The Complete Boater’s Guide to Dock & Dining
Looking for seafood restaurants by boat? Dreaming of waterfront patio seating? Seeking a family-friendly dock bar? Dock dining, also known as “dock and dine,” is when you boat right up to a restaurant and is one of the many ways to enjoy waterfront dining by boat. Whether you find yourself along busy coastal boating destinations or at calming river marinas, in this guide we’ll share with you some tips for making your next boating itinerary simpler and more chic. So if you’re ready to start boating to restaurants, read on.
Docking and Dining 101: What is a Dock and Dine?
Dock and dine means boat owners can dock their vessel at the restaurant’s boat slip or dock, and then walk up to the patio to eat. Dock and dining is convenient, and it’s also exclusive. Imagine pulling up to any dockside restaurant you want, docking beside (or very close to) your table, and enjoying top shelf drinks and fresh local seafood while you watch the water? You’ve got no traffic to deal with, and no parking spot to find. Instead, you get to rock gently on the dock, stroll into waterfront dining by boat, and enjoy your meal.
Before You Go: Quick-Start Dock and Dine Checklist
Before departing on your boat, take note of these “must-know” dock and dine tips.
Scout out restaurants: Search online to see your options and check the menus, or look for a dock and dine near you using Google or local sources.
Call ahead: Verify slip availability, boat draft requirements, and dockage fees.
Confirm boat draft/length: Double-check you can fit your vessel.
Check dockage fees/time restrictions: Know limits before arrival.
Prepare boat lines/fenders: Bring extra dock lines and rig with loops.
Designate crew duties: Assign bow and stern responsibilities.
Bring a cooler for leftovers/to-go meals: Coolers keep to-go food for boaters fresh after dining.
Plan off-peak arrival: Avoid lunchtime and dinner rushes.
Use this checklist to avoid surprises and make your dock and dine experience seamless.
Searching for Restaurants Near You With Boat Access
To find restaurants that welcome boats, do your homework. Waterfront restaurants can be appealing, but few open their doors to boats, so it’s always best to call ahead. Ask if transient dockage is permitted, how many boats they allow, what boat draft requirements are needed, dockage fees, and when's the best time to pull in. Many dockside restaurants reserve certain docks exclusively for boaters, making transient docking easy and hassle-free.
Smart Search Tactics and Apps
Use these tips to help you find waterfront dining by boat in no time:
Google “dock and dine + city” or “dock and dine near me”
Use marine apps like Navionics or MarineTraffic to identify marinas, approach channel markers, and restaurants
Check local boating magazines and online forums for insider recommendations
Local Intel: Clubs, Marinas and Community Lists
Call local boating clubs, marinas, or check community dock and dine lists to find prime waterfront spots. Tapping into local knowledge can help ensure you’re well-prepared and may even offer suggestions you may not have thought of.
Give Restaurants a Call: Make Dining Reservations
Dock and dine reservations work just like any other restaurant. Simply call the marina or restaurant ahead of time to save time. Remember to confirm slip availability and any other on-site details to make your visit smooth. By confirming the restaurant’s reservations policy for both tables and slips you’ll save yourself potential frustration.
Slips? Long Dock? Tie to a Mooring? Water Taxi?
Preparing ahead ensures smooth docking for you and your crew. Here are some suggestions to follow:
Boat slips/secure docks: Confirm your boat fits the slip and slowly approach channel markers leading into the marina.
Long dock: Tie alongside the pier carefully, paying attention to fender placement.
Mooring and water taxi: If the restaurant doesn’t offer docking, tie to a buoy and take a mooring field water taxi.
If calling ahead, ask the restaurant which side to rig lines and fenders on, and check if dockhands assistance is available.
Know Dockage Fees, Time Restrictions, and Validation
Many restaurants offer free or discounted short-term dockage, but policies vary. Before you arrive, contact the restaurant to confirm:
Do I need to pay dockage fees upfront, or are they waived for diners?
How long can I stay docked while dining?
Do you validate or reimburse dockage fees with a meal purchase?
Knowing these details in advance helps you avoid surprises and keeps your dock and dine experience stress-free.
Timing: Avoid Restaurant Lunch and Dinner Rush Hours
Arriving when fewer boats are docked makes docking simpler and cuts down on wait times for slips and tables. Watch the currents and tidal flow so you know what to expect when making your approach. It’s also a good idea to arrive early so you can relax and enjoy your meal without crowds and remain close to dockside services should you decide to stick around post-meal.
