Authors: Dr. Athanasios Pallis, Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue and Dr. Theo Notteboom

Tourist ports for recreational vessels are a distinctive category of ports where infrastructure, hinterland services, and facilities functionally support the docking of recreational boating and yachting.

1. Tourist Ports

There is no formal consensus concerning the definition of marinas or yacht harbours that strictly support recreational and touristic purposes. Still, tourist ports are commonly divided into three categories:

• Marina. A tourist port with land and sea facilities and infrastructure to serve recreational boating and yachting, as well as their users. Within marinas, slips and berths are portions of a pier, main pier, finger pier, or float where a boat is berthed or moored, or used for embarking or disembarking. The docks that designate the storage space supply various services, including water, electricity, sewage pumpouts, and telecommunications. Slips are rented to boaters on an annual, seasonal, or short-term (transient) basis. In some marinas, slips are owned by individuals who hold title to their slips and have non-exclusive ownership and use of common marina property (clubhouse, restrooms, and recreational facilities) that is professionally managed. Many marinas offer drystack berths, drysail berths, and dry land storage.
• Tourist harbor (or shelter). A tourist port with basic infrastructure of at least 300 square meters, including water, electricity, telephone, fuel, waste and refuse collection, fire fighting, accommodation, and sanitary facilities and services. Many are designed for this purpose or have been converted from port facilities that were closed.
• Anchorage. Port facility created within a protected bay, lake, or river, with a limited number of berths and basic facilities, and with light infrastructure and equipment that do not cause significant alteration of the environment.
• Fishing shelter. A port facility that is used to moor fishing vessels. They might be accompanied by port facilities, such as piers, buildings, refrigerated warehouses, and processing centers, that, together with the associated land area, are intended to serve the fishing vessels and the sale of the caught products. Several of these areas have a propensity to attract tourism and recreational boating.

2. Yachting and Boating

A. Market expansion

Yachting is a dynamic market that continues to grow and expand globally, driven by the significant growth in the superyacht segment, which is expected to remain the primary driver of international growth. As the number of people with discretionary income increases, so does the enthusiasm for recreational boating, water sports, and outdoor endeavours, particularly following the pandemic. This has prompted a surge in demand for yachts and the expansion of the boatbuilding industry, which aims to create models that are affordable, versatile, and user-friendly.

As of 2024, the global yacht market was valued at USD 12.4 billion and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.4% over the next decade. However, the recreational boating industry is highly fragmented and characterised predominantly by small, privately owned businesses catering to a specific region. Smaller boats are more difficult to reposition or distribute globally, which favors local manufacturing. This fragmentation presents significant challenges in accurately assessing its complete economic footprint. In particular, it complicates data collection and aggregation for individual associations, resulting in figures that are likely approximations of their actual economic value. Combining available data, it is estimated that the global boating industry encompasses:

• 30,000 marinas and yacht harbours, providing close to 5 million berths and over a million open moorings to boat owners around the globe.
• Approximately 100,000 direct companies, the majority of which are engaged in refit, repair, and maintenance services supporting the world’s boating population.
• One million direct employees, with over 100,000 employees engaged in boat and engine manufacturing across the industry’s most important markets.
• 30 million recreational yachts and boats in ownership, with outboard-powered motorboats accounting for 34% of boats owned globally.
• More than $50 billion in annual manufacturing turnover, with sailboats and inboard/sterndrive motorboats only accounting for 5% of unit production annually.

The increased popularity of maritime tourism, combined with the convenience provided by online booking services, continues to lead to a rise in boat sales, particularly of larger vessels, and a growing number of first-time boat owners. These factors contribute to a surge in demand for storage space (including berths, moorings, and dry stacks), as well as berth rentals, launching, fueling, and repair services at marinas. The global boating industry has sustained a compound annual growth rate of 10% since 2014.

