Living aboard a boat offers a unique lifestyle that connects you with the water every single day. Liveaboard marinas in Mississippi provide options ranging from bustling coastal facilities to peaceful river havens along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
Along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, cities like Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula provide direct access to barrier islands, offshore fishing grounds, and the Gulf of Mexico. The Tenn-Tom Waterway connects the Tennessee River to the Tombigbee River, while Pickwick Lake and Sardis Lake offer freshwater liveaboard experiences with excellent fishing.
Liveaboard fees generally range from $200 monthly flat rates to $10 per foot, plus utilities. Many operations host regular potlucks, crawfish boils, and social gatherings, creating welcoming communities for residents.
Table of Contents
- Gulfport Municipal Marina – Gulfport, MS
- Point Cadet Marina – Biloxi, MS
- Captain’s Wharf Marina – Gulfport, MS
- Mary Walker Marina – Gautier, MS
- Columbus Marina – Columbus, MS
- Midway Marina – Fulton, MS
- Safe Harbor Aqua Yacht Marina – Tishomingo, MS
- Lee Spry Marina – Iuka, MS
- Sardis Lake Marina – Sardis, MS
- Find Your Perfect Floating Home in the Magnolia State
- FAQs – Top 9 Liveaboard Marinas in Mississippi
Gulfport Municipal Marina – Gulfport, MS
If you’re hunting for an affordable marina that won’t drain your wallet, Gulfport Municipal Marina deserves serious consideration. This city-owned facility operates as a 100% municipal operation, with the city handling everything from staffing to daily management. That typically translates into more competitive pricing compared to privately-owned marinas—and in this case, it really does.
The liveaboard setup runs you an additional $200 monthly on top of your slip fees, with a minimum vessel length requirement of 35 feet. You’ll need to bring your checkbook ready for the upfront commitment—they require two months of slip and liveaboard fees when you move in. There’s also a $15 environmental fee and Mississippi’s 7% state sales tax to factor into your budget.
The marina packs in the essentials: air-conditioned restrooms with hot showers, a dedicated laundry facility, and a ship store stocked with drinks, snacks, marine supplies, and tackle. One standout feature? Every slip comes equipped with slip-side pumpout service available 24/7. The fuel dock operates from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and free Wi-Fi coverage extends throughout the marina.
You’re situated in Mississippi’s second-largest city, surrounded mostly by residential neighborhoods. That central position puts restaurants, shops, and the Mississippi Aquarium within walking distance. The docks themselves are built tough—concrete pilings with timber facing designed to handle hurricane conditions.
Pros:
- Affordable city-owned rates that beat most private marinas
- Excellent amenities, including 24/7 slip-side pumpout and extended fuel dock hours
- Walking distance to restaurants, shops, and entertainment
- Hurricane-resistant infrastructure was rebuilt after Katrina
Cons:
- Limited availability for long-term liveaboard slips
- City location means more noise from traffic and events
- Two-month upfront commitment required
Point Cadet Marina – Biloxi, MS
Point Cadet Marina stands as Biloxi’s largest marina, offering 246 slips ranging from 25 to 100 feet with shore power and water hookups. Located directly behind the Golden Nugget Casino, this city-owned facility puts you smack in the middle of Biloxi’s entertainment district, which cuts both ways depending on what you’re after.
The liveaboard rate runs $10 per foot monthly, plus power utility fees, environmental charges, and Mississippi’s 7% sales tax. That pricing reflects the marina’s prime real estate location. You’re getting 24-hour security, restrooms, showers, a laundry facility,a bait shop, a fuel dock, and pump-out stations. The harbor features 29 floating docks with full-length finger piers and in-slip pump-out stations, plus 212 fixed docks.
The central location means restaurants, bars, casinos, and the Mississippi Aquarium are all within walking distance. You’ve got three barrier islands nearby, with one featuring a Civil War fort, plus both offshore and inshore fishing right at your doorstep. But here’s what you need to think about: you’re living in Biloxi’s busiest tourism zone. Peak season brings crowds, noise, and constant activity. If you thrive on having everything close by and don’t mind the urban buzz, this spot delivers. If you need peace, you’ll want to keep looking.
Pros:
- Prime central location with restaurants, entertainment, and amenities within walking distance
- Comprehensive facilities, including 24-hour security and modern amenities
- Easy access to barrier islands and excellent fishing grounds
- Full-service fuel dock and convenient pump-out stations
Cons:
- Higher liveaboard costs at $10 per foot compared to other Mississippi marinas
- Busy, crowded environment during peak tourist seasons
- City noise and casino activity may disrupt peace
Related: Top 7 Liveaboard Marinas in South Carolina
Captain’s Wharf Marina – Gulfport, MS
Captain’s Wharf Marina accommodates vessels up to 150 feet and positions itself as one of the Gulf Coast’s premier private marinas. This isn’t your budget-friendly municipal operation—it’s a full-service facility that comes with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a higher-end spot.