Expert Approaches: Docking Like a Captain
Docking requires teamwork, clear communication, and preparation with lines and fenders. Familiarize yourself with local boating safety rules and docking etiquette before arrival to ensure your first dock and dine experience stays smooth and stress-free.
Rigging: Prepare Your Fenders and Lines Before Arrival
Rig both sides of your boat with fenders before reaching the dock. Have spare dock lines with loops already tied, and assign bow and stern duties to your crew. By understanding where everyone goes, you won't scratch boats and can tie quickly and safely.
Dockhands: They’re Your Friend
Dockhand assistance can be very helpful if available. This is especially true when there's a crowd in the marina. Request their help if available, but keep in mind it's always your decision. Dock however you think is safest, even if they tell you otherwise.
Docking Tips: Know the Local Marina Rules
Pay attention to channel markers, posted signs, and local boating safety rules. Occasionally there are docks that require you to approach from a certain direction to avoid shallow water, shoals, or busy areas of a dock. Always follow local guidelines to ensure your boat stays safe and practice proper marina etiquette for the benefit of other boaters around you.
Dining Tips: After Your Boat is Secured
Once tied up, enjoy your meal with these dockside dining tips.
Request a Boat View Table
Request a table with a view of your boat. This lets you monitor your vessel and provides social-worthy photos showcasing your boating adventure.
Leftovers? Bring a Cooler with Ice
Pack a cooler full of ice packs for leftovers. The cooler will safely store your to-go food for boaters after your meal and let you enjoy your food away from the restaurant.
Pets Welcome?
Not all restaurants welcome dogs. Call ahead to confirm pet-friendly dining policies so everyone in your crew feels included.
Top Five Dock and Dine Etiquette Rules
Practicing courtesy while docking improves the experience for all boaters and helps preserve dock and dine access for everyone. Here are our top five dock and dine etiquette tips:
Wear shoes with good traction while walking on docks. This will protect you and the dock deck from scratches and cuts.
Keep your hands and feet inside the boat at all times. If you need to fend off from other boats or docks, use fenders. Hands and feet are for grasping and pedaling, not fending.
Follow "No Wake" zones so you don’t wake other boats and customers dining at dockside restaurants.
Don't loiter at the dock. Other boaters need slips, too.
Be polite to marina employees and other boaters. Common courtesy and effective communication allow for easier docking for everyone.
Boating Dock and Dining Gear List
Keep these essentials on your boat or in a dock gear bag. This gear helps you handle docking and dining with confidence and ease:
Fenders and spring lines
Boat hook
Extra dock line with pre-tied loop
Non-skid shoes
Cooler with ice
Dry bag for electronics
Camera or phone clip
Dock and Dine Troubleshooting
Even with careful planning, challenges arise. Here’s how to handle them:
Full dock: Circle and wait, or anchor if allowed
Strong winds/currents: Add spring lines to secure your boat
No dockhands: Rely on your crew and communicate clearly to tie up safely
Backup plan: If your first dock and dine choice is unavailable, choose another dockside restaurant or opt for take out food to enjoy aboard
Dock and Dine FAQs
Do I need reservations for both the dock slip and table?
Yes. Call the restaurant ahead of time to reserve your table and slip.
How big are the docks? Will my boat fit?
Most restaurants accommodate boats under 40 to 50 feet. Always confirm boat draft requirements and dock lengths.
Are there seasonal closures or weather concerns?
Yes. Many docks close during winter or in high-wind conditions. Confirm availability before departing, especially in coastal boating destinations.
Experience Your First Dock and Dine with Your Boat Club
Dock and dine requires some boating expertise, planning, and knowing when to enjoy waterfront dining. Arrive during off peak hours, have your lines and fenders ready to go, know your marina etiquette, respect local boating regulations, and your meal will be smooth sailing.
Dock and dine can be at the local dock bar for fish tacos or at a fancy waterfront restaurant for some fresh lobster. Either way, you arrive by boat, take in the views, and enjoy!
Looking to reserve your first boat? Consider Your Boat Club. Our boat rentals and access to nearby dockside restaurants offer a seamless dock and dine experience near you.
Begin your search here and learn more about our membership options:
And if you’re looking for longer term rentals, we offer those too!
