I made our reservation far in advance of our stay, and as it turns out we could not have been more fortunate. The day we arrived a gale warning was posted for the next day. I don't know that you could find a better marina to wait out a storm like this. The entrance to the little Bay is very narrow (but with plenty of depth) so once inside it's like a millpond even though quite literally a gale is blowing all around you. Capt Billy was a great host and ready to help in any way we might need. He has a loaner car, something which is getting pretty rare these days it seems, which we gratefully used to drive to Kilmarnock for some provisions. The facilities in the marina are basic but clean and functional. We will definitely be back when the opportunity arises.
This was our first stay here and it was great. Grace was working the fuel dock and was very professional and helpful. The dock staff was attentive and responsive. The docks are in great shape and well protected. It would have been helpful for the ships store /gas dock to be stocked with some more items but there is a West Marine just over a mile away, so no problem. We also enjoyed the best pizza we ever had (really!) thanks to the dock staff recommendation to eat at Salvatores in Manorhaven. Well worth the walk!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Mystic Seaport. We had intended to stay only one night but extended for a second night to wait out a frontal passage. I'm glad we stayed the extra night because it gave us time to see much more of the grounds. The dock staff was professional, friendly, and very responsive. We berthed along the seawall on the northern side of the grounds. Tying up to a granite sea wall instead of a floating dock may be off-putting to some, but we had no problem with it as the dock staff helped set up the fender board and all was well. Tying up that way, at least to us, was in keeping with the history and tradition of the seaport. The head and shower facilities were nearby and clean. There are good restaurants within walking distance. As others have mentioned the real beauty of staying here in your boat is the ability to roam around the seaport grounds after visiting hours, which gives a really intimate and fascinating perspective of the place. We look forward to coming back!