The marina offers both wet and dry slips for seasonal, yearly, and transient parking. What sets this place apart is the social atmosphere. There’s a private sand bar right in the middle of the marina where boaters gather, plus an Island Bar and multiple waterfront restaurants on-site. Captain Al’s Steak and Seafood sits just a short walk away, and the whole setup feels more like a waterfront resort than a traditional marina.
The marina’s central location on the Mississippi Gulf Coast gives you easy access to multiple rivers, bayous, endless sandbars, and the Coastal Islands across the Gulf of Mexico. For liveaboards who enjoy an active social scene and don’t mind paying for premium amenities, Captain’s Wharf delivers that experience. The facility opened in 2023, so everything’s relatively new and well-maintained.
The trade-off? You’re paying for that resort-style atmosphere. Rates run higher than municipal options like the Gulfport Municipal Marina just down the road. Slip availability can also be limited during peak seasons when the place fills up with both seasonal residents and weekend warriors. If you’re someone who values community, modern facilities, and having entertainment right at your doorstep, the extra cost might make sense.
Pros:
- Modern, resort-style facilities with upscale amenities
- Vibrant social community with Island Bar and private sand bar
- On-site restaurants and a central Gulfport location
- Accommodates large vessels up to 150 feet
Cons:
- Significantly more expensive than city-owned marina alternatives
- Limited slip availability during busy seasons
- May feel crowded or overly commercialized for those seeking solitude
Mary Walker Marina – Gautier, MS
Mary Walker Marina has been around since the 1940s, starting as a modest operation selling cold drinks and bait to fishermen. New owners Jimmy and Laura Boleware recently took over with plans to revitalize this Gulf Coast gem while maintaining its family-friendly character.
This is Jackson County’s largest marina with 180 slips and a 150-foot fuel deck featuring four gas and two diesel pumps. Transient rates run $1 per foot without electric and $1.25 with electric, making it one of the more affordable options on the coast. The fully stocked bait and service shop, on-dock fuel, and revamped restaurant aim to get you on the water as quickly as possible.
What consistently comes up in reviews is the genuinely friendly staff—visitors describe feeling like family rather than just customers. The marina regularly hosts community events from crawfish boils to live music, creating that small-community vibe that’s hard to find at larger operations. Located in Gautier (pronounced “Go-Shay”), you’re in a quieter setting compared to Gulfport or Biloxi, but you’re also farther from major shopping and urban amenities.
Finding the marina requires navigating through houses and fish camps off Highway 90—parking can get tight on busy weekends. The trade-off for that peaceful, family-oriented atmosphere is fewer slips available overall and less immediate access to big-city conveniences. But if you’re after genuine Southern hospitality and a welcoming liveaboard community without the commercial feel, Mary Walker hits that sweet spot.
Pros:
- Exceptionally friendly, family-oriented staff and atmosphere
- Affordable rates and regular community events
- Peaceful environment away from tourist crowds
- Full-service facilities, including on-dock fuel and restaurant
Cons:
- Fewer available slips compared to larger marinas
- Remote location with limited nearby urban amenities
- Access through residential areas can be challenging
- Parking limitations during peak times
Related: All Your Questions About Living On a Boat in a Marina Answered – What’s It Like + Tips
Columbus Marina – Columbus, MS
Columbus Marina sits at mile marker 335 on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, just north of the John Stennis Lock and Dam. This state-of-the-art facility earned the “Clean Marina” designation and offers 200 slips accommodating vessels up to 150 feet.
What makes Columbus Marina stand out is the exceptional hospitality. The harbormaster stands on a step stool to see approaching boats and personally talks each one through the narrow approach waters. They provide an informative briefing about marina amenities and the community, plus offer two courtesy cars for exploring the town. The facility includes fuel, pump-out, and electrical services, a ship store, plus shower and laundry facilities.
The boaters’ lounge is part of the marina office and serves as a great hangout area—many cruisers on the Great Loop cite this as their best marina experience on the entire Tenn-Tom. Columbus itself is a town of 24,000 that’s holding its own economically, offering restaurants, shops, and attractions like Tennessee Williams’ childhood home.
Here’s what you need to consider: you’re on an inland waterway, not the Gulf. The Tenn-Tom provides stable water levels and protection from storms, but you’re trading coastal access for a river environment. From Columbus, there’s a three-day run south with no marinas, towns, or facilities until you reach Demopolis. For long-term liveaboards, that means fewer options if you need to move. But if you’re looking for a secure, stable environment with outstanding amenities and a welcoming community, Columbus delivers impressively.
