Sitting at Mile Marker 0 on the Intracoastal Waterway, Tidewater Yacht Marina has long been a familiar waypoint for yachts on the move. But today, after years of careful restoration across its surrounding historic district, this Olde Towne Portsmouth marina has evolved into far more than a transit stop. For captains and crew navigating the U.S. East Coast, Tidewater Yacht Marina is a destination in its own right — a place to reset, explore and rejoin the flow of local life.
A Waterfront Community at the Heart of the Elizabeth River
Perfectly positioned on the Elizabeth River, the marina offers one of the most strategic stopovers for yachts cruising north or south. Its location brings the ease and practicality captains look for, while the surrounding seaport town brings color, culture and character. Olde Towne Portsmouth, once a centuries-old maritime settlement, has transformed into a lively entertainment hub where its cobbled streets and preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings set the tone for authentic shoreside immersion.
Step off the passerelle and you’re within walking distance of an impressive mix of dining, shopping and museums. Crew can while away a lay day wandering the Lightship Museum, the Naval Shipyard Museum or the Children’s Museum of Virginia, before strolling along the Elizabeth River Boardwalk for golden-evening views across the water. Those looking to rest up rather than venture out can instead settle into the rhythm of the Seawall, where benches, breeze and river panoramas do most of the work.
Across the river, harbor tours on vessels such as American Rover, Victory Rover and Lady Chancellor can be accessed by ferry, which is a brief walk from the marina, giving visitors a chance to see the area from the water. And for anyone with the luxury of more time, historic heavyweights like Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown, plus Virginia Beach’s famed oceanfront, are just a short, scenic drive away.
A Marina Designed for Today’s Superyachts
Tidewater Yacht Marina is built to handle vessels up to 68 meters, from day boats passing through to superyachts in need of a longer stay. Its 300 slips include six dedicated superyacht positions designed for yachts up to 45 meters LOA, while transient slips easily accommodate vessels up to 85 meters. The marina’s 22-acre protected basin provides security and shelter, giving captains confidence no matter the forecast.
Every slip is outfitted with metered electric, water and complimentary Wi-Fi, and longer-term berths can be rented on six- or twelve-month contracts. Shoreside, the marina’s facilities are arranged with crew comfort and efficiency in mind. Laundry rooms, restrooms, showers, pump-out and a well-stocked chandlery make provisioning and reset days seamless. Anything not on the chandlery shelves can be quickly ordered and delivered the same afternoon or by the next morning.
For downtime, Fish N Slips — the on-site raw bar and grill — serves as the marina’s unofficial social hub. Overlooking the water, it’s the spot for a relaxing lunch, happy hour or laid-back dinner featuring fresh seafood, generous specials and plenty of atmosphere. Between the restaurant, the friendly and attentive dock team, and easily accessible fuel, the marina operates like a tight, reliable community.
A Commitment to Clean, Responsible Cruising
Today’s crew are increasingly conscious of the environmental footprint of cruising, and Tidewater Yacht Marina reflects that shift. The facility is accredited through the Clean and Resilient Marina Program by the Association of Marina Industries (AMI), a recognition reserved for marinas that meet rigorous standards for environmental responsibility and coastal resilience. The team also includes a certified Clean and Resilient Marina Professional (CRMP).
Reserving your berth at Tidewater Yacht Marina is straightforward through its online booking platform, or you can reach the team directly by phone or email for a smooth arrival.
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