What is a liveaboard boat? A liveaboard is a type of boat designed for people to live on for extended periods, either for recreational or other activities that require one to stay on the water full time. It is a type of boat that is constructed to allow its occupants to live comfortably while going on boating expeditions. It is unique because other boats of its size do not have such features. In summary, it is a boat designed for “luxurious living” on water. 

What does the term “marina” mean? A marina is a type of dock that differs from the usual. It is a small port that allows small and sometimes fancy boats such as sailboats, yachts, and motorboats to dock. A marina is different from the usual ports that dock all water vessels such as ships, large boats, etc. A marina is usually owned privately rather than publicly. Because of this factor, docking fees at marinas are expensive compared to the ports that are publicly owned. So, a “liveaboard marina” is a type of marina that allows boat owners to live full time on their boats while docked in the marina.

By implication, a liveaboard marina is practically designed for boats such as a liveaboard. It is set up so that the occupants can live there comfortably and have access to certain amenities that the marina will provide. 

Florida is a state in the United States of America that is situated on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Straits of Florida. Essentially, Florida is a state that extends towards the ocean and is surrounded by a lot of beaches, docks, marinas, ports, etc, in other words, it’s a boater’s dream. Living in a liveaboard marina in Florida involves a lot of expenses, so it is a pragmatic move to search for cheap marinas that will enable you to reduce the amount you will spend in the long run. 

Some of These Liveaboard Marinas in Florida with Affordable Rates Are: 

Cape Marina

Cape Marina is arguably one of the oldest marinas in Florida, run in conjunction with Port Canaveral for over 4 (four) decades. In other words, ‘Cape Marina’ is familiar with the whole process of running a marina and how best to take care of boaters who dock at their marinas. It is located at 800 Scallop Dr, Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920 USA. 

Some of the quality feature possessed by this port is as follows:

An Effective Docking system

Cape Marina has an efficient docking system with high-quality equipment to ensure the safety of one’s boat and also reduce the possibility of an accident. The docking system is equipped with strong aluminum docks for sturdy support. These docks can accommodate vessels with the length of 30ft (thirty feet) to 65ft (sixty-five feet). Another quality feature the Cape Marina possesses is the 24/7 easy and fast ocean and inter-coastal access. In other words, the marina is open at any time for docking regardless of the time. This is a feature possessed by marinas that offer quality services, and for the price ‘Cape Marina’ offers, it is a good bargain. 

Quality On-shore Facilities

Living in a marina is usually not comfortable because amenities usually present offshore are not available. In essence, one generally lives a ‘harsh’ life on marinas. However, Cape Marina offers certain services that will make you “feel at home.” Services like full bathroom services, showers for clean bathing, coin-operated washers, and dryers are also available. Bonus services such as spa areas for comfortable resting and BBQ grills are also available.

Extras

Now, certain services are not usually offered by marinas but are needed by the occupants of the liveaboard in a marina to live comfortably. Cape Marina takes cognizance of such factors and offers some of these services. Some of these services include Free Wi-fi, high-speed fueling, pump-out services, dock customer fuel discounts, among other services. They also provide free electricity power for your boat. 

Good Storage Facilities

Most liveaboard boats are relatively small and cannot hold a lot of things. Cape Marina counters this issue by providing both in/out storage facilities for boaters who want to store belongings that are precious to them. These storage facilities are well secure due to the efficient security system run by Cape Marina. Customers are usually issued ID cards that give them access to their property. Cameras are installed in certain areas on the marina for surveillance.

Cheap Docking Pricing

For the services they offer, compared to other marinas, it can be considered “cheap.” The monthly liveaboard rate per person is $125 (one hundred and twenty-five dollars) per person, which is quite decent. However, the cost of wet slips for docking differs depending on the size of your liveaboard. The cost can range from $390 (three hundred and ninety dollars) for 30’slip to $893 (eight hundred and ninety-three) for 65’slip monthly. 

Cape Marina provides quality docking services for the prices it offers. It is a solid choice to make if you do not want to spend a lot of money.

>>Also Read: Living on a Boat in Florida – Best Liveaboard Marinas, Costs and Tips

Riviera Resort and Marina

Riviera Resort and Marina, renowned for its participation in fishing-related activities, is another marina that is quite decent in terms of its pricing for a liveaboard. It is located at 2760 Botts Landing Road, DeLand, Florida, 32720, USA. Some features of this liveaboard marina are:

Recreational Facilities

On a liveaboard in a marina, life is usually drab and boring. Before moving into a boat to live there for a long while, you would have to accept that life will be harsher than living in an actual house due to the difference in circumstances and other factors. The Riviera Resort and Marina counter this by providing tools and equipment for the customers to engage in fishing, which can be very good for relaxation. Swimming pools are also available for customers. This is a very useful feature, especially during the summer when life becomes almost unbearable for boaters due to the absence of air-conditioners and electric fans. The pools provide the customers with the opportunity to soothe themselves from the sun’s heat.

Housing Facilities

The Riviera Resort and Marina provides decent motel services with wireless internet for connection which is a bonus. The motel rooms also provide facilities with full kitchens, Air conditioners, cable TV, and microwaves for warming meals. Other extras such as outdoor grills, picnic tables are also present in the marina.

Homey Feeling

The Riviera Resort and Marina creates a family-like environment for its customers. This makes people who dock at the marina comfortable because most people who lodge at marinas are usually “homesick.” The Riviera Resort and Marina helps to remedy this factor. Also, pets under 30 pounds are allowed into the marina for companionship. 

Docking Price

The lodging price can range from $85(eighty-five) dollars to $235 (two hundred and thirty-five dollars) per night, depending on the size and number of rooms one purchases. 

>>Also Read: Best Boating Destinations in Florida

Hidden Harbor Marina 

Hidden Harbor Marina is a neat, small, and well-equipped marina for liveaboard boats. It is located at the Northern end of the Sebastian River. The specific address is 10 Prawn Street, St Augustine, FL 32084-4384. 

The Hidden Harbor Marina is suitable that is well designed with boaters’ comfort in mind. Some of the useful features that this marina possesses are:

Convenience Stores

Usually, boaters buy canned and packaged foodstuff and other amenities they will need to live comfortably on a marina. However, the Hidden Harbor Marina runs a lot of convenience stores. Instead of buying in large quantities, occupants of the liveaboard boat can easily buy what they need from these stores without much stress—these stores in Hidden Harbor Marina range from stores that sell boating equipment to grocery stores and restaurants. 

Quality and Essential services

On most marinas, some quality services such as electricity are usually absent. However, the Hidden Harbor Marina provides electricity 24/7and access to freshwater. 

Amenities

Hidden Harbor Marina provides important amenities such as floating docks, laundry services, restrooms, security, showers, winter storage, hotel/lodging, and others. Medical facilities are also available in case of emergencies and accidents.

The Riviera Resort and Marina offers these services at affordable rates. It is a suitable option if expenses play a major role in your decision to live on a liveaboard marina. 

>>Also Read: Best Boating Towns to Retire in the US

Cheapest Liveaboard Marinas in Florida – Final Thoughts 

Living on a boat in Florida can be difficult at first. Finding a great liveaboard marina is one of the first things to settle and one of the most difficult tasks. These liveaboard marinas are among the best and cheapest marinas in Florida, USA. They are the perfect option if you want to spend less and still get quality services.