Pros:
- Exceptional staff hospitality and thorough orientation
- Spacious docks with modern, well-maintained facilities
- Strong amenities, including courtesy cars and a boaters’ lounge
- Stable water levels and protected inland location
Cons:
- Inland location lacks direct Gulf access
- Limited nearby marina options for relocation
- Fewer urban attractions compared to coastal cities
- Isolated position on the Tenn-Tom Waterway
Midway Marina – Fulton, MS
Midway Marina sits at mile marker 394 on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and proudly welcomes liveaboards. This full-service operation prides itself on Southern hospitality and maintains a “1st Choice Rated Marina” designation on ActiveCaptain.
The marina experiences no water level fluctuation and offers covered slips up to 70 feet, with plans for covered 80-foot slips. You’re getting 50-amp and 30-amp hookups, pump-out stations, non-ethanol gas, diesel, and propane. Amenities include fiber-optic internet, cable TV, laundry facilities, a hot tub, lots of grounds for roaming, and mini storage units.
What really defines Midway is the community vibe. Potluck get-togethers and gatherings around the fire pit happen routinely here. The marina has someone on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for safety and convenience. Guy’s Place restaurant sits on-site with daily lunch specials and beautiful waterway views, and there’s even a driving range if you want to work on your golf game.
Getting into the marina requires attention—the area outside the channel markers is stumpy and shallow, marked on charts as the “Fulton Mine Field.” Some reviews mention the facility could use repairs in places, and unleashed dogs running around bother some visitors. Fulton itself is a small town of 3,900, so you’re not getting big-city amenities here. But for liveaboards seeking an affordable, genuinely friendly community with that “home away from home” feeling, Midway’s atmosphere is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Genuinely friendly community with regular social events
- Affordable rates with no water level fluctuations
- Excellent amenities, including fiber-optic internet and a hot tub
- 24/7 staff availability and on-site restaurant
Cons:
- Limited nearby amenities in small-town Fulton
- The facility shows its age in some areas that need repairs
- Challenging approach through shallow, stumpy waters
- Smaller-scale operation compared to coastal marinas
Related: 10 Best Liveaboard Marinas in Washington State
Safe Harbor Aqua Yacht Marina – Tishomingo, MS
Safe Harbor Aqua Yacht ranks among America’s largest freshwater marinas, boasting 450 in-water slips, 140 dry stack spaces for vessels up to 120 feet, and 25 transient slips. Located just off the Tennessee River on Pickwick Lake, this isn’t your typical small-town marina—it’s a full-service operation with resort-level amenities.
The facility includes a ship’s store, rental boats, fuel dock, pump-out dock, swimming pool, tennis court, exercise facility, cabin rentals, seasonal restaurant, boat sales, a 70-ton lift, and full-service repair facilities with parts inventory. The marina’s strategic location at the north end of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway makes it ideal for north and south-bound cruising, plus it’s the perfect spot for in-water winter storage for northern boaters.
Safe Harbor Aqua Yacht is a household name among Great Loop cruisers, known for impeccable facilities, state-of-the-art docks, and full-service capabilities delivered with Southern hospitality. Multiple loaner cars accommodate the volume of visiting cruisers, and the fuel dock offers reasonably priced diesel. The scenic lakefront setting on Pickwick Lake provides a completely different experience from coastal marinas—you’re trading Gulf access for stable lake conditions and mountain-like scenery.
The upscale amenities come with upscale pricing. This is a Safe Harbor property, which means professional management and consistent quality, but also corporate rates that exceed smaller, family-owned operations. Some reviews mention inadequate restrooms and laundry facilities given the marina’s size, with showers located far from most slips. The location is also quite remote—you’re 13 miles north of Iuka with limited nearby urban services. But for liveaboards seeking modern, secure facilities in a beautiful lake setting with every amenity imaginable, Aqua Yacht delivers.
Pros:
- Modern, upscale facilities with comprehensive amenities
- Scenic Pickwick Lake location with stable water conditions
- Full-service repair capabilities and professional management
- Excellent for winter storage and Great Loop staging
Cons:
- Higher costs compared to smaller, independent marinas
- Remote location with very limited urban access
- Restroom and shower facilities are inadequate for the marina’s size
- No coastal access or Gulf proximity
Lee Spry Marina – Iuka, MS
Information about Lee Spry Marina is limited in available sources. The marina is located at mile marker 447.4 on the waterway near Iuka, positioning it on Pickwick Lake in the same general area as Safe Harbor Aqua Yacht. The facility offers repair services, including hull, inboard, and outboard engines, I/O, and propeller work, with a labor rate of $60 per hour.
