Boating enthusiasts often struggle to find the perfect marina slip, but technology has made this task easier with a variety of marina reservation apps. In this article, we will look at some of the top apps available, such as Dockwa and Snag-A-Slip, as well as State and Municipal reservation systems. We will also explore alternative booking methods, such as classified ads and direct communications with marinas, to help you secure the ideal slip for your next adventure.
The Big Players: Dockwa and Snag-A-Slip
When it comes to marina reservation apps, Dockwa and Snag-A-Slip are top choices.
Dockwa is well-known for its user-friendly interface, which allows boaters to easily browse marinas, check availability, and make real-time reservations. The app also offers features like map views and personalized recommendations based on boating preferences.
- Dockwa Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Real-time availability and booking
- Detailed marina descriptions and reviews
- A large marina base to choose from
- Dockwa Cons:
- Some marinas may not be listed
- Availability can vary based on demand
- No instant confirmation
Snag-A-Slip shines with its emphasis on a wider variety of slips, including those available for seasonal rentals. Its standout feature is the “Instant Book” option, which allows users to book a slip without waiting for host approval — a game-changer for last-minute planners.
- Snag-A-Slip Pros:
- Instant booking option
- Extensive range of marinas and slip types
- Ability to reserve specific slips through the app at some marinas
- Snag-A-Slip Cons:
- Fewer marina partners to choose from
- User interface can be less intuitive
- Potential for service fees during peak seasons
Another noteworthy mention is Dockshare, which connects boaters looking for dock space with those offering spare slips. This peer-to-peer approach could be a great solution for finding hidden gems not listed on mainstream apps.
State and Local Reservation Systems
Although Dockwa and Snag-A-Slip currently dominate the market, local reservation systems are operated by States, Counties, and Municipalities. The Michigan State Parks Reservation System is a shining example of what reservation systems should be!
State of Michigan Marina Reservation System
What All Reservations Systems Should Be!
The Michigan System connects all of Michigan’s state-run marinas. Great Loopers love the Michigan system because it offers excellent tools for reserving a slip. It makes it easy to see the availability of specific slips and on specific dates based on your boat’s specific characteristics!
1. Select a Harbor and enter your dates and boat details
You begin by visiting the Michigan State Park Reservation website (midnrreservations.com), selecting “Harbor”, picking the Harbor you want to reserve, and entering your requested Arrival and Departure dates along with your boat details.
2. Review and select a dock with availability
When you press “Search,” you are shown a map of the marina dock layout. On the various docks, you will see the dock numbers and a colored dot indicating availability.
- Green – Availability for your boat type and size.
- Purple—Partial Availability. They can accommodate your boat, but not for all of the selected dates. In this case, you can easily split your reservation across two or more slips. You’ll have to move your boat (unless the Harbormaster steps in and adjusts the reservations), but at least you can stay the length you want.
- Orange – Restricted Availability. This may be date restrictions, draft, or beam restrictions. Selecting the dock will let you see the specific reason.
- Red – Unavailable. There is no availability on that dock for your vessel size or dates.
- Black – Not Operating. That dock or harbor is closed.
- Blue – Held In Cart. Someone beat you to it. Wait 20 minutes and check again to see if they finished checking out.
3. Review slip availability and pick a slip
Once you select a dock, you will see the specific slips listed with the same color code for availability. This lets you see where you will be in the marina and select a slip next to friends, close to bathrooms, or shielded from wind or waves. Once you have decided on a slip that looks good, click on it for full details.
4. Check the slip details and reserve!
After selecting a slip, you will see its details on the right, such as the price and dimensions. You can click to view a calendar of the slip’s reservations to check for availability if you want to extend your stay. Any restrictions will also be displayed on the page.
If you like what you see, click “Reserve!” Once you click “Reserve,” you will be prompted for contact and payment information and will receive a confirmation by email. Michigan DNR gives you 20 minutes after you select a slip to check out before it’s put back into the available pool. You can also manage your reservations on the site, easily moving dates or canceling if necessary.
5. Easily search for slips by available date
During busy times, you may have difficulty finding an available slip for all of your desired dates. The Calendar feature allows you to view multiple slips in a list of available dates, making it easier to see which slip might be open on your desired dates.
The Bar Has Been Set!
There are no other general reservation systems that we have seen that offer the functionality and ease of use that the Michigan DNR site provides. It should be the goal for every reservation system (Snag-A-Slip and Dockwa) included to strive for. We have seen at least one marina on Snag-A-Slip that offered the ability to see and select specific slips, so I think they are heading in this direction.
Alternative Booking Methods:
Classified Ads and Direct Contacts
In addition to apps, classified ads can be an excellent resource for securing dockage. Websites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and DockSearch Classifieds feature plentiful listings for transient dockage. Just be cautious and thorough during transactions to ensure legitimacy.