B. Regional characteristics

The market is predominantly concentrated in North America and Europe, the largest and fastest-growing markets, respectively. These two regions collectively account for approximately 70% of the global market share. In terms of propulsion, motorboats in these regions represent approximately 90% of the market. In North America, outboard engines account for approximately 70%, while in Europe, inboard engines represent around 50%. North America accounts for the largest share of the yacht market, reaching approximately 37%. Many high-net-worth individuals, a strong boating culture, and vast coastal access, along with proximity to the Caribbean, provide North America with a significant market position, driving luxury lifestyle trends and a robust yacht charter market that contributes to consistent demand for yachts and superyachts. The United States accounts for more than half of the manufacturing, retail, and aftermarket sales market.

Over six million boats and yachts sail in Europe, while 4,000 to 10,000 marinas and tourist harbors provide more than one million berths in inland and coastal areas. The related cluster (ecosystem) comprises boatbuilders, engine manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, trade, and service providers. Primarily composed of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as a small number of large companies, this ecosystem consists of approximately 32,000 companies that directly employ over 280,000 people. Boatbuilding alone comprises 3,600 companies that employ over 82,000 people.

Growing affluence and interest in other parts of the world, such as China and India, the UAE (Middle East), and South America, are opening new customer bases, driving the expansion of the yacht market and marina infrastructure in these regions. Similarly to cruising, the globalisation and expansion of penetration in different nations is underway. In 2024, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to host 530 active superyachts exceeding 30 meters, a 19% increase from 2023, with 700 new builds anticipated to be delivered. The Chinese yacht market is expected to experience significant growth. Various elements are driving the yacht ownership and charter market, including regulatory easing (lower import taxes, relaxed registration, and extensive movement of owned or charter-owned yachts), with estimates suggesting total yacht ownership will grow from 38,100 to 163,500 between 2020 and 2025. Multiple countries beyond China, such as Thailand and Vietnam, are investing heavily in marina infrastructure to cater to their local markets.

In the Middle East, the UAE, the most developed yachting market, has many luxury and ultra-luxury yachts utilising marinas like Dubai Marina, Yas Marina (Abu Dhabi), or Mina Rashid in Dubai and introducing relaxed restrictions on yacht ownership and registration, as the UAE has a higher number of mega-infrastructure projects aimed at upgrading luxury and environmentally friendly yachts, revitalising entertainment projects, and developing new marina projects.

Latin America is also projected to grow. Countries in the region (e.g. Brazil, Mexico, and Chile) are enhancing port facilities, revising yacht registration, and promoting domestic yacht production. Investment in marina development is increasing and will help enhance its profile as a yachting destination. Countries are concentrating their efforts on new marina investments, upgrading and improving facilities to accommodate both domestic and international tourists traveling by yacht.

C. Market segmentation

The yacht market is divided into three market segments based on the length of the yachts. The smaller ones, which are less than 24 meters, the yachts between 24 and 45 meters, and the yachts with a length above 45 meters, respectively. A second categorization of the yacht market is the segmentation based on the propulsion system. In this case, the yacht market is segmented into motor, sail, and the comparatively minor hybrid/electric categories. The motor segment dominates, as it is more flexible in its cruising ability under varying conditions and in its average cruising speed, extending its range. A third categorization is based on type, with the yacht market divided into flybridge yachts, sport yachts, superyachts, and other categories. In this categorisation, the superyacht segment dominates, accounting for around 37% in 2024. Across categories, there is a tendency for customisation, as owners prefer individualised interiors filled with amenities to increase their onboard comfort.

The emerging trends shaping the recreational boating market include a shift in the customer base. An industry heavily reliant on personal connections, recreational boating is experiencing a change in its customer base towards millennials, who value a closer connection with nature and a greater emphasis on eco-friendliness. This change is also apparent in the superyacht market, with projections indicating that 60% of luxury superyacht owners will soon be part of the millennial demographic.

