestin Resort community , it had all the amenities (restaurants, movies, groceries, bikes, etc.). Did watch one boat that got too far away from dock run aground. Stay in the markers and you should be fine.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer