20 Best Liveaboard Marinas in North Carolina (With Pictures!)

If you're considering making the permanent move to a liveaboard lifestyle, North Carolina has some great marinas to choose from. With over 5,000 miles of waterways, North Carolina is home to hundreds of marinas.

When choosing a liveaboard marina, you should consider a number of factors, especially if you plan to stay there for a long time. But not to worry, we've done the search to help you identify the best liveaboard marinas in North Carolina. You'll find all of them in this post.

The best liveaboard Marina is one in the right location, with suitable docking and amenities. All of these were considered in compiling this list of the best liveaboard marinas in North Carolina. 

Check it out below: 

1. Northwest Creek Marina

Address: 104 Marina Dr, New Bern, NC 28560, United States | Phone Number: (252) 638-4133 | Website

The amazing Northwest Creek Marina in Fairfield Harbor is kicking off this list. It's a suitable option for a full-time live-aboard experience.

You can opt for this liveaboard Marina around Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Greensboro, Pinehurst, Winston Salem, and the North Carolina mountains.

It's a safe location, nestled in a sheltered basin off Northwest Creek, which flows into the Neuse River. The Marina can accommodate boats up to 60 feet in length with its 274 available spots. 

You can also come with larger boats, but that requires pre-arrangements. Both short- and long-term leases are available for slips. Northwest Creek features a dock with gasoline and diesel.

The gasoline dock has a permanent pump-out station and a weekly mobile pump-out. You also get hot showers, flush toilets, free internet, and washing machines.

2. Cape Fear Marina

Address: 1701 Jel Wade Dr, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States | Phone Number: (910) 762-1256 | Website

If you need a peaceful marina near Wilmington, North Carolina, look no further than Cape Fear Marina. You'll find the Marina on the Cape Fear River.

While Cape Fear Marina is away from the hustle and bustle of the Intracoastal Waterway, it's near enough to walk to many of downtown Wilmington's best eateries and shopping spots.

You can go liveaboard at this Marina with a motor yacht or sailboat. It accommodates all. At Cape Fear Marina, you can be certain that your boat is in good hands.

The Marina is secured and equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance technology to ensure your vessel's and personal belongings' safety. Aside from that, you also get quality amenities. The amenities include a bathroom, showers, and a laundry room, to name a few.

Furthermore, you'll find Cape Fear Marina affordable. You can book a liveaboard slip for a few weeks or months.

3. Morningstar Marinas

Address: 606 W West St, Southport, NC 28461, United States | Phone Number: (910) 807-8372 | Website

Morningstar Marinas is home to a diverse group of people who share a love of boating and the great outdoors. You can become part of this community when you visit any of the marinas. They have everything you need for a fun and exciting live-aboard experience.

The marinas are notably popular for water sports in the Southport area. At Morningstar marinas, you get first-class facilities and outstanding amenities. Not only that, but it has some of the best places to go boating in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic.

Many boaters who visit Morningstar marinas commend the supportive and knowledgeable staff on site. With their prompt and efficient service, you can launch your boat and begin enjoying water sports as soon as you arrive.

When you go off the Marina, you can enjoy the nearby attractions, including the restaurants, golf cart tours, and, most importantly, the maritime museum.

4. Dowry Creek Marina

Address: 110 Spinnaker Run Rd, Belhaven, NC 27810, United States | Phone Number: (252) 943-2728 | Website

Dowry Creek Marina aims to make every boater feel at home. In contrast to most marinas, Dowry Creek is not located near a busy harbor or a town center. Rather, you'll find the Marina in a peaceful, remote region with unspoiled marshlands.

The Marina has deep-water spaces with 30, 50, and 100-amp service. You can dock almost any size boat. When you visit this Marina, you get access to a packed Ship Store where you enjoy a pristine view of the waterway. Furthermore, you can access the Captain's Lounge with its luxurious amenities.

Perhaps you need a liveaboard marina where you can engage in fun activities like fishing and kayaking. You can also count on Dowry Creek Marina, as you can easily drop a crab pot or cast a line. Dowry Creek Marina is also a pet-friendly spot with a wide walking area.

5. Mackey's Marina

Address: 417 Mackeys Ferry Rd, Roper, NC 27970, United States | Phone: +1 252-793-5031 | Website

Mackey's Marina may not be as big as most other marinas in North Carolina, but it's undoubtedly one of the best. It is located on the south shore of Albemarle Sound, in the deep Mackey's Creek.

At Mackey's Marina, you can pay for long-term or short-term dockage. Typically, you should opt for long-term dockage to save costs if you want to live aboard. Living aboard at Mackey's Marina is fun, thanks to the variety of boat services available.