The new customer base demonstrates a growing preference for personalised solutions and design features that reflect lifestyle aspirations and environmental values. Contemporary yacht design is increasingly seeking a symbiotic integration with the natural environment, thereby reshaping traditional industry priorities, such as privacy and comfort. In parallel, the introduction of eco-friendly yachts reflects a broader shift in the industry toward sustainability, through innovative practices such as the use of recycled components, the adoption of eco-friendly materials, and the use of low-emission engines.

Innovations in technology also enhance user experience, attracting more customers. The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), advanced automation, and state-of-the-art navigational systems in yachts significantly enhances operational safety and security, while enabling greater user control over onboard systems through mobile devices. These technological advancements not only improve convenience and entertainment but also cater to the preferences of technologically sophisticated consumers, thereby serving as a differentiating factor in an increasingly competitive market. Shipyards are progressively adopting innovative practices, including the incorporation of recycled components, the use of environmentally responsible materials, and the advancement of alternative propulsion systems, notably hydrogen fuel cells powered by methanol and hybrid engines, in response to heightened environmental awareness and regulatory pressures.

The production of recreational crafts is highly diverse, ranging from series to one-off boats built to order. Advanced engineering, innovative design methodologies, and high-quality craftsmanship are critical aspects of leadership in yacht production. Yacht manufacturers are primarily European firms, particularly in the superyachts sector. The United States contributes strongly in niche areas, with manufacturers being particularly strong in sportfishing yachts, custom, and mid-size motor yachts. However, it is less competitive in large-scale sailing yacht production compared to France or Italy. In the 21st century, a new market segment has emerged, one that builds superyachts (yachts exceeding 24 meters in length). Based on the cumulative length of hulls produced, the Italian manufacturer Azimut-Benetti has consistently topped the rankings in this market. This contributes to Italy’s preeminence in the global yacht manufacturing industry, as reflected in its consistent control over 40% of all yachts under construction. Beyond Italy, large groups of manufacturers are located in the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, and Poland. The major non-European yacht manufacturer worldwide is operating in Taiwan. The top-15 yacht builders in 2024 had orders for over 640 newbuilds reaching a total length of 25,000 meters.

The expansion of the yacht charter market is an additional market trend. The rise in yacht charter services lowers the entry barrier for consumers, increasing accessibility and market penetration among affluent customers. Bareboat chartering, which involves the chartering or hiring of a boat without crew or provisions included as part of the agreement, where the individuals renting the vessel from the owner are responsible for providing these services, remains the most significant activity in the charter sector. Nevertheless, there is an increasing demand for other charter services, such as chartering boats with staff on board, whether skippered boats or charter boats with hostesses, for events, including conferences, celebrations, and team-building activities. Fractional yacht ownership is also gaining popularity as an affordable alternative to traditional full yacht ownership. The developments offer personalised yachting options to more individuals at a reduced maintenance cost. This trend is expanding the scope of access to a larger share of the market, as well as to younger consumers.

Despite the easing of the pandemic and inflation, the nautical industry still faces shortages of components and skilled labour. To tackle this, many shipyards are implementing vertical integration strategies to ensure timely and cost-effective production. In the 2020s, the boating market underwent over 400 mergers and acquisitions transactions, with a focus on downstream segments (approximately 57%) and primarily occurring in North America (approximately 58%). Yachting operators and shipyards active in boat construction accounted for approximately 60% of these transactions, while financial investors contributed around 20%, marking a slight increase in their presence. The related port industry is also consolidating through numerous acquisitions and the development of specialised tourist marinas, both in emerging regions (e.g., the Middle East) and established markets like the Mediterranean (e.g., Greece and Italy).

