Savannah's Main Marina Options

Savannah has two primary marinas that handle most recreational and commercial traffic: Savannah Yacht Club Marina on the Wilmington River and Desoto Marina on the downtown riverfront. Both offer wet slips, dry storage, and fuel, but they serve different needs. Yacht Club Marina caters to larger sailboats and cruising vessels, while Desoto Marina works better for day-trippers and smaller powerboats wanting to stay close to restaurants and shops.

Beyond these two, you'll find smaller facilities scattered along the Wilmington, Skidaway, and Back rivers. Thunderbird Marina on the Wilmington River specializes in fishing charters and has slips for boats under 40 feet. Palmer Johnson Marina handles larger vessels and offers full-service repair. Each marina charges differently for slips, fuel, and overnight stays, and availability shifts with the season—winter brings more boats south, while summer sees locals heading out for extended trips.

Key Takeaways

  • Savannah Yacht Club Marina and Desoto Marina are the two largest facilities, with Yacht Club handling bigger sailboats and Desoto better for powerboats near downtown.
  • Slip rates vary by marina and boat size, and you should call ahead during peak season (November through March) because slips fill quickly.
  • Fuel, water, and pump-out services are available at all major marinas, but hours and pricing differ—confirm before you arrive.
  • Smaller marinas like Thunderbird and Palmer Johnson offer specialized services: fishing charters at Thunderbird and repair work at Palmer Johnson.
  • Tidal range in Savannah runs 6 to 8 feet, so confirm your marina's approach depth and whether they can accommodate your draft at low tide.

Slip Rates and Availability by Season

Slip pricing in Savannah depends on boat length, marina location, and whether you need a covered or open slip. Desoto Marina, the most central option, typically charges more per foot than outlying facilities because of its downtown location. Expect to pay roughly 50 to 75 cents per foot per night for a transient slip at the major marinas, though rates climb during winter months when demand peaks.

Winter (November through March) is peak season in Savannah. Boats heading south for the season fill slips weeks in advance, and some marinas maintain waiting lists. If you're planning a winter stay, contact marinas by October. Summer and early fall see lower occupancy and better availability, though afternoon thunderstorms can make conditions rough on the river. Spring brings moderate traffic and stable weather—a good window if you're flexible on timing.

Most marinas require a credit card to hold a reservation and ask for a phone call 24 hours before arrival to confirm your slip assignment. Fuel surcharges and dockage fees are separate, so ask for the total cost before you commit.

Fuel, Water, and Pump-Out Services

All three major marinas—Savannah Yacht Club, Desoto, and Thunderbird—sell diesel and gasoline. Desoto Marina typically has the longest fuel dock hours because of its downtown traffic, staying open until early evening most days. Savannah Yacht Club Marina closes earlier, usually by 5 p.m., so plan accordingly if you're arriving late. Fuel prices track the regional market and shift weekly; call ahead if price matters to your decision.

Water hookups are standard at wet slips, and pump-out facilities (for holding tanks) are available at all major marinas. Desoto Marina has a dedicated pump-out station on the fuel dock, making it the fastest option if you need to empty your tank before heading out. Thunderbird Marina offers pump-out service but requires advance notice. If you're staying multiple nights, confirm the pump-out schedule when you reserve your slip.

Navigating the Approach and Tidal Considerations

The Savannah River entrance is well-marked and dredged to 42 feet, so deep-draft cruising boats have no trouble reaching downtown. The real constraint is the approach to individual marinas. Desoto Marina sits in the main channel and handles the tidal swing easily. Savannah Yacht Club Marina, on the Wilmington River, has a narrower approach with a controlling depth of roughly 6 feet at mean low water—fine for most sailboats and center-console powerboats, but tight for deep-draft cruisers or large trawlers.

Tidal range in Savannah runs 6 to 8 feet, meaning the difference between high and low tide is substantial. If your boat draws 5 feet or more, plan your arrival for mid-tide or higher. The tide tables are published online by NOAA, and most marina staff can tell you the current tide height when you call. Thunderbird Marina and Palmer Johnson, both on the Wilmington, have similar draft limitations—call and give them your boat's dimensions before you commit to a slip.

The Intracoastal Waterway runs through Savannah, and the main channel is well-maintained. Smaller creeks and side channels can be shallow and are best navigated at high tide if you're exploring beyond the main marinas.

Repair and Haul-Out Services

Palmer Johnson Marina is the primary full-service repair facility in Savannah, with a travel lift that can haul boats up to 60 tons. They handle engine work, fiberglass repair, electrical systems, and routine maintenance. Scheduling haul-outs can take weeks during peak season, so book early if you need major work done. Rates for haul-out and storage vary by boat size and the scope of work; get a quote before you commit.

Desoto Marina has a smaller repair shop on-site and can handle minor fixes, but they refer larger jobs to Palmer Johnson. Savannah Yacht Club Marina has relationships with independent contractors who work on boats in the water, which is faster and cheaper for small repairs like replacing through-hulls or servicing engines. Ask the dockmaster for recommendations if you need work done.

If you're just passing through and need a quick fix—a new impeller, a fuel filter, or a battery—most marinas can point you to a local mechanic who works on boats. Savannah has a strong boating community, and turnaround time for routine work is usually 24 to 48 hours.

Nearby Amenities and Services

Desoto Marina's downtown location puts you within walking distance of River Street restaurants, shops, and the historic district. You can tie up, walk off the boat, and have dinner without moving your car. Savannah Yacht Club Marina is quieter and more removed, but it's only a short drive to downtown or to the grocery stores and hardware shops on Victory Drive.

Thunderbird Marina caters to fishing crews and has a bait shop on-site, plus easy access to tackle stores and seafood restaurants along the Wilmington River. Palmer Johnson Marina is more industrial and less focused on transient amenities, though it's close to fuel and provisioning options.

All marinas have bathrooms and shower facilities. Desoto and Savannah Yacht Club have laundry rooms. Wi-Fi is available at Desoto and Savannah Yacht Club, though signal strength varies. If you need groceries, Kroger and Publix are within a few miles of all major marinas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay overnight at Savannah marinas without a reservation?

Most marinas prefer advance notice, especially during peak season, but Desoto Marina sometimes has transient slips available for walk-ups. Call ahead—they can tell you in minutes whether a slip is open. Savannah Yacht Club Marina requires a reservation. Thunderbird Marina handles day-trippers and fishing charters, so overnight stays are possible but not may provide.

What's the best time of year to visit Savannah by boat?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) offer the most stable weather and moderate crowds. Winter is busy but predictable. Summer is hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms common on the river. If you want solitude and good weather, aim for April or October.

Do I need a Georgia boating license to operate my boat in Savannah?

Georgia requires anyone born after July 1, 1998, to hold a boating safety certificate to operate a motorboat. The certificate is issued after passing an online or in-person course. Sailboats are exempt from this requirement. Check the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website for current rules and course providers.

How far can I cruise from Savannah on the Intracoastal Waterway?

The ICW runs from Florida to Maine. From Savannah, you can head north to Charleston (about 90 miles) or south to Jacksonville (about 120 miles) in a single day. Most cruisers break the trip into two or three days with stops at smaller marinas along the way. Depths and bridge clearances vary, so carry current charts or use a GPS app designed for the ICW.

Are there anchorages near Savannah if I don't want to pay for a slip?

Yes. Wassaw Sound and Calibogue Sound have good holding ground and are popular with cruisers. Anchorages are free but unprotected, and you're exposed to weather and tidal current. Check tide tables and weather forecasts before anchoring, and use a good anchor and plenty of scope. The Waterway Guide and ActiveCaptain have detailed anchorage information for the area.