Reviews: Crow's Nest Marina & Restaurant

Reviews Summary

The reviews for Crow's Nest Marina highlight a generally positive experience for visitors, emphasizing the helpful and friendly staff, clean facilities, and excellent on-site restaurant. Many reviewers appreciated the marina's location, which offers easy access to both the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), as well as nearby attractions like the beach and downtown Venice.

Key points from the reviews include:

1. Staff and Service: The dockhands and dockmaster received high praise for their assistance with docking, especially in challenging conditions due to strong tidal currents. Reviewers noted their professionalism and willingness to help, making the docking process smoother.

2. Facilities: The marina features clean restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. The restaurant is described as upscale with a good variety of food options, and many guests enjoyed the dining experience.

3. Location: The marina's proximity to the beach and downtown Venice is frequently mentioned as a significant advantage. Guests appreciated the ability to bike or walk to local shops and attractions.

4. Weather and Conditions: Several reviews caution about the strong tidal currents and the need for careful navigation, especially when docking. Some guests experienced challenges with wakes from passing boats, which can affect the calmness of the marina.

5. Overall Experience: Many guests expressed a desire to return, citing the lively yet peaceful atmosphere, the quality of service, and the overall enjoyable experience at the marina.

In summary, Crow's Nest Marina is well-regarded for its excellent staff, clean facilities, and great location, though visitors should be mindful of the tidal conditions when docking.

Reviewed by: Valarie Milazzo , Pellegrina, on Apr 23, 2026
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 45'
Draft: 6.0'

Rating: 5

This is my new favorite place to stop in SW Florida! The location is excellent just a short deep channel from the Gulf. The dockhands offered the highest level of courtesy and service. We were able to tie up to the fixed long dock which was very easy. The bathhouse area was spacious and scrupulously clean. The marina is a 1.5 mile walk away from charming shops and restaurants in downtown Venice. Next time we will try the Crow's Nest Restaurant - the menu looked delicious.

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Reviewed by: Tom Burton , SeaDancer, on Mar 21, 2026
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 50'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Marina is very convenient to a great inlet and ICW. Dock hands are excellent, great showers. Restaurant is excellent. Definitely worth a stop.

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Reviewed by: Brian Klawitter on Feb 20, 2026
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Crows Nest answered the phone! Uncommon in the marina biz it seems.
We were coming in a few minutes after closing time at 5. They called us and stayed until we arrived to help tie up. They did this for another boat after us too!

Nice place to spend the night. We didn't check out the bathrooms or restaurant.

Very personable!

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Reviewed by: Captain Wes , Toscana, on Dec 26, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

12/22/25 Spendy (as all in Florida are) But I make a habit of always stopping here. Great location and great people working the docks. Great showers and bath facility.
Restaurant upstairs is upscale, downstairs is more reasonable :) Transient long dock is back in service! :)

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Reviewed by: Markus Hofmann on Sep 10, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

The marina's location by the inlet is ideal for quick access to both the ocean and the ICW, and the fuel dock is right next to the slips. Docks are in good shape, fixed along a concrete wall, so careful tie-up is important. Bathrooms are nearby in the restaurant building and kept clean. Staff are consistently friendly and helpful. However, the site is exposed to any wind with a northerly component, which brings in a strong swell, not suitable for rough weather. Passing boat traffic adds wake, so it's not the calmest spot. Best for short stays in fair conditions.

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Reviewed by: William Mcnutt , Vacatio, on Jun 24, 2025
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 50'
Draft: 8.0'

Rating: 4

At this point, Crow's Nest seems to have completely recovered from the 2024 hurricanes. I found them to be responsive to phone and email, and they have the single most important feature to me: at least 9 feet of water from the open ocean all the way to the fuel dock.

They were out of slips when I asked for a transient overnight, and since I was coming in after the fuel dock closed, he offered it to me. Power, water, and convenient to refuel the next morning? Sure. Plus: a side-tie. I didn't have to nose in or back in between finger docks.

The staff were great, especially for such a small marina.