You can visit the Travel Lift or the Marine Store. You'll get everything you need at the marine store to enjoy your stay at the Marina. This includes food items, safety gear like sunglasses, bait, tackles, and more.

Best of all, you can taste the savory dishes at The Landing Restaurant, with its seafood cuisine menu. Furthermore, Mackey's Marina boasts perfect fishing and kayaking conditions.

6. Homer Smith Docks and Marina

Address: 101 Cedar St #1841, Beaufort, NC 28516, United States | Phone: (252) 728-2944 | Website

Do you want to liveaboard for a day? A week? Or a month? Regardless, you'll find affordable boat slip rentals at Homer Smith Docks and Marina. The Marina has 16 transient slips, more than 85 wet slips, and boat lifts.

With dockage up to 150 feet, Homer Smith Docks and Marina promises a one-of-a-kind liveaboard experience. It supports large and small vessels, and you won't lack anything with its state-of-the-art facilities.

Homer Smith Docks and Marina is a waterfront haven with helpful employees and a relaxing atmosphere. It's a perfect liveaboard marina if you want to explore the splendor of Beaufort Town and all of the Crystal Coast.

You can explore the town on foot, as it's an easy walk away, or take any of Marina's golf cart rides. Furthermore, the Marina has three pump-outs and a fuel dock on-site.

7. New Bern Grand Marina

Address: 101 Craven St, New Bern, NC 28560, United States | Phone: (252) 638-0318 | Website

New Bern Grand Marina is situated on the riverfront in the heart of New Bern, North Carolina, and is within walking distance of the city's numerous attractions. Hence, it boasts a protected inner coast waterfront.

The Marina welcomes liveaboard boaters, giving them access to deep water dockage. If you opt for New Bern Grand, you have 223 boat slips, ranging from 30 feet to 65 feet, to choose from. Typically, you can dock relatively larger vessels. In addition, the floating docks make docking and boarding seamless.

At the Marina, you enjoy cable TV with high-speed Wi-Fi. In addition, 30, 50, or 100-amp electricity is available, and the rooms and showers are air-conditioned. Notably, each dock and pier at the Marina has a cam, so you'll feel safe throughout your stay.

Furthermore, New Bern Grand Marina features air-conditioned laundry facilities and a holding tank pump-out.

8. Cypress Cove Marina

Address: 175 Ramp Rd, Columbia, NC 27925, United States | Phone: (252) 796-0435 | Website

Cypress Cove Marina doubles as a marina and a yacht dock. The Marina has 55 slips and is popular among North Carolina Columbia and Tyrrell County boaters.

Many liveaboard boaters opt for Cypress Cove Marina because of its safe and easy dockage. Dockage at the Marina is on the Scuppernong River, which provides facile access to the Albemarle Sound, the ICW, and other inland waterways.

You won't lack much-needed amenities when you visit Cypress Cove Marina. On the contrary, the Marina has more amenities than many others on this list.

The options are a fuel and diesel dock, water hookup, Wi-Fi, restrooms, laundry, captain's lounge, pump-out, and maintenance facility. Others include showers, trash, pump-outs, boat ramps, ship stores, travel lifts, and dry storage.

Notably, restaurants, hotels, an airport, car rentals, shopping locations, and more are within walking distance from the Marina.

9. Bradley Creek Marina

Address: 6338 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States | Phone: (910) 392-2584 | Website

Bradley Creek Marina is one of the oldest liveaboard marinas on this list. The Marina opened in 1964 as one of the first dry storage marinas in the area. Since then, it has grown to be a first-rate and conducive marina for people in North Carolina.

Located at the tip of Bradley Creek in Wilmington, this is a convenient marina for any live-aboard activity. In addition, you can easily get to the Masonboro Inlet and the Intracoastal Waterway when you dock at the Marina.

Bradley Creek Marina welcomes vessels from 17 to 65 inches. Thanks to the Marina's premier facility, you'll feel at ease and home. You get laundry services and a complete bathhouse. Also, you get access to a clubhouse for rental for social events and work racks for minor repairs.

As a private marina, you must register and become a member to use Bradley Creek. Nevertheless, registration is easy, and you get your money's worth.

10. Bock Marine

Address: 233 Core Creek Rd, Beaufort, NC 28516, United States | Phone: +1 252-728-6855 | Website

Here's another liveaboard marina around Beaufort. In particular, Bock Marine is renowned for its amenities. Hence, it's a favorite location for the most comfortable of experiences.

