In recent years, an increasing number of property owners have been encouraging yacht captains to look beyond Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for dockage and service. Yes, the city that calls itself the Yachting Capital of America still serves as the nation’s hub of big-boat operations, but construction of facilities such as the MegaDock at Safe Harbor Charleston City in South Carolina is sending a message that there are, indeed, options worth considering elsewhere.
If David Martin, CEO of the Miami-based real-estate development firm Terra gets his way, the next alluring location could be in Miami. While his plan is not for superyachts, his company is trying to turn the old Miami Seaquarium site into a multiuse area that includes marina space for midrange yachts.
The proposed marina would reportedly have close to 90 slips (out of 325 total) that could fit yachts larger than 80 feet. Plans that have been released for the floating docks, finger piers and fuel dock are substantial, and are drawing questions from environmentalists along with regulators and flats fishermen who want to preserve the grounds for chasing tarpon, bonefish and permit. The plan, anglers say, would be like dredging the fishing grounds.
Martin says he’s keeping conservation in mind, and the development “will deliver long-term value to Miami-Dade County by generating additional revenues, quality jobs and robust public benefits.” And, it would add much-needed dockage for hundreds of boats and yachts in the region.
Modern Aquarium
Miami Seaquarium, founded in 1955, housed all kinds of animals for public view. As welfare standards evolved, serious concerns were raised about the captive dolphins, sharks and more. While people thought episodes of the classic TV show “Flipper” were great back in the day, today’s sensibilities led to ever-increasing scrutiny and accusations of negligence, leading to the close of the venue in 2025. The plan that developer David Martin has now put forward for the site includes a family-friendly aquarium, without marine mammals in captivity. “We’ve been studying aquariums across the country and across the world,” he said, noting that the goal is a fun and immersive experience.