Now, a word about the restaurant. It's tony. Wear your CLEAN blue jeans and the Hawai'ian shirt with no stains. Lots of good seafood on the menu, and plenty of stuff from land, too. Food was great, service fantastic.

You know how most marinas have a diner or something attached?

This is more like a restaurant that has a marina attached. It looks like any other marina restaurant and tavern from the outside, but it's a bit up scale inside.

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Reviewed by: Paul Steindorf , Ohana, on Apr 2, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 45'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 3

As of 4/25 Still rebuilding after 2024 hurricanes. Several slips present, with short finger piers. Face dock with no power as of 4/25. Slips with 30 and 50 amp power. Clean restrooms with en-suite showers. Laundry onsite. Marina is just inside the inlet, so expect some current. Also about 2 ft+ tidal swing with not much depth at the slips, I was glad I went bow in. Dock hands know how to secure your boat for the conditions. Restaurant on site, did not walk into town to sample the town. Great location for a stop if you want to run in the Gulf. Would stay here again for that reason.

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Reviewed by: G. Jay Nelson , Pegasus, on Jan 25, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

The Crow's Nest Restaurant and marina is still rebuilding from the recent hurricane. They have partially rebuilt their docks to open six to eight slips, and reopened the restaurant. The marina is very well lighted at night, but there is no other security. The fixed docks require fendering to accommodate a two-and-a-half-foot tide swing during a full moon. The marina staff was very friendly, and the restaurant is a favorite of the locals with good food and friendly atmosphere. The marina is not pet-friendly, requiring the use of neighboring properties for any grassy area. However, it is only a short walk to the beach. Word of caution, be careful to stay in the channel as the area immediately in front of the marina's fuel dock is very shallow. Also, from the westerly end of the marina, the flood tide pushes you toward this shallow area.

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Reviewed by: D. Edmondson on Dec 16, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 35'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

A little late in reviewing but wanted to tell everyone about this great little Marina. (stayed June 22,2024. We docked here initally to fuel up and have some lunch at the restaurant after picking up our new to us boat.
Outgoing tide had current moving swiftly adding to the stress of docking a new boat in an unfamilar place. Dockhands were excellent in assisting us in and helping us tie up. Restaurant was excellent for lunch and has a good atmosphere.
Walking back to the boat the dark clouds of a typical afternoon summer storm were rolling in so we decided to wait it out at the dock. The storm lasted longer than we expected and dark was fast approaching. We asked about a slip for the night and with aboslutley no notice and a marina full of sport fishers in for a tournament, they said sure! Dockhands showed up and helped us get the electric hooked up and set the lines for the tide swing and we spent a great evening! Next morning bright and early, we moved over to the fuel dock and topped off for the trip home.

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Reviewed by: Lisa Jenkins , VolAboard, on May 2, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

The Dockmaster and dockhands were outstanding - the best that we have seen in our travels. With their help, backing into the finger dock slip was effortless. Our exit the next morning was just as easy. The restaurant on site was excellent. Very nice bay and inlet , peaceful evening. Ubered to Publix for some provisions which was nice. The private shower/ head facilities and laundry were top notch. We really enjoyed this marina and Venice, will return for a longer stay.

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Reviewed by: Richard Lewis , Sea-Quel, on Mar 29, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 56'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Great location . Staff is wonderful. We will be back. Had bad weather coming in and they informed us we needed to depart early due to the wind direction. They were spot on.

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Reviewed by: Jill Abramson , GRATITUDE, on Feb 14, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Beautiful location. Very helpful with docking, setting up electric, helping us rent bikes for the afternoon. Rode the bicycles into town. Good stop. Recommend.

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Reviewed by: Jeff French on Jan 24, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.8'

Rating: 3

Beach, restaurant very close. Easy bike ride to grocery store and town. Very good staff who do a great job helping you dock.

