Introduction

Miami’s waterfront is more than picturesque, it’s a way of life. With year‑round boating weather, deep‑water marinas and prestigious gated communities, the city has become the premier destination for buyers who want their boat moored steps from home. Today’s marina‑front homebuyers aren’t just looking for a slip; they’re looking for a lifestyle that blends privacy, convenience, and luxury. This in‑depth guide explores the top neighborhoods for marina living, current market context, property types, lifestyle perks, and practical tips for buyers, sellers and relocators.

Miami Marina Market Overview

Miami’s waterfront real‑estate market remained resilient through 2025 and into 2026. Demand for luxury homes with docks continues to outstrip supply, especially in gated communities and new towers that offer private marina services. A 2026 market report on Miami waterfront properties noted that supply shortages have kept prices elevated, with wealthy buyers vying for limited bayfront lots and new luxury condo projects delivering more units. The result is a highly competitive environment where pricing depends heavily on waterfront access, dock depth and location.

At the same time, Miami‑Dade County has invested in marina infrastructure. Public marinas such as Bill Bird, Black Point and Crandon offer wet slips, dry storage, fuel and transient docking. Daily transient rates range from roughly $2.45 to $3.15 per linear foot, while monthly slip fees run between $37 and $49 per foot. These facilities provide accessible dockage for boat owners who may not have a private slip at home and illustrate the cost baseline for marine services in the region.

Explore other Miami neighborhood guides to discover hidden gems, compare communities, and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Top Marina‑Front Neighborhoods

Coconut Grove & Dinner Key

• Community overview: Coconut Grove is Miami’s oldest neighborhood and remains its sailing capital. The city‑operated Dinner Key Marina, Florida’s largest wet‑slip marina—anchors the waterfront. The marina sits in historic Coconut Grove and is attached to Monty’s Raw Bar and Miami City Hall, offering a central location to charter fishing boats or enjoy a seafood lunch while overlooking Biscayne Bay. With 587 slips, Dinner Key provides moorings for vessels up to roughly 135 feet and quick access to the bay.
• Residential options: Waterfront homes in Coconut Grove range from updated 1950s cottages to modern estates. The median list price for waterfront residences was roughly $2.3 million in early 2026, with inventory spanning single‑family homes, condos and townhomes. Exclusive communities like The Moorings (discussed below) provide private docks and lush landscaping, while Vita at Grove Isle, a 65‑residence pre‑construction condo scheduled for completion in 2025, offers new waterfront condo inventory.

Coral Gables Communities: Cocoplum, Gables Estates & Old Cutler Bay

• Cocoplum: Located along Biscayne Bay, Cocoplum is a gated community divided into islands such as Isla Dorada and Isla Marina. The community includes a private yacht club and marina, allowing residents to dock boats at home and navigate directly to the bay. Homes sit on large lots (12,000–46,000 sq ft), with 24‑hour security and amenities like tennis courts and a resort‑style pool.
• Gables Estates: Often considered America’s most exclusive neighborhood, Gables Estates comprises 179 waterfront estates averaging over 56,000 sq ft with private docks. Residents pay a $100,000 membership initiation and $7,500 annual HOA dues to maintain privacy and security. The community’s deep‑water canals offer direct access to Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, enabling residents to enjoy boating, fishing and water sports from their private docks. Homes routinely command eight‑figure prices.
• Old Cutler Bay: Old Cutler Bay is a coveted waterfront neighborhood on 150 acres in southern Coral Gables. With only about 136 homes on one‑third to one‑half acre lots, the community offers privacy and wide winding canals that lead directly to the Atlantic. The majority of homes are four‑ to eight‑bedroom estates between 4,000 and 8,000 sq ft, and most have private docks and decks. Listing prices in 2026 range from roughly $4.4 million to more than $14 million. An in‑depth market analysis compares Old Cutler Bay to neighboring Gables Estates: both communities offer waterfront lots and wide basins that feel like bayfront living, but Old Cutler Bay’s lots are smaller (20,000–23,000 sq ft) and homes start at about $5.5 million, whereas Gables Estates lots are at least one acre and homes start around $10 million. Boat lovers appreciate that both neighborhoods can dock yachts with drafts up to 5–6 feet and reach open water in about three minutes.

