Three of the world’s most extraordinary marinas

Stephanie C.

Marinas have long been more than just sheltered moorings with electricity, water and fuel. Some combine yachting with futuristic architecture, centuries of history or spectacular landscapes. Three very different marinas demonstrate just how extraordinary a stopover at sea can be.

Marina at Keppel Bay: Tropical luxury in Singapore

The Marina at Keppel Bay in Singapore offers a glimpse into the future. It is situated on a small island, nestled amongst tropical vegetation, modern architecture and the city’s skyline. Curved skyscrapers and elegantly designed waterfront promenades form an unusual backdrop for the yachts moored there. At the same time, the marina is an excellent base from which to explore the city and the offshore islands. The contrast between the tranquil harbour basin and the densely built-up metropolis is particularly striking. Here, an Asian global metropolis, a tropical climate and modern yachting come together in perfect harmony.

Nelson’s Dockyard: Mooring at a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Nelson’s Dockyard on the Caribbean island of Antigua offers a completely different experience. The historic naval complex is situated in a narrow bay sheltered by green hills. Restored shipyard buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries stand amongst modern sailing yachts. Today, they house, amongst other things, a museum, hotels, restaurants and facilities for yacht crews. Anyone mooring here is in a place where British Navy ships were once repaired and fitted out. What makes it special is the combination of an active marina, colonial architecture and a significant, yet complex, historical legacy.

Porto Montenegro: superyachts against a backdrop of towering mountains

Porto Montenegro in the Bay of Kotor presents a very different picture. This modern marina was built in Tivat on the site of a former naval base. Steep mountains rise behind the berths, giving the landscape a fjord-like feel in places. At the same time, the harbour is designed to accommodate large superyachts and longer stays. Restaurants, shops, hotels and a yacht club turn the site into a self-contained waterfront district. The contrast between the modern, luxurious facilities and the rugged mountain backdrop makes Porto Montenegro unique.

Three harbours, three worlds

Singapore stands for futuristic urbanity, Antigua for maritime history and Montenegro for breathtaking natural beauty. What these three marinas have in common is that simply sailing into them is a special experience in itself. They prove that a marina need not merely be a stopover, but can be the destination of a journey in its own right.