D. Superyachts

The increased penetration of new buyers has contributed to the growth in the number of superyachts (>24 meters), with demand for new orders primarily driven by the 30-40 meter segment. New superyacht completions reached a record level of almost 700 in 2024, with half of the delivered yachts being 24-30 meters in length, and 23 of the rest being in the 70 meters and above category. Despite its niche status within the broader market, the luxury yacht segment (superyachts and high-end boats) has experienced notable growth in recent years. The worldwide growth in high-net-worth individuals translates into increased demand for luxury yachts that are symbols of prestige and exclusivity. Wealth accumulation in emerging economies encourages discretionary spending on consumer-based leisure assets. As the luxury market expands, it drives firm-level sales and investments in yachts, including custom yachts and superyachts, leading to consistent growth across global yacht markets. The size and length of the world’s largest yachts are also expanding. Scheduled to be delivered in 2026, REV Ocean is approaching the 200-meter threshold (194.9 meters) to replace Azzam, the largest privately owned superyacht since 2013, at the top of its respective rankings.

In the superyachts market, most vessels are owned by a management company (approximately 65%) and are rented to individuals who wish to use them for a specified period. This trend is seen worldwide. The remaining 35% is privately owned, with individuals being the sole owners. Significant in the yachting business is the number of passengers a superyacht can accommodate. If it can accommodate more than 12 passengers, different (and stricter) IMO regulations will apply to the yacht, as it is more similar to regular passenger vessels. This market falls between the rental and cruise industries.

3. Marinas

A. Recreational setting

An increasing development of coastal infrastructure supports the growing yacht and boat markets. An expanding network of marinas and yacht-friendly facilities worldwide supports ease of access and maintenance, promoting yacht ownership and longer cruising seasons.

The term marinas refers to quite different situations, ranging from small ports belonging to the historical part of a town to extensive, modern infrastructure able to host thousands of recreational boats and yachts, and provide all types of services to tens of thousands of boaters. There is thus no accurate count of the number of marinas operating globally. The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) estimates that there are 30,000 marinas, with a combined capacity of five million berthing slots.

In Europe, the largest marina is Port de La Rochelle on the Atlantic coast of France, with a total of 5,157 berths spread over 70 hectares. Port-Camargue, also in France, follows closely behind with approximately 4,600 berths. Port Vauban, located on the glamorous French Riviera, is the largest marina in the Mediterranean in terms of tonnage and one of the oldest superyacht marinas in the Mediterranean. It can accommodate up to 19 superyachts, ranging from 70 to 165 meters in length, thereby hosting some of the world’s largest and most luxurious superyachts. The largest marina in Northern Europe is located in the Belgian coastal town of Nieuwpoort, offering approximately 2,000 berths spread across five berthing areas. The ten European countries with notable marina capacities collectively provide almost 1.5 million berths, with Sweden being the most significant contributor. The average capacity of marinas across European countries varies significantly, influenced by both planning decisions and geomorphology. On average, the biggest marinas are found in the Iberian Peninsula.

In North America, Marina del Rey in California stands out as the world’s largest fully operational marina by berth count (4,600 berths). Port of Everett, WA (2,300 berths), dominates the public marina segment on the West Coast. Shilshole Bay, WA (1,400 berths), and Elliott Bay, WA (1,200 berths) serve key regional markets with both community and transient moorings. Reed Point, in British Columbia (800 berths), is the largest marina in the smaller yacht market of Canada. In the Caribbean, Puerto del Rey, PR, is recognised for its extensive scale and mixed wet/dry storage capacity. Habacoa, Bahamas, is due for completion in 2027 and aims to provide superyacht mooring on a large scale. One of the newest mega-marinas of unprecedented scale is Dubai Harbour Marina, which can berth over 1,000 vessels, including yachts up to 160 metres. Rather than the number of berths, however, marinas are commonly ranked according to the quality and extent of their services, the attractiveness of the destination, and the size (length) of the vessels they can accommodate.

Marinas are essential to the boating community, providing core services such as vessel storage, maintenance, supply provisioning, and a range of diverse amenities. With ongoing infrastructural advancements, marinas are evolving beyond their traditional role as functional storage facilities into integrated tourism destinations. Beyond their primary function, they often serve as hubs of recreational and lifestyle activity, offering diverse experiences to members, visitors, and other stakeholders, thus extending their benefits to the broader community. In doing so, they contribute to the wider economic development of coastal regions. Moreover, generating employment, stimulating tourism, and enhancing interactions and leisure activities associated with boating, marinas frequently act as economic multipliers.