Snapper Creek Lakes

South of Old Cutler Bay, Snapper Creek Lakes is an elite gated enclave with 124 estate‑sized properties on one‑acre lots. The community guards its privacy and tranquility yet is minutes from downtown Coral Gables. A unique selling point is its private marina; boaters can launch directly from the neighborhood and enjoy easy access to bay waters. Homes blend modern and Mediterranean styles and often feature waterfalls, koi ponds and tropical gardens. Snapper Creek residents also benefit from proximity to top public and private schools in Coral Gables, making this neighborhood desirable for families who value education and boating equally.

Sunset Islands & Miami Beach Enclaves

Sunset Islands: Off the shores of Miami Beach, the four Sunset Islands sit between North Bay Road and Biscayne Bay. The islands are gated with 24‑hour security, and each consists solely of single‑family homes, ranging from renovated 1930s bungalows to ultramodern estates. For boaters, the layout is ideal: every waterfront property has direct open-water access to Biscayne Bay with no fixed bridges. Islands I and II are connected to Miami Beach by bridges lined with majestic royal palms, while Islands III and IV connect to the vibrant Sunset Harbour neighborhood. Residents enjoy proximity to Miami Beach Golf Course, grocery stores, restaurants and fitness studios.

Eastern Shores: In North Miami Beach, Eastern Shores is a gated community of roughly 300 homes connected by deep, wide canals. Each property has direct canal access, and the canals can accommodate large yachts, making the neighborhood “yacht‑ready”. Residents enjoy privacy and seclusion while being close to Sunny Isles Beach and Aventura; manatees and dolphins are known to swim through the canals.

The Moorings & Coconut Grove

The Moorings is a small, guard‑gated community tucked between Coral Gables and central Coconut Grove. Homes here boast lush tropical gardens, Fernando Wong‑designed pools, mahogany kitchens, courtyards and loggia‑lined patios. The community offers unfettered dock access, allowing homeowners to pull their boats directly to their properties. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular, and residents are steps away from Coconut Grove’s cultural attractions and top schools. With only 37 luxury homes in the community, listings are rare and command premium prices.

Key Biscayne & Hurricane Harbor

Key Biscayne is an island village accessible by the Rickenbacker Causeway. It presents a clear fork for buyers: oceanfront condominiums that provide resort‑style amenities and lock‑and‑leave convenience, and single‑family waterfront estates that deliver private dockage and total control. Condo owners often pair their unit with membership at a nearby marina or yacht club, while estate owners convert Biscayne Bay into their backyard. On canal and bayfront parcels, particularly in protected pockets like Hurricane Harbor, owners enjoy coffee at sunrise as manatees surface along the seawall and keep their tender ready for a quick run to Stiltsville. With sufficient frontage and the right entitlements, docks can be engineered to accommodate serious center‑console yachts or multiple lifts for tenders. Navigationally, Key Biscayne offers quick access to open bay waters without bridge constraints but does require attention to wake zones and channel approaches.

Eastern Shores & North Miami

Eastern Shores’ wide canals and direct Intracoastal access draw yacht owners, while the area’s 300‑acre footprint provides a blend of luxury and family‑oriented living. The guard‑gated community’s deep‑water canals are both mooring spots and natural habitats; residents often spot manatees and dolphins from their docks. Homes span Mediterranean villas, modern masterpieces and updated mid‑century designs. Eastern Shores is minutes from Haulover Inlet, making it a strategic base for offshore fishing or cruising to the Bahamas.