Notably, when you go liveaboard at Bock Marine, you get access to a spacious customer lounge. The lounge features outdoor and indoor seating with work tables. In addition, Bock Marine provides high-speed Wi-Fi for free and a telephone.

You'll appreciate the large and bright restrooms and their showers. The coin-operated laundry is also notable. If you need any supplies, you can visit the ship's store, which is a relatively affordable place to shop.

The Marina has been operating for more than thirty years. As a result, the operators have the experience to look after your vessel throughout your stay properly. Visiting Bock Marine also supports the local community, as the Marina regularly contributes to local events.

11. Town Creek Marina

Address: 114 Town Creek Dr, Beaufort, NC 28516, United States | Phone: (252) 728-6111 | Website

Town Creek Marina is a family-owned marina that has been operating since 1996. The Marina is renowned as the only full-service Marina in Beaufort, North Carolina. In addition, its cutting-edge floating docks and other top-tier facilities make it a suitable choice for a liveaboard marina.

Town Creek Marina is located east of the Gallants Channel 65-inch fixed bridge on Highway 70. As a result, it gives you unrivaled access to everything Beaufort offers.

Long-term and transient vessels up to 180 feet in length can dock at Town Creek Marina's brand-new hardwood floating docks. These docks are equipped with free Wi-Fi, 30, 50, or 100 amps of electricity, in-slip fueling, free softened water, and Wi-Fi.

A short walk from the Marina will take you to historic downtown Beaufort. Here you can visit quality restaurants and shopping centers, to name a few.

12. Topsail Island Marina

Address: 412 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445, United States | Phone: (844) 486-7724 | Website

If you're around Surf City, Topsail Island Marina should be among your options if you need a liveaboard marina in North Carolina. It's not just about the location and service but also the fun boating community.

Topsail Island Marina doesn't offer transient dockage. However, you can pay for long-term dockage, a popular option for liveaboard boaters. The long-term dockage service accommodates yachts of more than 50 feet in size.

Due to its location, Topsail Island Marina is suitable as a liveaboard location for families. It offers a perfect view of both Topsail Island and Surf City. Not to mention the great amenities you get access to.

You get typical amenities like showers, laundry, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a pump out, restrooms, and fresh water. In addition, you can find a bank, restaurants, shopping centers, a coffee shop, and other services near the Marina.

13. Bridgeton Harbor Marina

Address: 1101 N B St, New Bern, NC 28560, United States | Phone: (252) 349-1194 | Website

Here's another liveaboard marina located in New Bern. There are not many better places to stay in New Bern than Bridgeton Harbor Marina, whether for a few days or months.

It's a comfortable marina with approximately 115 covered spots for vessels from 30 to 80 feet in length. The attractive and safe floating docks make docking a breeze as they accommodate larger slips. 

Bridgeton Harbor Marina further provides convenient amenities. These include free laundry facilities and ultra-modern, private bathrooms with spacious walk-in showers. Furthermore, you get access to 50-amp power, water, pump outs, and free Wi-Fi at each slip. 

One thing you'll love while at Bridgeton Harbor Marina is the clubhouse. The views from the clubhouse are breathtaking, and you'll appreciate the helpful employees.

14. Duck Creek Marina & Boatyard

Address: 699 Galloway Rd, New Bern, NC 28560, United States | Phone: (252) 638-1702 | Website

This Marina and boatyard opened as a small boat harbor in New Bern in 1971. Currently, it boasts a dock with up to 100 dry spaces and 60 wet slips. The wet slips welcome boats measuring up to 34 feet.

Since it doubles as a boatyard, you can trust the professionals at Duck Creek Marina to keep your boat in perfect condition. Furthermore, you can order the boat check service at any time at an affordable rate. Nevertheless, you can still choose to maintain the vessel yourself.

You get a friendly and relaxed environment when you go liveaboard at Duck Creek Marina. Any boater would love it.

The Marina ranks among the best in terms of amenities as well. You get electricity and water with each of the 60 wet slips and 100 dry dock spaces. In addition, there are heated showers and bathroom facilities.

Furthermore, Duck Creek Marina & Boatyard isn't far from New Bern's top restaurants and grocery stores.

15. Whittaker Pointe Marina

Address: 5001 Maritime Dr, Oriental, NC 28571 | Phone: (252) 249-1750 | Website

Whittaker Pointe is a relatively new marina in the heart of Oriental, North Carolina. Despite being new, the marina is among the best thanks to its first-rate service. Its location also plays a key role.

The Marina gives boaters breathtaking views of the waterfront of the Whittaker Creek and Neuse River. You can also view much of the shoreline around Oriental.

For living aboard this Marina, you can choose transient dockage for short-term visits at daily and monthly rates or long-term rentals at annual rates.