Based on its Pickwick Lake location, Lee Spry would offer similar advantages to other lake marinas in the area: stable water levels, scenic surroundings, and a serene environment away from coastal crowds. The lake itself is known for excellent fishing, particularly bass and crappie, making it appealing to anglers who want to live aboard near prime fishing grounds.
However, this is clearly a smaller facility compared to the massive Safe Harbor operation nearby. With limited online presence and fewer documented amenities, it appears to be a more modest, locally-run operation. That could mean more affordable rates and a personal touch, but also fewer services and amenities. The Iuka area itself is quite small, so urban services, shopping, and entertainment options would be minimal—you’d need to drive to larger towns for most necessities.
For liveaboards specifically seeking Lee Spry, it’s essential to contact them directly about liveaboard policies, slip availability, and what amenities they actually offer. The lack of detailed information suggests this might not be actively marketed as a liveaboard destination, though that doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t accept long-term residents.
Pros:
- Quiet, scenic lakefront setting on Pickwick Lake
- Smaller facility may offer more personalized service
- Likely more affordable than larger corporate marinas
- Access to excellent fishing grounds
Cons:
- Very limited information and online presence
- Smaller facility with fewer documented amenities
- Remote location with minimal nearby urban services
- Uncertain liveaboard policies and availability
Sardis Lake Marina – Sardis, MS
Sardis Lake Marina holds a unique position as the only marina on Mississippi’s largest lake. The facility offers both covered and uncovered slips—over 200 wet slips currently, with an approved master plan for up to 450 slips. Slip sizes range from personal watercraft ports to 70-foot boat slips, and the marina provides 93-octane non-ethanol fuel.
Rafters Music and Food operates on-site, providing full kitchen and bar services plus entertainment. The marina offers boat and jet ski rentals along with a ship’s store, creating a full-service operation. The location sits adjacent to Engineer’s Point, the lake’s busiest recreational area and boat launch.
Sardis Lake itself stretches over 98,000 acres and has a strong reputation for bass and crappie fishing. Oxford, home of the University of Mississippi, is less than 20 minutes away, and Memphis sits less than an hour’s drive. That proximity to larger cities distinguishes Sardis from more remote inland marinas—you can actually access urban amenities without too much effort.
The challenge? This is primarily a recreational lake marina, not specifically set up for liveaboards. There’s no mention of liveaboard policies, long-term amenities like laundry facilities, or shower access in the available information. Covered slips are at full occupancy with waiting lists for some slip types, suggesting high demand for limited spaces. The peaceful lakefront atmosphere and fishing opportunities are appealing, but potential liveaboards need to confirm directly whether long-term living aboard is even permitted and what facilities would support that lifestyle.
Pros:
- Only marina on Mississippi’s largest lake
- Scenic lakefront with peaceful atmosphere
- Proximity to Oxford and Memphis for urban amenities
- Excellent fishing and water recreation opportunities
Cons:
- Limited amenities specifically for liveaboards
- Uncertain liveaboard policies and acceptance
- High demand, with some slip types having waiting lists
- Inland lake location unsuitable for those wanting coastal access
Find Your Perfect Floating Home in the Magnolia State
Gulfport Municipal Marina offers excellent value with its $200 monthly liveaboard fee and modern facilities. Columbus Marina on the Tenn-Tom consistently earns praise for exceptional staff and a welcoming atmosphere. Safe Harbor Aqua Yacht on Pickwick Lake provides 450 slips with resort amenities.
Consider your priorities: Gulf access for coastal cruising, stable inland waters, or lakefront serenity. Visit potential marinas as a transient first, verify liveaboard policies, and talk with current residents. Mississippi’s liveaboard scene delivers Southern hospitality, affordable rates, and genuine community—find the marina that feels like home.
FAQs – Top 9 Liveaboard Marinas in Mississippi
How far up the Mississippi can you boat?
You can navigate the Mississippi River from the Gulf of Mexico all the way to its headwaters at Lake Itasca in Minnesota—approximately 2,300 miles. The Upper Mississippi above Minneapolis has shallower depths and 29 locks to traverse. Most recreational boaters focus on the Lower Mississippi or connect to tributaries like the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway to avoid the river’s strong currents and commercial barge traffic.
Can you live on a boat at the marina?
Yes, many marinas allow liveaboards, though policies vary by facility. Most require minimum vessel lengths (typically 30-35 feet) and charge additional monthly fees ranging from $200 flat rates to $10+ per foot. Some marinas limit the number of liveaboard slips available. Always contact the marina directly to confirm their liveaboard policies, verify slip availability, and understand what amenities are included before committing.