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Reviewed by: Lawrence Wolfenden on Nov 15, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 38'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

As others have noted, the tidal current that passes Crow's Nest can be downright vicious, but the dockmaster and dockhands are well-experienced at bringing boats into the slips safely and without damage. I normally retain full command and control of the docking procedure, but here I defer to their advice and guidance.

An option to docking during the height of the tidal flow is to drop an anchor on the north side of the channel for an hour or two until slack tide. Some will remain there overnight, but again, that tidal current bids caution and maintaining close watch on the anchor's hold.

It is a bit of a hike, but historic, downtown Venice is only a mile and a half away through some pleasant neighborhoods with little traffic. There are a number of Shoppes and restaurants lining the south side of the main thoroughfare. A mile beyond the historic downtown (to the south) is a shopping center with a wine bar, liquor store, Publix, etc.

With the limited depths of the anchorage in Roberts Bay, Crow's Nest is a great option.

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Reviewed by: Donna Decaul , Miss Lynn, on Aug 16, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 53'
Draft: 4.6'

Rating: 5

We arrived late Wednesday afternoon, weary and hungry. The dockmaster and his helper were welcoming and helpful. We had a lovely spot on the sea-sall with a beautiful view.We spent one night. The exit was as easy as the entrance. Lovely experience.

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Reviewed by: Jill Terrell on Jul 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 50'
Draft: 8.0'

Rating: 5

Stayed here in March. Very easy to get to and deep draft accessible. The line handlers were super nice. The restrooms were all updated and very clean with plenty of space to put your things. There is a restaurant next door and walking distance to a park for your dog. Stayed one night and it was great.

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Reviewed by: David Mann , Now or Never, on Jan 1, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.7'

Rating: 5

Arrived at the long wall and was provided assistance from a professional dockmaster. Experienced no problems during our stay and enjoyed the view of the channel and all of the busy traffic. When approaching from the ICW go around the island rather than trying to naviagate an unmarked cut between the island and the park. It can be done but need the local knowledge, aided by a shallow draft and/or high tide. Great food in the tavern located at the marina.

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Reviewed by: Terry Franzel , No Fences, on Jun 2, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Great people and great food! We came in on a falling tide and being on an inlet the current was extremely strong! Yet the dock staff made me look like a lot better Captain than I thought I was. They gave me, and every other docking boat, excellent directions and assistance. The facilities are very clean and spacious. The restaurant is one of the favorites in town, as demonstrated by the line of cars waiting to get in. We got to the outside patio just in time and enjoyed some great craft beer and a fantastic seafood platter. We stopped on the way down and on the way back home. This is one place we will always plan to stay at in the future!

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Reviewed by: Captains Jean & Jerry Coleman on May 27, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 14.0'

Rating: 5

This is the FASTEST fueling stop on the west coast of Florida! In from the Gulf, fueled up and back out again in less than 25 minutes! Rick is a super resource - helpful and informative! Tidal currents can be swift but with a little care, this might be the best place to get fuel, especially if you are running outside plus the water is gorgeous here!

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Reviewed by: JEFF WHITNEY on May 11, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Stayed 2 nights. Rick the Dockmaster and his crew were excellent and without them we never would have made it into the 16’ wide slip with our 15’6” beam boat...in a ripping 2 knot side current and 15 knot gusts.
Slip was right on the inlet and wakes repeatedly knocked the fenders from the pilings, setting up our rub rail grinding on the pilings. Most boats observed the no wake zone, but with very heavy traffic it only took a few to cause us to have to reset fenders constantly. A smaller vessel would not have had this issue.
Restaurant was excellent and VERY popular. Walmart delivers for provisioning.
Beach across the inlet was crowded on the weekend and music was loud, but fine during the week.
Power went out repeatedly the first night, issue stopped when large boat left. Dock hands said first time they’ve had that issue, but made for long night trudging a hundred yards to reset main breaker. I did a free bag of ice for the trouble!
Overall an ok stay, would have been worse if not for the great restaurant and top notch dock hands.