Property Types & Price Ranges

Single‑family waterfront estates:

• Coral Gables: Homes in Gables Estates often exceed 10,000 sq ft and command eight‑figure prices, reflecting the community’s exclusivity and large acre‑plus lots. Old Cutler Bay offers slightly smaller lots (20,000–23,000 sq ft) with homes starting around $5.5 million. Snapper Creek Lakes features one‑acre lots with homes that frequently integrate waterfalls and koi ponds. Cocoplum and The Moorings provide a mix of Mediterranean and modern architecture with sizes ranging from 4,000 to over 8,000 sq ft and price points typically between $4 million and $20 million.
• Miami Beach & Key Biscayne: Sunset Islands estates offer direct bay access without bridges and range from renovated 1930s homes to new contemporary mansions. Prices often span $5 million to $30 million depending on lot size and waterfront exposure. Key Biscayne waterfront estates along Hurricane Harbor provide private docks and compound‑level amenities, with valuations commonly above $10 million.

Condominiums & townhomes with marina amenities:

• Aston Martin Residences: This ultra‑luxury tower on the Miami River includes a private superyacht marina with approximately 900 linear feet of dockage and a 15‑foot draft to accommodate large vessels. Residents enjoy a signature butler service, an amenity deck and prime access to Brickell dining.
• Marina Palms Yacht Club & Residences: Located in North Miami Beach, this development features a 112‑slip marina for yachts up to about 90 feet. It combines condominium living with full‑service marina operations and a yacht club.
• Baccarat Residences & Una Residences: Both towers offer private dockage along the Miami River or Biscayne Bay. Una Residences is a 135‑unit boutique building that provides slips exclusively for residents and a serene bayfront orientation.
• Vita at Grove Isle: Scheduled to deliver in 2025, this pre‑construction boutique building offers 65 residences with three to four bedrooms and private marina access.
• Townhomes and smaller properties: Eastern Shores and Coconut Grove offer waterfront townhomes and condos starting around $900,000. These properties appeal to first‑time buyers or downsizers who still want boat access.

Lifestyle & Community Highlights

• Seamless boating: Communities like Gables Estates, Old Cutler Bay and Sunset Islands are designed so that residents can board their boat within minutes and be on the open bay shortly thereafter. Wide canals and basins accommodate yachts with drafts up to 5–6 feet and allow turning space. In Eastern Shores, deep canals handle large vessels and create natural habitats for marine life. At The Moorings and Cocoplum, docks are directly behind each home, and kayaking or paddleboarding is part of daily life.
• Security and privacy: Nearly all marina‑front neighborhoods are guard gated. Old Cutler Bay, Snapper Creek Lakes and Sunset Islands employ 24‑hour security and controlled entry. Gables Estates further requires membership approval and significant initiation fees. The result is a serene atmosphere where children can ride bikes safely and neighbors know each other.
• Schools and family amenities: Proximity to top private and public schools is a major draw for Coral Gables and Coconut Grove communities. Snapper Creek residents have access to excellent preschools, elementary and preparatory schools, including Gulliver Academy and Riviera Preparatory. Families in Old Cutler Bay and Gables Estates appreciate the short drive to Miami’s top private schools, while Key Biscayne offers on‑island K–8 options with specialized magnet schools accessible via the causeway.
• Lifestyle perks: Coconut Grove’s arts scene, farmers’ markets and sailing regattas enrich daily life. Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour is a hub for restaurants and wellness studios. Snapper Creek’s lush landscaping, waterfalls and koi ponds foster a tranquil environment. Residents of The Moorings enjoy walking to Fairchild Tropical Garden, Matheson Hammock Park and Merrick Park for upscale shopping.

