Picture this: you step out of your Aventura condo, stroll to your slip, and you are minutes from open water. Living on the Intracoastal with boating at your doorstep is why many buyers choose Aventura. If you want a home base for your boat, you have options, from deeded dockominiums to resort marinas and resident-only docks. This guide shows you the local marina landscape, ownership vs rental paths, key rules, and the questions to ask before you commit. Let’s dive in.
How Aventura boat access works
Deeded dockominiums
If you want long-term certainty, look for a slip sold as a deeded “dockominium.” You own the slip interest, and it can transfer at resale under association rules. Expect separate taxes, HOA or marina fees, and documented regulations on use. Always confirm transferability and any residency requirements before you write an offer.
Monthly or seasonal leases
Many marinas offer monthly, seasonal, or annual slip leases. Rates are usually quoted per foot and vary by slip size, utilities, parking, and services. Review the lease for shore power details, storm procedures, guest dockage, and any live-aboard restrictions before you sign.
Condo resident docks
A number of Aventura condominiums include docks for residents. Slip access can be deeded, assigned, or waitlisted, and rules may limit transfers to buyers at resale. Ask the HOA whether non-resident buyers can purchase slips, how assignments work, and if subletting is allowed.
Transient and public access
If you only need short stays, transient dockage is available at many commercial marinas. For trailered boats, nearby public launch points around Biscayne Bay make quick day trips easy. Most local runs to the Atlantic go through Baker’s Haulover Inlet, which can have strong currents and chop, so plan departures around conditions.
Notable Aventura marinas
Suntex Marina at Aventura
Often known locally as Waterways or Loggerhead, this commercial basin offers protected dockage, utilities, and transient options close to the Intracoastal. Review current services and availability on the Suntex Marina at Aventura overview.
Marina Palms Yacht Club
This integrated condo plus yacht club development pairs luxury residences with an on-site marina. Slips have been marketed for private ownership in phases. Explore the Marina Palms project details to understand the condo-marina model.
Williams Island Marina
Set within the Williams Island community, this private marina serves residents in a protected harbor setting. Learn more about the island complex via this Williams Island overview.
What to check before you buy or sell
- Ownership type. Confirm whether the slip is deeded, leased, or HOA assigned, and whether it can transfer to a buyer.
- Size and depth. Verify maximum vessel length and beam, plus depth at mean low tide at the berth.
- Utilities and services. Check shore power amp ratings, water, Wi-Fi, fuel access, and pump-out.
- Rules and use. Review live-aboard policies, guest privileges, subletting rules, and parking.
- Storm plan. Ask for the marina’s hurricane procedures and whether haul-out or extra fees apply.
- Maintenance and fees. Request recent fee history, any special assessments, and dock or seawall repair schedules.
- Insurance. Confirm required liability limits and whether the marina must be named as additional insured.
Costs, contracts, and insurance
Slip costs in Aventura vary widely by length, location, and amenities. Some newer luxury projects price slips per linear foot, while community marinas set monthly or seasonal rates that change with demand. Most marinas and lenders require proof of boat insurance, often with significant liability limits and specific policy language. Review typical marina insurance expectations here: what marinas commonly require for boat insurance. For financed vessels, lenders usually require hull and comprehensive coverage.
Rules on anchoring and the environment
Overnight anchoring is restricted in certain urban waterways designated as “anchoring limitation areas.” Portions of Biscayne Bay are affected, so check local signage and the current Florida anchoring statute before you plan to sleep aboard at anchor.
South Florida’s coastal waters include protected seagrass, mangroves, and manatee zones, which shape where and how facilities can be built or expanded. For context on habitat protections, see this EPA overview of water transportation impacts and the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve. If you plan any new dock or major repairs, you will likely need approvals from the US Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Florida. Start with the Corps’ Section 10 permitting guidance and consult state resources as needed.
Flood and long-term planning
Aventura is part of a region planning for sea-level rise and coastal flooding. Local governments and insurers are adapting policies that can affect waterfront ownership and costs. Review Aventura’s local flood information and FIRM resources on the City of Aventura flood protection page, and see regional planning context in the Southeast Florida climate compact coverage.
How Rafael helps boat-loving clients
You deserve a smooth search that matches your lifestyle on the water. With deep Aventura market knowledge and a hands-on approach, I will help you compare slip types, confirm transfer rules, and coordinate the right marina or condo fit for your boat. Whether you are buying, selling, or relocating, you get senior-level guidance backed by national reach and high-impact marketing. Ready to find the right home and slip together? Connect with Rafael Szydlowski to get started.
FAQs
What sizes do Aventura marinas handle?
- Many commercial marinas in the area advertise capacity for larger yachts, with some slips accommodating vessels in the 100-foot range depending on facility and availability. See the Suntex Marina at Aventura overview for an example of local offerings.
Is overnight anchoring allowed in Biscayne Bay near Aventura?
- Certain urban waterways are designated as anchoring limitation areas where overnight anchoring is restricted. Always confirm current rules in the Florida anchoring statute and follow local signage.
Can I buy a slip if I do not live in the building?
- It depends on the marina or HOA. Some require residency or board approval for slip ownership or use, while others allow non-resident purchases. Ask directly about eligibility and transfer rules before you make an offer.
What should be in a marina hurricane plan?
- Look for clear steps on removing or securing vessels, timelines for action, any required haul-outs, and how the marina communicates updates. Review your lease or rules and confirm details with the dockmaster ahead of storm season.
Do I need permits to build or modify a private dock?
- Most new docks and major repairs require approvals from the US Army Corps of Engineers and state agencies, and projects may be constrained by protected habitats. Start with the Corps’ Section 10 permitting guidance and consult state and local authorities for specifics.