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Reviewed by: Tina Pickell on Apr 27, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 62'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Crow's Nest Marina staff are professional and helpful-- easy to make reservations and dock assistance for taking lines. The restaurant offers great views of the boats entering or leaving the area. Occasionally wakes from some boaters, but speeds seemed to be monitored well by local authorities. Bikes are available to get into town, but the walk is pleasant too. The beach is practically steps away, but no pets allowed.

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Reviewed by: Diane Fowler , Windy City, on Apr 16, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

Great service and food, as usual.

But, we arrived about 4:30 and wanted to take Complimentary bikes to town for dinner.

Ooops! Bicycles now FOR RENT at $7.50 each.

Someone needs to change this write up.

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Reviewed by: Captain Jim Marvin , Leap of Faith , on Apr 15, 2021
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 35'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

The Crow’s Nest Marina features helpful staff, clean facilities and an excellent restaurant in a beautiful location.
Dockmaster Rick was very helpful in assisting us into our slip during a tricky cross current situation.
Please be advised that if you are docking a sailing vessel in one of their slips it is best to approach bow in as the bottom gets shallow towards the sea wall. Make sure your power cables and water hoses are long enough to reach the pedestals along the sea wall.
Otherwise, you will have a great experience at the Crow’s Nest!

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Reviewed by: Sherry Harvey on Feb 16, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.0'

Rating: 5

Excellent, clean marina. The staff are very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. We came in two weeks ago on a very windy, gusty day. Gusting winds made it impossible to dock in our assigned slip with our 21' beam, so Dave made sure we were secure on the facedock. He checked on us before going home, and was back the next morning at 7:00 checking on our lines. We would recommend this marina....and the bonus is the fantastic restaurant on site. And Pepe the parrot is pretty entertaining, too.....we stayed for 2 weeks & will be returning next winter!

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Reviewed by: Ryan Holthbaugh on May 14, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 34'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

One of my favorite overnight stops! I just love this place. It's lively, yet peaceful, and in a great location. A 5 minute walk to the beach, and quick walk to lovely shops, and an AMAZING restaurant on site. We just love it!

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Reviewed by: Laura Stein , Have Another Day , on Mar 24, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 57'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Great stop. Staff incredibly helpful. Helped us get tied up with no issue and helped us untie the next morning. We don't usually ask for help leaving but the tide was way out and was going to make for a dicey leap back onto the boat for me. Or retying all lines back to boat. Quick easy walk to beach. Fabulous body surfing. I walked into town Saturday morning for wonderful farmer's market and trip to the post office. After body surfing we took dinghy to little island and walked around a bit. Downtown Venice is beautiful and we would have enjoyed staying but were on our way to Cayo Costa.

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Reviewed by: Torie , Chapter Two, on Jan 5, 2019
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 37'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 5

Crow’s Nest is always an awesome stop over from the Gulf or ICW. Staff very helpful with docking and helping you understand how the current affects docking. Just as we were getting to leave good blow came up, we waiting a few minutes, then they came back and helped us out. I like to be independent but geez use the help or you are going to kiss that seawall

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Reviewed by: Judy A on Sep 16, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 32'
Draft: 4.2'

Rating: 5

Great marina. Laundry, showers, restrooms very clean. Two places to eat, upstairs $$, downstairs $. Excellent food both places. Very short walk to South Jetty and Venice Beach. Marina staff excellent.

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Reviewed by: Scott Lapointe on Jan 14, 2017
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Busy marina. Diesel and gas available. Aaron the dock hand is excellent. Tides can be strong so be sure to use the posts and not the cleats provided. Great place to watch boats go by while you're at the restaurant or onboard. Long transient dock. Laundry. Groceries are a 2 mile courtesy bicycle ride away. Wifi terrible even in boaters lounge and nonexistent at your boat.

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Reviewed by: Chris Caldwell , AskCaptainChris, on Jul 3, 2016
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Very popular and crowded Marina year round. Restaurant is very good. Beware of swift tidal currents and shallow water in ICW. Stay in channel and you are OK. Great place to come in from Gulf, deep inlet, shallow ICW.

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