Relocation & Practical Considerations

• Dockage depth & slip size: Not all canals or docks can handle the same vessel size. Before purchasing, buyers should verify the draft (water depth) and beam (width) of the canal. In Gables Estates and Old Cutler Bay, most docks accommodate yachts with drafts of 5–6 feet. Key Biscayne estates may require engineering a custom dock; local permitting and seagrass preservation rules must be considered.
• Bridge clearance & navigation: Communities like Sunset Islands and Eastern Shores offer bridge‑free access to Biscayne Bay, while some canals in Cocoplum or Coconut Grove may require passing under fixed bridges; consult a marine specialist to confirm clearance.
• Flood zones & insurance: Many waterfront properties are in flood zones. Buyers should obtain updated elevation certificates and budget for flood and windstorm insurance. Homes built to current coastal building codes may command higher premiums but provide greater resilience.
• HOA fees & regulations: Gated communities often impose HOA or club fees that cover security, road maintenance and marina operations. In Gables Estates, the $100,000 membership plus annual dues is a significant upfront cost. Old Cutler Bay and Snapper Creek fees are lower but still material; ask for HOA budgets and meeting minutes to understand future assessments.
• Rental restrictions: Many luxury communities restrict short‑term rentals to preserve privacy. Before purchasing with rental income in mind, confirm the community’s minimum lease terms and restrictions.
• Transportation & commute: Buyers should factor commute times to work, school and airports. Coral Gables communities offer quick access to South Miami and Brickell, while Key Biscayne residents cross the causeway for work and may face rush‑hour traffic.

Download our Free Relocation Guide to get expert tips and essential insights that make your move to Miami seamless and stress‑free.

Investment & Rental Considerations

Waterfront properties with docks are finite. Limited supply, plus demand from boaters and international buyers, has kept prices resilient even when broader markets cool. Investors considering marina‑front homes should focus on:

1. Location quality: Neighborhoods with direct bay access and no fixed bridges—such as Sunset Islands, Old Cutler Bay and Eastern Shores—will maintain premium valuations.
2. Dock attributes: Larger slips capable of handling a 70‑ to 120‑foot yacht command higher prices. Verify depth, width and seawall condition.
3. Lifestyle demand: Properties offering a blend of privacy, security, schools and recreation remain attractive to relocators and corporate executives.
4. Rental potential: While short‑term rentals are often restricted, long‑term rentals (six months or more) can yield strong returns, especially for foreign owners who visit seasonally.
5. Maintenance costs: Waterfront estates carry higher upkeep—seawall maintenance, dock repair and landscaping. Factor these costs into cash‑flow projections.

New Construction & Pre‑Construction Opportunities

Miami continues to deliver new luxury towers and communities that cater to boaters:

• Aston Martin Residences (Brickell): Featuring 391 condos and a private superyacht marina with 900 linear feet of dockage and a 15‑foot draft. Completion is scheduled for 2027.
• Marina Palms Yacht Club & Residences (North Miami Beach): Offers a 112‑slip marina for yachts up to about 90 feet, plus a yacht club and fuel service.
• Baccarat Residences (Brickell): A 75‑story tower with private boat slips along the Miami River. Residents will enjoy a riverfront promenade and butler service.
• Una Residences (South Brickell): A 47‑story boutique tower with 135 residences and private slips exclusively for owners. The curved facade by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill evokes a yacht hull.
• Vita at Grove Isle (Coconut Grove): A boutique project delivering 65 ultra‑luxury residences with private marina access on Grove Isle.

Buyers interested in pre‑construction should consult experienced agents about deposit schedules, marina slip availability and developer track records. Pre‑construction pricing often includes slip rights, but allocations may be limited and based on residence size.

Browse our New Construction pages to explore the latest luxury developments in Miami.

Guidance for Buyers

1. Define your boating needs: Consider vessel size, draft and frequency of use. A high‑performance center console requires deeper water and a sturdy dock, while a sailboat needs bridge clearance.
2. Research the community: Compare neighborhoods based on security, lot size, school proximity and lifestyle. For families, Old Cutler Bay and Snapper Creek offer gated privacy and quick access to top schools. Single professionals may favor Sunset Harbour or Brickell’s new towers.
3. Inspect marine infrastructure: Hire a marine contractor to inspect seawalls, docks and pilings. Ensure that electrical outlets and water lines meet your vessel’s requirements.
4. Understand regulations: Obtain permits for dock repairs or modifications. In Key Biscayne, check seagrass and setback requirements. In Miami Beach, adhere to city ordinances on dock structures.
5. Work with a specialist: A local realtor with marina expertise can identify off‑market opportunities and negotiate slip rights. They will also coordinate inspections, insurance quotes and closing logistics.

