The Potomac River is the dominant waterway in the DMV area. The river forms part of the borders between Maryland and Washington, D.C., on the left descending bank and West Virginia and Virginia on the river's right descending bank. The majority of the lower Potomac River is part of Maryland. Exceptions include a small tidal portion within the District of Columbia and the border with Virginia being delineated from "point to point" (thus various bays and shoreline indentations lie in Virginia).

Northern Virginians love to take advantage of the mighty Potomac for recreational activities like swimming, boating, fishing, jet skiing, kayaking, crabbing, and paddleboarding. With numerous parks, monuments, and attractions that utilize the scenic rivers banks as a backdrop, even lounging on or near the river is sure to provide hours of relaxation.

The Nellis Group has compiled a comprehensive list of Marinas and boat services for any nautical enthusiast looking to relocate to Northern Virginia to help share one of our areas most stunning natural attractions.

Washington Sailing Marina, 1 Marina Dr, Alexandria, VA

At Washington Sailing Marina, they’re crazy about boating, exploring the city, and having lots of outdoor fun. Because they really love having adventures on the water, they’re excited about sharing the fun with as many people as possible, all across the Greater Washington, DC, area.

Columbia Island Marina, George Washington Memorial Pkwy, Arlington, VA

Columbia Island Marina on the Potomac River has a home for your powerboats. They provide services for boaters seeking year-round slips as well as for those looking for the perfect place to enter the Potomac for fishing or cruising by the monuments.

Conveniently located in the beautiful Lyndon B. Johnson Memorial Grove in the Pentagon Lagoon on the Virginia side of the river, the marina is just one and a half miles north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on the George Washington Memorial Parkway in metropolitan Washington, DC.

Old Dominion Boat Club, 0 Prince St, Alexandria, VA

The Old Dominion Boat Club (ODBC), founded in 1880, was formed to support Alexandrians in their pursuit of water-related activities, most notably rowing and sailing.  In early 1881, the ODBC was home to many of Virginia's most noted rowing trophies and in 1885 ODBC held it first regatta on the Potomac River.

In the early 1990's the ODBC allowed younger members to join as a means to foster the tradition of rowing. This desire expanded in 1929 when the ODBC offered the use of the Club and its equipment to Alexandria High School. In 1947, ODBC started the first high school rowing program in the City. George Washington High School was the only high school at the time, and their rowers represented ODBC.      

In the 139 years since ODBC was formed, the Club has grown to 880 active members and is the second oldest Boat Club in the state of Virginia. The Club's purposes have expanded to combine a dedication to water sports with a tradition build on promoting charitable and community support for Alexandria and the greater community.

Washington Sailing Marina, 1 Marina Dr, Alexandria, VA

Whether you’re a veteran boater or taking lessons for the first time, you’re in store for a memorable experience on the Potomac. Enjoy a breathtaking view of downtown D.C. while sailing, kayaking or enjoying a stand-up paddleboard around the iconic Daingerfield Island. Prefer two wheels to the water? Rent a bike and explore the nearby Mount Vernon Bike Trail that takes you from the front doors of George Washington’s Mount Vernon to the foot of the Washington Monument.

An office that boats together, bonds together! Get your team out on the water as a group. Book your office team building tour today!

The Washington Sailing Marina, located in Alexandria, is the premier facility for one-design and small sailboat racing in the D.C. Metro area. They offer a variety of exciting sailing classes and camps for youth and adults of all skill levels. Sign up today and start getting your sea legs at Washington Sailing Marina, Alexandria, VA!

Fort Belvoir Marina, 5465 Hudson Bend, Fort Belvoir, VA

Located on the beautiful Potomac River, Fort Belvoir’s Marina offers a unique boating experience to all Active Duty and Retired military service members and their families, as well as for DoD workforce members. The grand Potomac takes boaters past Mt. Vernon, the home of George Washington, and on to our nation’s capital, offering a view of the city’s monuments and parks. For those who prefer to fish or stay close to nature, this area offers an abundance of quiet areas to relax and view eagles, herons, and other local wildlife.

Belmont Bay Harbor, 570 Harbor Side Street, Woodbridge, VA

Belmont Bay Harbor is a beautifully positioned marina on the banks of the Occoquan River. The floating dock system with Brazilian Walnut contains 158 boat slips ranging from 30 to 50 feet in length. Visit the harbor master building and get Belmont Bay merchandise.

Electrical power service of 30 amps is available for smaller slips, while 50-amp services are available to accommodate larger slips (click on the Marina layout for further details). Other amenities include unleaded gas and diesel fuel docks, laundry, two pump-out stations, gated security access to docks, showers, ships store, Wi-Fi, ample parking, on-site Carefree Boat Club location, and nearby VRE station.

One of the unique benefits of Belmont Bay Harbor is its strategic position on the Occoquan River. Located just past the start of a No Wake Zone, it offers convenient access to the Potomac River that no other marina on the Occoquan can provide. The No Wake Zone ensures that Belmont Bay’s serene natural environment is protected and that all docked vessels remain undisturbed.

EZ cruz marina, Woodbridge, 16245 Neabsco Rd, Woodbridge, VA

In 1971, EZ Cruz began as a small family owned and operated marina on the Potomac River in Neabsco creek off of the Occoquan Bay. Today, EZ Cruz has become one of the premiere full-service marinas to serve the Washington DC area. 

EZ Cruz is proud to offer world class amenities to include a 24-hour gas, slip rentals, pump out station, year-round boat storage, haul-out, dry dock and a team of mechanics certified in Mercruiser, Volvo Penta, and many other marine manufacturers. Their goal is to ensure your fun and safety on the Potomac River.