Due to the increasing presence of larger yachts, a distinct group of superyacht marinas has emerged, offering world-class amenities and serving as epicentres of luxury and lifestyle. Examples of major superyacht marinas in Europe include Port Hercules in Monaco, which hosts yachts of up to 120m, the port de Saint-Tropez, France, hosting at its limited berths elite yacht owners and celebrities, Puerto Banús in Marbella, Spain, Marina di Porto Cervo in Sardinia, Italy, and the largest marina in the Mediterranean by capacity, Port Vauban, which offers berthing for yachts over 170m at its “Billionaires’ Quay”. New superyacht marina includes Marina Ibiza, Spain, that caters to vessels up to 185 meters, and the luxury marina, Porto Montenegro at the UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor, Montenegro.

B. Location factors

Beyond the location of the marina and its core infrastructure, the quality of the essential services is the most relevant criterion for boaters to consider when selecting their next marina. Factors such as capacity, access, waterfront, price, crowding levels, and, most importantly, weather conditions are important. Yet additional criteria help this decision:

• Cooperation between marinas. Most important for marinas is that a boater uses their boat instead of having the recreational vessel moored at a berth. To achieve this goal, cooperation between marinas is vital at the local, regional, national, and international levels. By working together, marinas can offer their customers better services and higher standards, encouraging them to travel, while also ensuring that boaters do not change their home marina. Being part of a network enables marinas to learn from one another and, in turn, improve their services.
• Connection between nautical and landside tourism. Marinas are often perceived as leisure destinations rather than places to store a yacht. One strategy to encourage boaters to stay longer in a marina is to inform them about the available services, cultural activities, and local tourist attractions.
• Ratings. Marketing tools, such as publicly available performance reviews, whether provided by experts or not, are used to assess the marina proceedings.

Once selected, core marina services, onshore destination experiences, marina supporting products, basic destination attributes, and charter products are the five marina dimensions that have the potential to influence the yachtsmen’s overall experience from the marina.

Marinas are predominantly financed through private investments. Their development generally relies, in principle, on an economic model where the demand for services is not met by existing suppliers or competition. The availability and terms of concessions, licenses, or leases significantly influence both initial capital commitments and ongoing investments. These concessions are typically granted for several decades, as investment payback periods are lengthy. Investments are complex due to challenging and high-risk government planning controls, which can cause delays, require large initial capital, lead to high maintenance costs, and incur high management expenses. Key challenges include the physical aspects of the proposed anchorage, planning law, environmental constraints, lease contracts, and funding. An added complexity is meeting the differing infrastructure needs of small to large recreational boats. Moreover, with users’ shifting attitudes in short periods, marinas require ongoing adaptation to market requirements through additional capital investment and a change in offering and management approach.

Superyacht marinas are associated with investments in real estate due to the following:

• Scarcity. Are limited in number and often located in the most desirable waterfront destinations. This scarcity drives up both berth prices and the value of nearby real estate.
• Exclusivity. Offer access to luxury residences, private clubs, fine dining, and exclusive events, enhancing lifestyle and rental income potential.
• Security. Foster elite communities with high levels of security and privacy, attracting discerning investors and high-profile residents.
• Legal status. Investing in marina real estate often comes with residency or citizenship benefits in certain jurisdictions, adding another layer of value for global investors.

C. Major challenges for marinas

With marinas, recreational boating, and yachting interconnected, the marina industry is experiencing global growth that is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. However, despite the primarily positive outlook, marinas continue to confront challenges that vary depending on their respective markets.