Use our Mortgage Calculator to estimate monthly payments and plan your financing so you shop with confidence in the luxury market.

Guidance for Sellers

1. Highlight dock features: Showcase slip dimensions, water depth and quick bay access in your marketing. Provide recent maintenance records for seawalls and lifts.
2. Stage for lifestyle: Emphasize outdoor living—set up seating on the dock, display kayaks or paddleboards, and present your home as a waterfront sanctuary.
3. Disclose costs: Be transparent about HOA dues, club memberships and insurance premiums. Buyers appreciate understanding the full cost of ownership.
4. Leverage scarcity: Remind prospective buyers that private dockage is limited. Limited supply often translates to strong resale value, even in slower markets.
5. Partner with a marketing‑savvy agent: Agents who understand SEO, social media and high‑end marketing will reach the right audience. They may also connect with yacht brokers to tap into boating clientele.

Request a Home Valuation to find out what your waterfront property is worth and decide whether now is the right time to sell.

Local Insight: Navigating Miami’s Marina‑Front Market

Navigating Miami’s marina‑front real estate requires specialized local knowledge. A seasoned Realtor knows the nuances, from canal draft and HOA rules to flood zones, insurance requirements and pre‑construction contracts. They can connect you with marine surveyors, help expedite permitting and ensure every detail is addressed so you can enjoy life on the water.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling or building along Miami’s waterfront, don’t go it alone. Reach out for tailored advice and market insights. Whether you’re exploring pre‑construction opportunities, evaluating dockage requirements, or simply curious about home values in your neighborhood, I’m here to help guide you through every step.

FAQs

1. Which Miami neighborhoods offer homes with private docks and no fixed bridges?
   Old Cutler Bay, Gables Estates, Sunset Islands and Eastern Shores provide direct open‑water access to Biscayne Bay without bridge restrictions. These communities are ideal for large yachts and sailboats.
2. What are typical slip fees at public marinas?
   Miami‑Dade County marinas charge daily transient rates of about $2.45–$3.15 per linear foot and monthly rates around $37–$49 per foot, depending on boat size. Private marinas in luxury towers usually include slip rights in the purchase price or charge separate membership fees.
3. Are there affordable options for waterfront living in Miami?
   While single‑family estates can exceed $10 million, buyers can find waterfront condos and townhomes under $1 million in Eastern Shores and certain Coconut Grove developments. Public marinas and yacht clubs also allow boaters to live inland while maintaining dockage.
4. How deep are the canals in Coral Gables communities?
   Most canals in Old Cutler Bay and Gables Estates accommodate yachts with drafts up to 5–6 feet. Some homes offer deeper drafts, but buyers should verify depth before purchase.
5. Do marina‑front communities allow short‑term rentals?
   Many gated communities restrict rentals to protect privacy. Check HOA rules in advance. For example, a luxury condo may allow minimum six‑month leases, while a single‑family community may prohibit rentals altogether.
6. What new marina‑equipped towers are coming soon?
   Projects like Aston Martin Residences, Marina Palms Yacht Club, Baccarat Residences and Una Residences offer private marina facilities for residents, with completions scheduled between 2025 and 2027.
7. Is living in Key Biscayne suitable for families?
   Yes. Key Biscayne compresses errands, beach and schools into a walkable village. Families often use the on‑island K–8 program and then transition to magnet or private schools on the mainland. Estate homes with private docks in Hurricane Harbor provide space and security for multigenerational living.
8. How can I compare different marina communities?
   Work with a realtor who can provide comparative market analyses and arrange tours. Consider lot size, dockage depth, HOA fees, neighborhood vibe, proximity to schools and restaurants, and long‑term resale potential.