Puerto del Rey Marina

Puerto del Rey Marina — Gatekeeper of the Eastern Caribbean

Situated on the northeastern tip of Puerto Rico, Puerto del Rey Marina (now part of the Safe Harbor network) is widely regarded as one of the largest and most capable marinas in the Caribbean. It combines scale, service, and strategic location to serve as both a comfortable home base and an efficient stepping stone to the Virgin Islands and beyond.

Location & Layout

The marina’s address is 4900 State Rd. 3, Km 51.4, Fajardo, PR 00738

It sits inside a naturally protected bay, with a significant breakwater to shelter from storms and ocean surge.

Originally completed around 1988 and later refurbished (notably in 2014) Puerto del Rey now operates near full capacity. The marina is laid out on concrete fixed docks, floating piers, and a dry-stack storage yard, covering roughly 60 acres of waterfront property.

Capacity & Berthing

Puerto del Rey is notable for its sheer numbers:

Over 1,000 wet slips for yachts up to 180 feet LOA.

Drafts up to 15 feet (~4.6 m) are supported in many slips.

Dry stack storage for smaller vessels, with space to stack boats three high and spacing of fairways and docks are generous, which reduces the stress of maneuvering in a crowded facility.

Given its dimensions and the number of slips, Puerto del Rey is often dubbed the largest marina in the Caribbean.

Services & Amenities

Puerto del Rey doesn’t just rest on scale—it supports a broad suite of services for cruiser and yacht needs:

Utilities: Shore power (various amperages), metered water, Wi-Fi, and pump-out services are available throughout the marina.

Fuel Dock: Diesel and gasoline delivery to slips is offered.

Shuttle & Mobility: Because the docks are far-flung, the marina operates golf cart shuttle service to ferry crew and provisioning items.

Haul-out & Repairs: A 165‑ton travel lift, dry storage, and space for repair contractors are available on-site.

Security & Access: The marina offers 24/7 security, gated access, and monitored perimeter systems.

Customs & Immigration: As Puerto del Rey is designated as a sea port of entry, on-site immigration, customs, coast guard, and regulatory offices simplify arrivals.

Lodging & Amenities: Beyond marine services, the marina offers rooms, dining, game rooms, gym, a convenience store, and the ability to arrange excursions.

One reviewer guest described the marina as “massive but still manages to offer excellent customer service. The slips and fairways are generously sized, and the golf cart shuttle service makes navigating such a large facility manageable.”

Operational Strengths & Weaknesses

What works well:

Strategic staging point: Its location is ideal for transitions between Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, or for long passages toward the west or south. Discover Puerto Rico

Resilience: The marina’s structure is known to have endured storms (e.g. Hurricane Maria) with its concrete docks proving reliable.

Comprehensive services: The marina’s broad scope—from utilities to repairs to guest amenities—makes it a self-contained base.

Scale with navigation ease: Despite its size, features like shuttle service, wide fairways, and clear signage help reduce the logistical burden of moving among hundreds of slips.

Trade-offs / challenges:

Distance & walking: Slips can be a long walk from the marina office or parking; relying on shuttle service is common. Sailing Satori

Provisioning scale: On-site marine stores and convenience items are good, but for full provisioning crews often have to drive into Fajardo or San Juan for larger supermarkets.

Booking in peak season: Given its reputation and size, transient slips may fill up, so early reservations are advisable.

Connectivity hiccups: Some users report occasional Wi-Fi or electrical metering glitches, though these are not deal-breakers for most.

Experience for Visiting Yachts

From a visitor’s perspective, Puerto del Rey is both welcoming and impressive. Many cruisers report that the staff are responsive, the marina layout is logical, and the amenities make longer stays comfortable. Some recount special generosity, with complimentary stay offers in exchange for visibility.

Crew and captains enjoy the ability to handle multiple tasks ashore—immigration, provisioning, technical maintenance, and leisure—without constant repositioning. The marina essentially functions as a one-stop hub on the east coast of Puerto Rico.

For boats gearing to cross to the Virgin Islands, Puerto del Rey is a logical staging ground. It also offers comfort and service for those staying longer, given its location, security, and scale.

Conclusion: A Caribbean Powerhouse Marina

Puerto del Rey Marina is a rare blend—massive in scale, strong in infrastructure, and rooted in cruising practicality. While not perfect, its strengths far outweigh its limitations for most bluewater voyagers and seasonal basers alike. For those seeking a central, well-equipped launchpad into the Caribbean or a long-term base with robust facilities, Puerto del Rey delivers. It is not just a marina — it is a maritime community built for serious travellers.