Despite EZ Cruz's overwhelming popularity, they still maintain the family values that were instilled so long ago. 

Hampton’s Landing Marina, 16205 Neabsco Rd, Woodbridge, VA

Nestled among the wooded shoreline of historic Neabsco Creek in Woodbridge, Virginia, Hampton’s Landing Marina provides a unique experience for boaters seeking convenient access to our nation’s river, the mighty Potomac. Their modern, full-service facility offers covered and open slips, gas and diesel fuel, 24-hour emergency boat towing, lighted water and electric pedestals, free WiFi Internet, boat and trailer storage, professional marine parts and repair services, and much more. Slip holders enjoy access to the luxury bathhouse with climate-controlled restrooms, meeting room, ship’s store, and outdoor recreation area with picnic amenities and gas BBQ Pit.

Hoffmaster’s Marina, 1214 Swan Point Rd Woodbridge, VA

Hoffmaster’s continues to redefine itself. The store and showroom have been remodeled and the old pier system replaced or refurbished. Hoffmaster’s ended its 25-year relationship with Chris Craft and brought in Cobalt and Bennington Pontoons. The marina focused on a new, two-fold strategy: modern business practices internally, focus on fun externally. It adopted the slogan “Welcome to the Family” to emphasize its old fashioned and comforting attitude of bringing everyone together. The old fall party was replaced by the customer-driven “Dock Crawl” and emphasis was placed on what they feel are their core values: honesty, friendliness, togetherness.

As a result of these changes, Hoffmaster’s has once again become a nationally recognized dealership earning awards in the 1980’s as Top Ten Dealer for Chris Craft, in the 1990’s as Top 20 dealer for Chris Craft, and winner of several Outstanding Service awards. Hoffmaster’s has achieved independent Marine Industry certification on a continuing basis, been recognized as a Top 30 dealer worldwide for Chaparral boats, won several Customer Satisfaction Awards for both Chaparral and Cobalt, and has been recognized by Boating Industry Magazine as one of the Top 100 dealers in North America six years in a row.

Over the past 50 years, Hoffmaster's Marina has evolved from a small business into a large family of valued employees, suppliers and customers. At Hoffmaster’s, they share their boating experiences to increase your enjoyment of this wonderful sport and lifestyle choice.    

Occoquan Harbour Marina, 13180 Marina Way, Woodbridge, VA

The perfect place to keep your boat on the Potomac River. They are located on the Occoquan River, 3.7 miles from the Potomac River. These boat slips on the Potomac River offer deep water (9' average) at low tide. Transient Slips on the Potomac River are welcome too! Their boat slips are near Washington D.C. where you will enjoy floating docks, lift slips, BBQ Grills, Slip Holder Pavilion, and much more. This is a full-service marina, meaning they can perform boat repairs, haul outs, fiberglass repair, boat prop repair, boat engine repairs and winterization services.

Quantico Marina, 100 Potomac Ave, Quantico, VA

The Quantico Marina is located just past the town of Quantico at the end of Potomac Avenue. They have 150 wet slips that can accommodate vessels 14 to 50 feet in length. The docks are floating wooden structures with finger piers. The Marina has a fuel dock with 89 octane unleaded pump out station and a small convenience store with ice, drinks and snacks. Boat rentals are available 15 May - 15 October.

If you are renting a boat, please call ahead for weather conditions. Children must be at least 6 years old to be passengers on any rental boat.

Aquia Bay Marina, 432 Aquia Creek Rd, Stafford, VA

This marina offers: 

• 135 deep water slips.
• Bulkheads replaced in entire Marina. • Slips are in protected no wake zone.
• Three docks with slips are available.
• 52 slips on a floating dock.
• 83 slips on two stationary docks.
• Average depth of water at docks is 3.5 to 8 feet, MLW (mean low water).
• 110 electric service to all slips.
• 30 amp and 50-amp power is available. • Fresh water available to all slips.
• Docks and marina lighted at night.
• Marina is protected by a NO Wake Zone which ends just past the marina

for a quick access to the expanse of the Potomac River in 2.2 miles.

• By water marina is about 40 miles south of Alexandria, VA and 60miles north of the Chesapeake Bay.

Hope Springs Marina, 4 Hope Springs Lane, Stafford, VA 

Hope Springs Marina LLC was created on March 26, 1993. A partnership of four local businessmen was formed with the sole purpose of purchasing a marina. One and all, boaters with a common desire to create a one-of-a-kind experience for boaters like themselves. About three years later, one of the partners sold out his interest to the other three, who are still partners and friends today. The Marina had originally been used as a campground, but over time, a pier was added, and the marina was named Cavalier Marina. Back then, Aquia Ski Club operated out of the marina too. They had regular meetings here and actually had a ski-jump and slalom course in the cove across from the marina. In the mid-eighties, Cavalier Marina was sold and renamed Fairfax Marina by its new owner, who owned another business in Fairfax. The new owner had big plans for expansion, including a crab house, tackle shop, indoor boat storage, picnic pavilion, 4 piers and a BBQ restaurant with entertainment on weekends. Unfortunately for him, the economy wasn’t in great condition in the early nineties and he was forced to sell. The current owners were in the right place at the right time and were able to acquire it in 1993. Since then, they have been building out the original site plan with many modifications and improvements. The transformation is nearly complete; from a rundown, overgrown 45 slip marina/campground in 1993 to a beautiful, modern, state-of-the-art facility today.

Willow Landing Marina, 121 Willow Landing Rd, Stafford, VA

This marina provides direct access to Aquia Creek and the Potomac River.  Offerings at this local marina include 94 slips, full service, dry storage, repairs, public ramps, maintenance and fuel.