Cedar Island Marina in Clinton, Connecticut: Your Friendly Coastal Getaway

Cedar Island Marina stands as one of Connecticut’s premier boating destinations, nestled in Clinton along the beautiful Long Island Sound. For over 50 years, this family-owned marina has built an outstanding reputation by providing comprehensive services to boaters from across the region. You’ll find everything you need at Cedar Island Marina, from boat slips and winter storage to a full-service repair department and yacht brokerage services.

When you visit Cedar Island Marina, you’re not just getting a place to dock your boat – you’re joining a boating community with impressive amenities. The marina features a swimming pool, hot tub, restaurant, and playground that make it perfect for families. Its convenient location near Old Saybrook, Madison, and Guilford makes it an ideal home base for exploring Connecticut’s picturesque shoreline. The marina’s dedication to excellence has earned it prestigious recognitions, including the Elite Marina designation for seven consecutive years.

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Cedar Island Marina

Cedar Island Marina is one of the top marinas on the Connecticut shoreline. Nestled between a residential area and Hammonasset Nature Preserve, it offers a perfect spot for both seasonal boaters and visitors passing through.

The marina has earned impressive recognition, winning the “Elite Fleet” award from Marinas.com multiple times. This places it among the top marinas in the United States. The New Haven Register has also consistently named it the “Best Marina” on the Connecticut shoreline.

At Cedar Island Marina, you’ll find more than just a slip for your boat. You’ll join a community of diverse boaters in a complete summer experience. Whether you want to fish early on Saturday mornings, relax with family on Sunday afternoons, or enjoy late Friday nights, you’ll find like-minded people here.

The full-service facility offers excellent amenities including upgraded WiFi, DirecTV, a dog park, and a swimming pool. They’ve also invested in regular dredging to maintain proper water depths, with 7-8 feet at mean low water depending on slip size.

Rating: 4.6 (156 reviews)
Location: Clinton, CT 06413
Contact: (860) 669-8681
Website: Visit Website

History of Cedar Island Marina

Cedar Island Marina has grown from modest beginnings to become a prominent boating destination on Long Island Sound. This family-owned facility has evolved while maintaining strong connections to the Clinton community and environmental research.

Origins and Development

Cedar Island Marina began operating in Clinton, Connecticut along the picturesque Long Island Sound coastline. The marina grew steadily over the decades to become a substantial boating facility with 400 slips.

By 1995, the marina was thriving at 94% capacity, welcoming many transient visitors who would occupy slips when regular boaters were away cruising. The facility even accommodates three year-round “live-aboard” vessels, creating a small permanent community.

What makes Cedar Island special is its connection to its surroundings. The marina is located on what was formerly an actual island. Over time, Cedar Island became connected to the mainland through a peninsula attached to Hammonasset State Park due to public works projects aimed at improving the Hammonasset River flow.

Notable Events

In 1986, a significant development occurred when Jeff (presumably a marina owner or manager) founded the Cedar Island Marina Research Lab. This scientific initiative has partnered with prominent educational institutions including Southern Connecticut State University and the University of Connecticut.

The research lab has conducted hundreds of ecological and biological studies of the surrounding environment. Many of these studies have been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, establishing Cedar Island Marina as more than just a place to dock boats.

More recently, Cedar Island Marina received recognition for its excellence when it won the Boaters’ Choice Award for 2020 from Marinas.com. This prestigious honor is only awarded to the highest-rated marinas and boatyards in the United States, with Cedar Island being among the few selected in Connecticut.

Amenities and Services

Cedar Island Marina offers resort-like amenities that make your boating experience truly exceptional. Their well-maintained facilities ensure comfort and enjoyment for all visitors.

Dining Options

The marina features an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy delicious meals after a day on the water. This convenient dining option saves you from having to venture far from your boat when hunger strikes.

You’ll appreciate being able to grab a quick bite or enjoy a relaxing meal without leaving the marina property. The restaurant provides a perfect setting to unwind and share stories of your boating adventures with friends and family.

Recreational Facilities

Cedar Island Marina goes beyond basic boating services with impressive recreational options. The property includes a swimming pool and jacuzzi where you can relax and refresh yourself.

For the more active visitors, there are picnic grounds and volleyball courts available. These areas are regularly maintained for your enjoyment and provide great spaces for socializing with other boaters.

Additional amenities include:

Free internet access
Laundry services
A comfortable lounge for hosting parties and events
Fuel dock for convenient refueling
Full-service ship store for boating supplies

The marina is ideally situated between a quiet residential area and Hammonasset State Park, giving you easy access to natural beauty.

Environmental Initiatives

Cedar Island Marina stands out as a leader in environmental responsibility. In 1996, the US Environmental Protection Agency recognized it as one of the 25 most environmentally conscious marinas in the country!

The marina’s docks serve a dual purpose – they actually function as artificial reefs, creating habitat for marine life. This innovative approach shows their commitment to working with nature, not against it.

In 1999, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection awarded Cedar Island the prestigious Green Circle Award for its environmental contributions. This recognition highlights their ongoing dedication to protecting the coastal ecosystem.

The marina operates an environmental laboratory focused on water research. This facility not only monitors local water quality but also serves as an educational resource for the community.

Cedar Island places special emphasis on educating children about environmental stewardship. By teaching the next generation about protecting our waterways, they’re investing in a sustainable future.

Working with Coastal Environmental Services Inc., Cedar Island Marina introduced a marine pumpout boat to service Clinton Harbor and Madison. This initiative helps keep local waters clean by properly disposing of waste from boats.

You’ll appreciate how the marina’s family ownership since 1974 has maintained a consistent focus on environmental responsibility. Their decades-long commitment to stewardship makes Cedar Island a model for sustainable marina operations.

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