The first challenge is meeting the changing pace of customer expectations. The pandemic attracted new and younger boaters with new expectations, as well as new boat designs and technologies. In addition, more boaters mean higher demand for boat storage and marina services, as well as new technologies (e.g., dry stack automation, marina management software), marina amenities, and environmental protection. In post-pandemic years, marinas in various countries, particularly those within a short drive from population centres, have been at full or nearly full capacity, and revenues per storage space (e.g., berths, moorings) have increased. Many marinas continue to have waitlists, and some are unable to accommodate additional yachts and boats of various sizes. The Mediterranean market is one such example. There are approximately 1,000 marinas, with more than half located in three countries: Italy, Spain, and France. Greece, Croatia, and Turkey also have a network of ports and marinas. Marinas, especially in Western European Mediterranean countries, are generally close to full capacity. Greece and Turkey are poised to follow a similar trend. Boat owners may further explore marinas in Southern Mediterranean countries (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia) as home marinas, which they can easily reach via air transport. This can be an option, especially for international yacht owners from Russia, the Arabian Peninsula, and Asia.

Second, marinas continue to confront public opposition and efforts to restrict marina expansion and development. On the one hand, the leisure boating sector continues to exert significant pressure on infrastructure development. Berth demand is growing and is used to justify new marina projects. The time and cost of navigating multiple and sometimes conflicting regulations, as well as the involvement of various organisations, are ongoing problems in many countries. More marinas are seeking to expand the number of available storage spaces, especially on-water storage, and to enhance customer recreational and service amenities. However, gaining approval to build and reconfigure on-water storage spaces remains costly and takes a considerable amount of time. Typically, local authorities and communities prefer to leverage the value of residential real estate against the amenities of a marina. Moreover, in countries with a high density of marinas, the potential for spatial expansion is now limited by environmental protection legislation. Where waterfront property is not available and regulations and public opposition prevent expansion of on-water storage spaces, marinas are seeking to expand automated dry (stack) storage. With all the interest in marinas, bankers and lenders appear increasingly open to financing storage space additions and other marina enhancements.

Third, marinas are exposed to the risks of climate change, including rising average sea levels and an increased frequency and intensity of storms, which impose new challenges. Not only does this require marinas to invest in more climate-resilient facilities, but it is also leading to significant increases in the cost of marina insurance and financial instruments used to hedge against potential catastrophic environmental events. 

Marinas are increasingly called upon to introduce management practices to address the ongoing shift from “ownership of a boat” to “boat as a service”. Aligning with a trend already in place for cars, accommodation, and other markets, there are already platforms for boat sharing (e.g., Boatbound, GetMyBoat, Barqo, Sharemysea), which have led to a fast-growing market segment. Accordingly, a similar number of boats meets the demand of many more people. Marinas have also started to adapt to meet the demand of the owners of electric outboard motors. The electric boating market is still in its early stages, but it has the potential for significant growth. Meanwhile, the trend of online booking has been a growing phenomenon over the last two decades, making it easier for boaters to find and access a marina. A trend that has accelerated with the extension of mobile applications and Wi-Fi offerings in marinas.

Seasonality is a problem that affects services offered in the marina (e.g., restaurants) and staff more than the marina itself. Some marinas generate a significant profit during the summer season, while others focus on boating activities during the summer and provide boat maintenance and storage during the winter, remaining active throughout the year. Port authority activities can take place in a marina during the winter, including local and corporate events, yacht club activities, and training sessions. Providing boating training during winter might bring new customers during the summer. Still, marinas, like much of the recreational marine industry, are confronting difficulties attracting and retaining skilled staff.

Moreover, the industry is exposed to economic and market volatility. Luxury goods, such as yachts, are highly sensitive to economic downturns, which reduce demand during recessions and lead to fluctuating sales and market instability. Finally, marinas and marina organisations have a long-standing deficiency in scientifically gathered and analysed data that documents industry performance, barriers, and socio-economic contributions, which are insufficient to inform public policy and investment decisions.

