Reviews: Port of Salisbury Marina

Reviewed by: Capt. Mac , Janthina, on Oct 12, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 3

We arrived at the Port of Salisbury Marina after a wonderful trip up the river. Our last trip in 2022 is recorded in another review of the marina and things on the river have not changed. Things at the marina, however were different. We came in mid-September in 2022 and were here in the beginning of October so we were further off season. We called the marina on Friday morning to reserve and were met by a recording that said there was no more fuel for the season and that the marina office was open Sunday through Tuesday from 0800 to 1500 hrs. We left a message on voicemail and called in when we arrived, leaving our information and telephone number. We called again on Sunday morning at about 0900 and left another message announcing our departure. We have not heard back from the marina two days later. Fortunately, one of the liveaboard residents gave us the gate combination so we could get out and visit town.

The marina has fixed docks and a 4' tidal range with 14' MLW at the T-head. There are no cleats on the dock so we tied our lines to the pylons. As there is not much water above Salisbury there is very little current in the marina even though you have to tie your lines to allow for the rise and fall of the water. We used our fender boards to keep us off the pilings and had no problems controlling the boat/dock interface. As we had no communication with the marina we decide not to plug in but there were power plyons with 30/50 amp service available. Looking at the docks it is clear that the city has invested in replacing aging boards but the work is ongoing. Several areas on the docks were blocked off by caution tape. We did not visit any of the marina facilities this time so we make no assessments as to their condition.

The marina is situated right next to one of the popular restaurants in town with good food and music on weekends. There are quite a few interesting looking restaurants within easy walking distance. We wandered around town, visiting the small farmers market for fresh vegitables and the lovely park in the middle of town. Salisbury University, a part of the University of Maryland system is also located in town, giving a bit of a college town vibe to the city.

The Port of Salisbury Marina is fundamentally a pretty solid place but is definitely in need of some TLC. The town in worth a visit and the river trip is definitely worthwhile.

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Reviewed by: Capt. Mac , Janthina, on Sep 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

If you like exploring rivers, the tributary rivers of the Chesapeake are incredibly rich with history, natural beauty, and industry. The Port of Salisbury Marina was simply the excuse to travel the 25 miles up the Wicomico River. At the junction buoy with the Nanticoke River you are in the Chesapeake Bay. As you travel up the river it changes character and transitions to fresh water. At Whitehaven you have to deal with the cable ferry that is the oldest ferry in the USA with operations dating back to 1687. The second cable ferry, ten miles further upstream, Upper Ferry, dates to 1688. Three miles downstream from Salisbury is Pemberton Hall, a pre-revolutionary plantation that dates back to the 1740's.

The Wicomico River channel is well marked and deep. There are commercial operations in Salisbury that use the river for transport. We passed a barge and tow on our way up the river. Be prepared for currents on the trip with speeds of up to 1.5 miles per hour at the height of the ebb or flow. The marina is at the head of navigation with a low clearance bridge precluding further travel upriver. The marina is well laid out and sits in the middle of town. The fixed docks have protruding pylons and, with the four foot tide, careful line placement and fender boards are necessary. We had 12 mlw depth at the T-head. Water and power are in good working order although there are some dock planks that really need to be replaced soon. The staff was responsive to our questions and the marina provides older shower facilities (individual toilet/shower rooms) as well as an excellent (and inexpensive 1 dollar wash/75 cent dryer) laundry room. Courtesy bikes are available. The nearest supermarket and pharmacy are about a mile from the marina. Security is provided with a lock gate separating the docks from the downtown parking lot. Brew River restaurant and dockbar are next door and several other restaurants are within walking distance.. Cellular reception is good for the Big Three. There is a small dog park upriver just beyond the Brew River restaurant. We liked the place so we stayed an extra day.

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Reviewed by: Jani Parker on Jun 27, 2017
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 31'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Friendly and clean and close to restaurants and a wonderful free municipal zoo. Worth the beautiful 20-mile trip up the river.

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