Whittaker Pointe Marina has concrete docks with integrated wave attenuation. Hence, it's possible to dock any size power or sailing sailboat at the Marina. You can even buy or rent a catamaran slip.

They also have a clubhouse with beautiful scenery, like a few other marinas on this list, which includes a swimming pool, a BBQ grill, a washing facility, individual showers, changing areas, and a courtesy car.

16. Stutts Marina

Address: 571 Stutts Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117, United States | Phone: (704) 664-3106 | Website

Stutts Marina is arguably the most popular in Lake Norman, as it was the first Marina in the area. The Marina primarily serves the local community but welcomes boaters from other areas.

Thanks to the massive refurbishment by the marina owners, it now has more slip capacity. Also, the slips are easily navigable and dockable.

One of the notable features of this Marina is the outward-facing covered slips, which measure 14 by 30 feet. With wake-breaking technology built into the floating docks, the slips are meant to lessen the effects of waves.

Furthermore, you get access to 100% ethanol-free fuel at Stutts Marina. With all of this, Stutts Marina is undoubtedly one of the best if you need a liveaboard marina with high-quality equipment. The fully-packed ship store is also at your disposal if you require supplies.

17. Port City Marina

Address: 10 Harnett St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States | Phone: (910) 251-6151 | Website

You won't find many marinas in Wilmington that are better equipped than Port City Marina. The deep-water Marina features a dock that can accommodate vessels of up to 400 feet in size.

Port City Marina offers up to 200 floating concrete wet slips. It accommodates both super yachts and small vessels. You can ensure your boat is safe with video surveillance and gated dock entrances.

However, what you'll love most about this liveaboard Marina is the first-class amenities. There's a full-service marine fuel dock where you can get ethanol-free gasoline and high-speed diesel. Also, you get access to clean, private, and secure bathrooms and showers.

Since it's located in downtown Wilmington, Port City Marina gives you the best access to the North Carolina city. Restaurants, local beaches, and an international airport are within a short walk or a few miles away if you drive.

18. Teach's Lair Marina

Address: 58646 North Carolina Hwy 12, Hatteras, NC 27943, United States | Phone: (252) 986-2460 | Website

Here's a suitable option if you need a liveaboard marina where you can go fishing. Teach's Lair Marina is located in Hatteras. Hence, it's part of the Hatteras group of marinas.

The Marina has everything you require on-site. Once you start living aboard, you won't need to leave unless you want to. There are up to 90 slips available at the dock.

You can go fishing on your own or in the company of the Marina's experienced captains. In addition, there's a fish cleaning station where you can send in your catch for professional preparation. All of these are available at reasonable rates.

Teach's Lair Marina features top amenities, including a fuel dock, water hookup, restrooms, showers, and a ship store. In addition, restaurants, ATMs, and more are not far from the Marina.

19. All Seasons Marina

Address: 827 Langtree Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117, United States, United States | Phone: (704) 892-3478 | Website

You can go with annual slips at All Seasons Marina for a unique liveaboard experience. In addition, the Marina has seasonal options and daily, weekly, and monthly rentals. 

It's one of the best liveaboard marinas in North Carolina due to its versatility. In particular, All Seasons Marina gives you various choices to meet all your boating requirements.

You can purchase in-water slips and indoor, covered, and outside dry valet storage throughout the summer. The Marina offers more than 200 slips. When it's winter, you can choose indoors, outside, or covered storage. 

Furthermore, All Seasons Marina boasts top amenities like many other marinas on this list. For example, there's a ship store and a spot for snacks, ice cream, and cold drinks.

You also get access to a fuel dock with a ramp, a full-service boat yard, dockside water and electricity, hot showers, and private air-conditioned bathhouses.

20. McCotters Marina & Boatyard

Address: 179 McCotters Marina Rd, Washington, NC 27889, United States, United States | Phone: (252) 975-2174 | Website

Many boaters who come to McCotters Marina & Boatyard come to service their boats. However, those who come to live aboard the Marina confirm it's one of the best.

McCotters Marina & Boatyard is relatively popular in the River Road areas because its owners are locals. Consequently, they provide excellent service to all boaters.

Notably, McCotters Marina & Boatyard allows both transient and permanent dockage. At the Marina, you get 180 slots with full amenities. The amenities include electricity, water, internet, Phone, and cable.

Aside from the liveaboard service, this Marina also provides one of the best repair services. As a result, you can easily fix your vessel if it has any issues during your stay.

Furthermore, McCotters Marina & Boatyard is a location where you can buy boats. You'll find enticing options if you want to expand your fleet during your stay.