4. Planning and Developing a Marina

A. Site selection

Beyond competition, such as the presence of another marina or berthing facilities for pleasure boats and yachts within a 5-10 nautical miles radius, the following criteria determine the selection of a site for marina planning and development:

1. Public utilities infrastructure. Key considerations include the existence of spatial development plans, wastewater treatment capacity (particularly biological treatment), adequacy and stability of electricity supply, and sufficient water resources, as shortages are common in remote or island locations. Additional factors include internet connectivity, waste management facilities, health services, and customs services.
2. Transport infrastructure and services. This includes both maritime and land accessibility. Maritime aspects involve the adequacy of port infrastructure and existing sea connections. Land-based factors include proximity to the road network, availability of public transportation (e.g., bus connections and public-use cars), the presence of an airport in the broader area, and the frequency and range of air connections.
3. Tourism infrastructure. Relevant considerations include the presence of hospitality and food service establishments, ranging from fast-food outlets to full-service restaurants and cafés. Additional factors include food and retail outlets, accommodation options, and related services in the broader area of the proposed marina. Equally important are businesses catering to recreational boating needs (e.g., ship repair, marine supplies), as well as banking services, postal services, and fuel stations.
4. Socioeconomic characteristics. These criteria include the demographic potential of the region, the attractiveness of the hinterland for tourism (e.g., cultural and historical assets), the level of community acceptance of marina development, and the project’s expected impact on local employment. The structure of the regional economy (dominant sectors) and the availability of state incentives for investment are also important considerations.
5. Geographic and environmental parameters. These factors include prevailing weather and sea conditions, such as wind regimes, wave exposure, water depth, and navigational safety, as well as the site’s proximity to major sailing routes. The potential environmental impacts of marina development, both at seaside and landside, are always carefully assessed.

Marinas develop with different layouts at sea and ashore, depending on land availability and weather constraints at the seaside. The layout of marina land facilities is typically determined by the physical constraints of the specific location and the need to facilitate efficient material and activity flow paths. A land-to-water area ratio of between 50:50 and 40:60 is commonly adopted for a marina development, depending on the extent of shore-based facilities to be provided. However, the financial viability of the land/water ratio must also be carefully considered, as the real estate created by reclamation in many marina developments is the principal financial asset of the development.

B. Marina infrastructure and superstructure

Once the marina layout is established, decisions must be made regarding the configuration of various elements. The berthing facilities can significantly impact operational efficiency, convenience for boat owners, security, safety, and the overall comfort of owners working or living on board. While boat sizes may not be forecast with any certainty, ample turning areas are provided, particularly adjacent to fuelling berths. To minimise the chance of collision, the water area for turning, entering, and leaving berths is at least twice the length of the longest boat hosted by a marina. Additionally, the positioning in relation to walkways is such that it maximizes their numbers and reduces maneuvering difficulties. Berths for hire and bare-boat charter crafts allow greater tolerance for inexperienced drivers. In general, hire boats are used more frequently and by less experienced people than privately owned boats at the marina. Berths for these boats are readily accessible to the open waterways, minimising manoeuvring within the marina. They are also wider to accommodate inexperienced drivers.

Marina basins secure a minimum depth of no less than 2.5 meters and limit the exposure to ocean wave energy. They are designed to minimise vertically faced structures, which lead to reflection of wave energy, causing erratic waves within the berthing area. They also facilitate adequate flushing of the marina, which is necessary for maintaining the water quality of the marina basin and adjacent waterway. Poorly flushed marinas can become stagnant, allowing pollutants from the marina facility and boats to accumulate, reducing their appeal. Channels with sufficient navigable width in unexposed conditions and aligned in the direction of prevailing winds, fairways wide enough to minimise manoeuvring accidents, piers, and breakwaters, as well as wide enough walkways to allow two-way pedestrian traffic with barrows, are also critical parts of the infrastructure.

Visiting yachts seek various utilities (water, electricity and Wi-Fi access), as well as waste treatment and good recycling services and disposal facilities. Fuelling facilities and pump-out services, and not least their location, are essential. The location of a fuelling facility is a critical decision with respect to safety. It should be located to be easily accessible by visiting and passing boats, without access through the main berthing area. Maintenance areas are also available for scheduled and/or unexpected boat repairs. Yard services in several marinas offer to boat owners the potential of off-season boat storage, including onshore storage. Given the shifting customer base, boat launching facilities are increasingly present.

