Indian River Marina
4.7(235)google
4.5(2)yelp
HarborBoatingFishingWater ActivityOutdoor
Overview
Delaware Seashore State Park is a public recreation area located near Dewey Beach in Delaware, United States. It is bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay. The park covers 2,722 acres (1,102 ha).
Practical Info
Every day8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimePrime visits occur from May to October during the peak maritime and deep-sea fishing seasons. Be there between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM when the charter fleet returns to dock; you can witness the day's fresh catches being weighed, and enjoy a dockside sunset beverage as the marina masts glow in the twilight.
Getting ThereLocated on the north side of the inlet at 39415 Inlet Rd, Rehoboth Beach. Drive via DE-1 to the north foot of the Indian River Inlet Bridge, turn onto Inlet Road following the dedicated marina signage, and continue for half a mile to the large, free asphalt parking facility.
Travel Tips
- The southern boat launch ramps peak heavily between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM with commercial charter and private angling vessels. Standard passenger vehicles without boat trailers are barred from idling in these lanes; blocking the industrial travel lifts or launch paths triggers massive commercial obstruction fines.
- All disembarking private and charter vessels must strictly conform to Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) catch limits for Striped Bass and Summer Flounder. Environmental conservation officers maintain 24/7 presence at the cleaning stations; possessing undersized fish results in vessel impoundment and criminal charges.
- The floating wooden docks run highly slippery during heavy sea fog and early morning condensation due to persistent salt crusting. High heels, leather-soled footwear, and standard sandals are banned on walkways; wear non-marking rubber deck shoes, and note that the entire marina is a zero-drone zone.
Reviews
Positive
- The marina is lined with beautiful boats, offering easy access to boat rentals and deep-sea fishing charters.
- The seafood restaurant and outdoor bar (Hammerheads) have an amazing vibe with great live music and sunset views.
- The staff is extremely professional and friendly when helping with boat fueling, slip docking, and guidance.
- The local fish market allows you to buy the freshest seafood right off the boats, cleaned and prepped on-site.
Heads up
- For casual tourists who don't boat or spend at the bar, there isn't much to see or do around the marina.
- Parking spaces are very limited during peak times, with many spots reserved for slip owners, leaving visitors stranded.
- Bugs are prevalent in the evening near the water, and you can occasionally smell strong diesel fumes from the boats.
- Souvenirs and snacks in the marina store are priced noticeably higher than regular supermarkets, showing tourist premiums.