Before there was Sea Pines, there was Palmetto Bay Marina. 

    This protected harbor has been welcoming boaters, shoppers and diners since 1959.  Although located mid-Island on Broad Creek, this is actually the first on-island marina you see, thanks to the bridge on the Cross Island Parkway. 

    What was once an old lumber dock at the end of a dirt road is now a thriving full-service marina attracting boaters traveling along the Intracoastal Waterway.  Sailboats, powerboats, and even enormous yachts put up at Palmetto Bay.  The marina has over 5,000 feet of docks and the Island’s largest boat lift capable of hauling a 77-ton boat from the water - an amazing process to witness.

    The marina’s free-spirited Key West ambiance makes it a popular all-day destination.  Restaurants, shops and activities will keep folks of all ages and interests busy from morning to night.

    The central courtyard features the Hurricane bar for spirited libations, wrought iron dining tables, a fountain, and a scattering of large cushy rattan couches and armchairs. The atmosphere is made even more remarkable by the splendid views across the bustling waterway of Broad Creek to the mansions of Spanish Wells.

    Between the three restaurants (all with both indoor and outdoor dining areas), you can find a meal from sun-up to moonset

    Now you can shop.  Find men’s and women’s resort wear, accents for your home, T-shirts, souvenirs, and snacks to take on your nature tour.   Get your hair cut or buy jewelry and art by local artisans.  There is even a place to buy healing products, including healing stones and incense.

    Walk down the dock to watch the boats come and go.  Palmetto Bay has one of the Island’s largest selection of water activities.  Sailing with the “Flying Circus” or “Pau Hana” catamarans (843-686-2582) and sightseeing charters like Dolphin Seafari (843-785-7131) operate year around.  Join kayakers for an eye-level view of a dolphin.  Rent a boat and motor to Daufuskie Island or just around the creek.  Palmetto Bay Water Sports (843-785-2345) offers dolphin and nature tours as well as rents boats, kayaks and wave runners. Palmetto Bay Parasail (843-785-7131) attracts the adventuresome types.  The marina’s location near the mouth of Broad Creek gives you quick access to Calibogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, something very important to those interested in chartering one of their fishing boats, the Mightly Mako (843-298-0366) and Top Shot (843-384-9714).

    Whether you are parents with children, teenagers seeking adventure, lovers searching for romance, or boaters seeking safe harbor for the night, Palmetto Bay Marina will welcome you.

    The Marina is located at 86 Helmsman Way, off Arrow Road at the end of the Cross Island Expressway.
For more information about the services offered, call the Charter Desk at 843-785-7131 or (800) 448-3875, the Harbormaster at 785-3910, or see our Ad Directory under Marinas, Restaurants, and various water activities.

    Also see “Thing To Do” #4, #24, #25, #29, #34, #36, #82, and #84.

Photo courtesy of Palmetto Bay Marina