Many marinas have added dry storage as a service. Dry storage partially mitigates the seasonality of the business, as it generates additional income during the off-season. Areas for dry storage are preferably located in areas with relatively low land prices, as storage takes up a significant amount of space. Additionally, maintenance is offered in and around dry storage and winter storage facilities. Consequently, such dry storage facilities must be well accessible via water and land.

Marinas offer a range of additional amenities, including commercial facilities, parking areas, and administrative offices. Users seek marinas close to home and offer amenities that complement and supplement their boating experiences. In response, a growing number of marinas now host boat clubs and offer rental boats as a way to diversify their revenue sources. Commercial marinas and yacht clubs have experienced considerable increases in storage, service, and repair, as well as boat sales, boat rentals, food, and beverage revenues.

C. Environmental considerations and circularity 

Marina operations and development are closely linked to the need for environmental protection and sustainability. Sustainability is already influencing yacht design and ownership. Due to the increasing number of government regulations regarding greenhouse gases and electric motors, as well as the growing popularity of green lifestyles among consumers, the yacht industry is shifting towards alternative operations, emission reductions, and sustainability. Marina owners and operators attempt to follow. Most modern marinas adhere to international and local regulations regarding ballast water, waste, and anchoring. Solar-powered dock lighting and waste treatment facilities help align with IMO environmental guidelines. In recent years, many marinas have adopted environmental certifications, such as the Blue Flag or the Clean Marina, which align with international initiatives supporting cleaner oceans.

Besides, marinas are not only essential facilities that shelter recreational boats during storms and emergencies, but also offer berths and supply services. These are clusters (ecosystems) that also include a set of services for nautical users and visitors, which implies an economic, social, and environmental impact on local development that extends beyond mere attention to the boats and yachts. Sustainable marina facilities should provide net positive outcomes at multiple levels, through careful consideration of natural processes, ecosystem functions, stakeholder engagement, and through implementation of strategies that maximise opportunities for navigation and nature, create value on multiple dimensions, and achieve co-benefits, flexibility, and resilience.

Marinas are increasingly linked to the principles of circularity. To address the growing issue of overcrowding, marinas are developing a role in providing boaters with disposal solutions for end-of-life boats. This brings concrete advantages, both in terms of free berths from obsolete boats and yachts and in the recovery and eventual sale of second-hand materials. Acting both as promoters and beneficiaries when adopting circular economy approaches, marinas can enhance the effectiveness of the circular economy in additional ways. This is showcased by many existing projects that include certification initiatives to promote appropriate management of marina areas by means of methods and tools that meet environmental challenges, especially when it comes to chronic and accidental pollution, and toxic waste from operations, the reuse of boats’ cooking oils, digitalisation for smart lighting through LED technology, or smart mobility through electric cars. Likewise, data loggers, sensors, and integrated systems are used to measure and record meteorological parameters, air pollution, noise, and water quality within the marina or in the wider area.

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Related Topics

• Chapter 8.4 Port Clusters
• Chapter 11.5 Port-City Relationships

References

• CPMR Intermediterranean Commission and MedWaves, the UNEP/MAP Regional Activity Centre for SCP. (2022). A Circular Blue Economy for the Mediterranean: Current practices and opportunities, Barcelona. Interreg MED Blue Growth Community project and SwitchMed Programme.
• European Commission (2016). Study on specific challenges for a sustainable development of coastal and maritime tourism in Europe, June 2016, Brussels: Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME)
• Global Market Insights (2025). Yacht Market Size – By Type, By Length, By Propulsion, Growth Forecast, 2025 – 2034. August 2025. Delaware: USA.
• Gulman J. (2013) “Evaluation of Dutch coastal marina planning”. University of Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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