$1B+ Island Marina Developments (118-Berth to 150-Berth) Draw Superyachts in 2025

The Caribbean is re-emerging as a top winter haunt for superyachts. New island marina developments with full-service infrastructure and large berth capacity are reshaping the region’s appeal to luxury charter clients and owners. Among the most notable is a project currently underway in Anguilla that will provide 118 berths,  a clear signal of growing investment in yacht-ready facilities. 

Strong Investment, Growing Demand

• The global marina-berth investment market reached an estimated US$6.7 billion in 2024 as demand for leisure boating and superyacht moorings surged. Projections estimate growth to US$11.5 billion by 2033, driven by rising maritime tourism and coastal infrastructure expansion.

• The new Anguilla marina (part of a larger resort and real estate development) will feature 118 berths for vessels up to 260 feet, a luxury hotel, villas, waterfront amenities and full yacht-service support, positioning it as a potential new anchor point for the global superyacht fleet.

• Analysts note that Caribbean marinas remain under-supplied relative to rising demand. The shortage of high-quality berths is a major driver behind these new developments.

What It Means for Superyacht Owners and Charterers

High-capacity marinas with comprehensive services give superyacht owners and charter operators far more confidence when booking Caribbean itineraries. The increased berth capacity and modern infrastructure reduce the dependency on crowded or outdated harbors. At the same time, the combination of marina, resort amenities and climate makes the Caribbean a compelling alternative to overbooked Mediterranean ports.

For charter clients who value flexibility and privacy, these developments matter. For example, a guest might pair a winter Caribbean stopover with summer Mediterranean cruising or opt for bespoke alternatives. Others may plan more relaxed, off-peak travel. Some travelers are renting a private yacht in Crete as a simple way to explore quiet bays and create their own pace, which mirrors the same sense of freedom they look for in the Caribbean.”

Industry Implications

• Yacht management firms and charter brokers are adjusting long-term planning to account for increased Caribbean berth capacity. Owners may prefer to reposition their vessels for winter charters, using the new marinas as stable bases.

• Marina developers are positioning their projects not just as docking facilities but as full lifestyle destinations, integrating hotels, villas, yacht clubs and service infrastructure. This bundling enhances value for superyacht owners and charter markets alike.

• Markets historically underserved by large-scale marina infrastructure stand to gain. Caribbean destinations adopting modern marina facilities may become primary alternatives to traditional European hubs.

Kamnaki Maria, Reservation Manager at DanEri Yachts, offers her view:

“The rise of new marinas in the Caribbean shows the market shifting toward flexibility, convenience and serious year-round capacity. Clients who plan long-term sailing routes consider winter European marinas too crowded now. For some, renting a private yacht on Crete remains ideal, but others see fresh appeal in chartering through these Caribbean hubs. It expands choice and resets what a superyacht itinerary can look like.”