The weather has finally started to brighten and spring is in the air…and nowhere is that more apparent than in Downtown Newburyport on the water.  The marina workers are busy getting all of the docks into the water.  They pulled them out last October/November and they have been sitting in the boatyards all winter, under ten feet of snow, as was the case this year.  Well the snow has melted and the docks are being painstakingly moved from their winter storage and into position all along the banks of the Merrimack River.  Its hard work and takes some time, but this group of guys have been doing it for over 25 years, so they know their stuff!

The largest marina in the area is called Newburyport Marinas and it includes the docks at Newburyport Harbor Marina, Hilton’s Marina, Windward Yacht Yard and the Newburyport Boat Basin.  They are all located along the Merrimack River in historic Newburyport, with more than 500 slips for seasonal/transient dockage and accommodations for boats ranging in size up to 125′.  We happen to have a small 22’ Sea Ray and moor it at Hilton’s Marina, right next to the Black Cow restaurant.  HILTON’S MARINA is just 3 miles from the mouth of the Merrimack River with 65 slips. Hilton’s Marina can accommodate boats ranging in size up to 100’ feet and is a short walk to shopping, dining and activities in the downtown area.  It’s a wonderful place to keep your boat, as it is a short ride up river or even out through the mouth of the river to enjoy the ocean on your way to places like Cranes Beach, the Isles of Shoals, fishing at Jeffries Ledge or other local harbors.

Along with personal boating, the City offers many other options to enjoy the water.  We have a whale watching company, kayak and paddle board rental company, the Ninth Wave catamaran for rentals and a small river cruise trip from the main docks on the waterfront.  Enjoy the water and then head up town to enjoy some great shopping or have a delicious meal in one of our many restaurants.  Newburyport has a lot to offer the frequent visitor but really makes life feel like a permanent vacation when you live here!!!  ENJOY!