Visiting the marinas’ website or calling them directly can also yield wonderful results. Many marinas now have integrated reservation systems on their websites, making checking availability and booking directly easy. Sometimes, this method can lead to better pricing, especially for longer stays—despite what some marina reservation apps claim about best-price or surcharge-free booking.
Canadian Reservations
In Canada, marinas have started adopting reservation apps like Dockwa and Snag-A-Slip to enhance boaters’ service. Additionally, Parks Canada offers passes and permits for transit and mooring on the Canadian Canal system, including the Rideau, Trent-Severn, Carillon, Chambly, Lachine, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, and St-Ours canals. Mooring permits for the Georgian Bay Islands National Park and Thousand Islands National Park are also available.
Check Reviews and Marina Listing Sites
Another trick we use is checking reviews on marina listing sites and books before choosing a marina, especially for one we have not stayed at before. Websites like Marinas.com (associated with Dockwa) and WaterwayGuide.com (either their website or excellent cruising guides) will give you information about the facilities and other boaters’ impressions of a marina.
The information on the website services can be a great way to check on the status of marinas that recent weather events may have damaged. We have stayed at marinas that we enjoyed, only to return a year or two later and find that it is a shadow of its former self after flooding or an ownership change.
Please take any information on the websites and in printed guides as “subject to verification.” While most information is up-to-date, some, like fuel prices and the status of restaurants at the marina, can be inaccurate.
Reserve Well In Advance For
Long-Term Stays & Popular Destinations
Many marinas may not accept reservations more than a week or two in advance for transient (one week or less) stays. Some only accept transient reservations a day or two in advance. When we booked in Gulfport, Alabama, they said to call when we were on our way. It seems they get so many cancellations that they prefer to wait until you are underway before booking you into their system!
However, if you plan on staying at a marina for a longer term, several weeks to several months, booking your stay as early as possible is important. Marinas may limit the number of long-term stay slips, and popular marinas fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. This applies particularly to locations in Florida that are popular with snowbird boaters. Marinas in Stuart, Clearwater, Sarasota, Fort Pierce, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Marathon, and Key West can fill up months or even a year in advance.
Special Needs Considerations
If you or a member of your crew has mobility issues or if you’re traveling with older pets, don’t hesitate to request slips that provide easy shore access. Letting the marina know in advance about such needs helps staff provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
The Importance of Reconfirming
Regardless of how you book, it’s always good practice to reconfirm your reservation with the marina by phone a day in advance. This also gives you a chance to make special requests and check on the status and price of fuel and pump-out services.
Even with confirmed reservations made through Apps or directly by phone or email, we arrived at marinas only to be told that a slip was unavailable. Usually, there is some hemming, hawing, and re-shuffling, and we’ve been able to get in. However, a few times, we have had to change our plans. Often, this is because boats scheduled to leave have decided to stay for an extra day due to weather or mechanical issues.
Cancelling and Adjusting Reservations
Cancelling a reservation? It’s your duty to offer as much notice as possible so marinas can adjust accordingly. Be prepared for a cancellation fee, as many marinas have policies to cover lost revenue from cancellations. On the bright side, most marinas are adaptable; if you encounter travel delays due to weather or mechanical issues, they often will accommodate adjustments to your reservation without a fee. Building rapport and being flexible with marina staff will help you in your situation.
Courtesy and Politeness Go A Long Way
There is an old adage: “You can attract more bees with honey than with vinegar.” I am amazed at how often I hear boaters shouting at marina staff because something isn’t just right. It gives us boaters a bad name as being entitled and arrogant.
In general, marina staff are hard-working and will bend over backward to help boaters have an enjoyable stay. Most are not highly compensated, often working for minimum wage. In some marinas, dockhands work for tips only. Also, many marinas are short-staffed. The few dockhands must run from dock to dock, slip to slip, especially at peak arrival times. Give them a break and offer to hover outside the marina until they are ready for you.
A kind word and a tip for helping you wrestle your boat into a slip in high winds go a long way toward making them feel valued and more likely to continue to provide exceptional service to the next boater. Think of it as paying it forward.
If you have an issue or a special request, ask nicely and be willing to negotiate. You will usually find that your needs will be accommodated. If you make demands and threats, you may not get satisfaction. We’ve seen boaters kicked out of marinas for being rude to staff.
Also, be willing to help your fellow boaters if no dock staff is available. We are always ready to catch lines when our fellow boaters pull into the dock. It’s all about paying it forward.
What do you think of Dockwa and Snag-A-Slip? Do you prefer to call the marinas directly?
Let us know in the comments below! 
Thinking about retiring and living on the boat full time. Is that possible?
Many people do! Both single boaters and couples. The key is to make sure that you have a boat and a cruising style that works within your budget. Friends of ours have been continuously Looping, going round, and round for over 20 years! Also, lots of boaters who live aboard full time will summer in the Chesapeake and Canada, then winter in Florida, the Keys, or Bahamas. Right now is the “Fall Southern Migration”, we see boats going by every day.