Annapolis Yacht Basin in Baltimore: Deep-Water Slips and Transient Docking on the Inner Harbor
Annapolis Yacht Basin is a full-service marina on Baltimore's Inner Harbor that operates 80 slips for sailboats and powerboats, ranging from 20 to 65 feet, with dedicated transient berths for visiting vessels.
What the marina actually offers
Located on the east side of the Inner Harbor near the National Aquarium, Annapolis Yacht Basin handles both long-term liveaboard and short-term guest moorings. The facility includes 25 transient slips available to visiting boaters, with water and 30/50-amp electric service at each berth. The basin is dredged to 8 feet at mean low water, accommodating deeper-draft sailboats that cannot navigate some shallower Baltimore anchorages. Fuel service is available at the fuel dock. The marina office includes restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.
Pricing and services
Transient docking rates run approximately $2.50 to $3.00 per foot per night, depending on the season and vessel size. A 35-foot sailboat would cost roughly $87 to $105 for one night. Long-term slips for seasonal or year-round berthing range from $400 to $750 per month, again scaled by boat length and current demand. Fuel pricing varies weekly; call ahead to confirm current rates. The marina charges a one-time vessel registration fee of $35. Water and electric hookups are included in slip fees. Showers and restroom facilities are free for transient guests.
How it compares to other Baltimore marinas
Annapolis Yacht Basin is one of only three marinas within Baltimore's city proper offering deep-water slips suitable for sailboats over 35 feet. Canton Harbor Marina, located in Fells Point, accommodates smaller vessels (maximum 35 feet) in shallower water and charges similar or slightly higher transient rates. Locust Point Marina, farther south on the harbor, primarily serves powerboat charters and day-trip operators rather than cruising sailboats requiring overnight berthing. For visiting cruisers approaching Baltimore with deeper draft, Annapolis Yacht Basin is the most accessible Inner Harbor option; boaters needing lower rates or a longer-term lease should consider Bodkin Creek Marina in Anne Arundel County, about 10 miles south, where monthly rates are 15 to 20 percent lower but require a 20-minute drive from downtown Baltimore attractions.
Who should dock here and who should look elsewhere
Annapolis Yacht Basin suits transient cruisers with sailboats or larger powerboats expecting to stay 3 to 14 days and wanting walking access to the Inner Harbor restaurants, museums, and retail. Long-term liveaboards benefit from the central location, shower facilities, and laundry service. Boaters with vessels under 20 feet or those seeking simple day-slip parking at the lowest cost should check smaller facilities like Harbor Pier Marina in Canton, which charges lower rates for compact craft but lacks overnight amenities. Day-trippers who need only a few hours of mooring should contact the Baltimore Harbor Patrol office to learn about free public anchorage in designated areas rather than renting a slip.
What to expect on arrival
Call the marina office at least 24 hours ahead to reserve a transient slip, especially during warm-weather months and weekends. Upon arrival, radio the dockmaster on VHF Channel 9 to request docking instructions. The dockmaster will guide your vessel to an assigned slip, usually assigning you to a berth near the fuel dock or office to simplify check-in. Expect the check-in process to take 20 to 30 minutes, during which you'll register the vessel, confirm your credit card or deposit information, and receive a parking permit for your car. The office staff can provide maps of nearby fuel, provisioning, and repair services.
Hours, parking, and logistics
The marina office is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fuel dock operates during office hours only. Docking and overnight services are available 24/7 once you are assigned a slip. Parking is available on-site for one vehicle per slip at no extra charge; additional vehicles cost $10 per day. Street parking is extremely limited in the Inner Harbor; use the marina lot to avoid citations. The basin is accessible by car via Pratt Street; GPS coordinates are available on the marina's website. Public transportation via the MTA Light Rail (Inner Harbor/Pratt Street Station) is a 5-minute walk from the office.
Annapolis Yacht Basin fills the gap between Baltimore's recreational paddle-sport facilities and distant cruising ports, making it essential for anyone sailing into Baltimore with a boat that needs secure overnight berthing and shoreside services within the city.
