Ocean Alliance Docks-Gloucester

31 Reviews
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32 Horton St
Gloucester, MA 01930
42° 36' 21.51'', -70° 39' 37.81''
9782812814
$4.75/ft
whale.org
Gloucester Harbor
Adopt a Whale!
Ocean Alliance Docks-Gloucester
Ocean Alliance Docks-Gloucester
Ocean Alliance Docks-Gloucester
Ocean Alliance Docks-Gloucester
Ocean Alliance Docks-Gloucester
Ocean Alliance Docks-Gloucester
Ocean Alliance Docks-Gloucester
Ocean Alliance Docks-Gloucester
Ocean Alliance Docks-Gloucester
Ocean Alliance Docks-Gloucester
Ocean Alliance Docks-Gloucester
Ocean Alliance Docks-Gloucester
Ocean Alliance Docks-Gloucester

Awards


Boaters Choice 2020Boaters Choice 2021Boaters Choice Elite Fleet 2022Boaters Choice Elite Fleet 2023

About


Please note we only accept boats with a minimum LOA of 38' due to the wake in the Harbor.

Ocean Alliance, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission to protect whales and their ocean environment through research, scientific collaboration, public education, and the arts. Your dock fees directly support ocean research and conservation.

These new docks, 132 linear feet, are located at the head of Gloucester Harbor at the historic Paint Factory site, this allows for easy navigation to popular fishing and cruising areas on the North Atlantic. We are able to host both large and small vessels with drafts up to 12 feet. The site is in a private location away from the hustle of industrial harbor activities with spectacular views of the city and summer sunsets. Parking is available. The site is within walking distance to the Rocky Neck Cultural District with restaurants, shops, galleries and parks.

You can also rent the use of our truck through Turo: https://turo.com/us/en/drivers/32233486

About our Facility: the Tarr & Wonson Paint Manufactory manufactured the first copper antifouling paint in 1863 until the factory closed in the 1980s. This beautiful site, sitting at the entrance of Gloucester harbor, has guided Gloucester’s fishermen and women home for over 150 years and stands proud as an icon of Gloucester’s magnificent maritime heritage. Ocean Alliance purchased the site in 2008 to preserve this historic icon and develop an ocean innovation center on the Gloucester waterfront.

Berth Capacity


Linear Docks:132 Feet

Approach


Mean Low Water Dock Depth:11.0 Feet

Services & Amenities

Last Updated: Jan 11, 2024

Dockage:Yes
Water Hookup:Yes
Transient Storage:Yes
Long Term Storage:Yes
Water Taxi:Within 5 Miles
Dinghy Dock:Yes
Wi-Fi:Yes
Restrooms:Yes
Showers:Yes
Trash:Yes
Security:Yes
Groceries:Within 5 Miles
Medical Facility:Within 5 Miles
Pharmacy:Within 5 Miles
Car Rentals:Within 5 Miles
Beach:Within 5 Miles
Dog Park:Within 5 Miles
Pet Friendly:Yes
Golf:Within 5 Miles
Tennis:Within 5 Miles
Max. Vessel LOA:150.0 Feet
Max. Slip Length:132.0 Feet
Max. Slip Width:50.0 Feet
Floating Docks:Yes
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Great dock and location. Excellent shape and helpful staff.

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Great people very helpful amazing views

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There are no words to describe the fulfillment of aesthetic beauty—so superb and uncompromising—my partner and I attain when staying upon the new, unique dock at the Ocean Alliance. Located on the Rocky Neck peninsula of Gloucester—an area rich in cultural events, art galleries, and innovative restaurants, the historic buildings of the Ocean Alliance combine an anachronistic feeling of old Gloucester with all the modern amenities, including new bathroom facilities. The location, close to the harbor entrance, but accessible, quiet and calm, awards an incomparable panorama of all harbor happenings including the watching of the sightseeing schooners’ sunset sail excursions. The first day we arrived this year, a Thursday, was the day Rocky Neck has its Culture Splash—where local artists and restaurants organize exhibits and food and wine events. We were given a schedule of the festivities by Brian and Alicia, who immediately came to the dock to expertly secure our boat. They are warm and professional—proficient seamen. We later saw the CEO of the Ocean Alliance, Dr. Iain Kerr, and the chief drone program manager, Chris Zadra. They, along with Alicia Pensarosa and Brian, are part of the magnificent, dedicated team of the Ocean Alliance— a research and conservation organization protecting whales and the oceans for over 50 years. A not-for-profit organization, staying at the Ocean Alliance helps fund their invaluable work. For us—along with the significance in our contribution, arriving in stimulating Gloucester, docking at The Ocean Alliance, seeing the members of the organization who have become our friends and inspiration—is like coming home— we feel protected and nourished and are always sad to leave. Until the next time, when we again will become enraptured by what the Ocean Alliance has manifested. You will never regret your stay here!! Thank you, Iain and team!!

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Ocean Alliance is an amazing place to stay, Brian and the staff were extremely helpful with all our needs. Just wish we had more time but we will be back again next year.

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Perfect location in Gloucester Harbor and proceeds help in whale research. This is the second time visiting and we shall be back.

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Great stay. Very accommodating with good facilities. Some minor chop with passing boats.

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Great location and helpful staff! Ocean Alliance is doing important work to protect whales and we are glad our dockage fee helps that cause. Went to the newly reopened Rudder restaurant in Rocky Neck for a great dinner.

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Unique spot on Rocky Neck. New docks in excellent shape. Dockmaster Brian met us and got us well settled. Nice to have some of our boating dollars go to the worthwhile cause of this organization. Good park for dog walking 1/2 mile away.

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Dr. Iain Kerr is not only a legend in the global Save the Whales crusade, he also makes a first rate dock hand. After moving the Pride of Baltimore ll to make room for us at the dock, he adroitly handled our lines and eagerly shared a wealth of information about the location as well as the research Ocean Alliance is doing under his direction. All proceeds help support the worthy cause. Truly a spectacular way to experience Gloucester.

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Out of the way from downtown Gloucester, tjis historical location was quiet and had much less than expected wake action from the commercial traffic in the harbor. The facilities are clean and under what looks to be constant improvement. There are a couple of really great restaurants a short walk away from the dock.

Marina Response:
Thank you!
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Nice private dockage , Brian was extremely helpful reaching out to us before-hand, tying up, and a tour guide for the facility. Sparse amenities, but all the basics. Nothing missing. Wishing this organization best of luck in turning the tar and paint building of old into a marine mammals education and research center. Location on the art colony side of the harbor easy to get to Gloucester by harbormaster launch (VHF 72). Visit Salted Cod wine bar and art gallery for b'fast through evening drinks. Great stay in Gloucester!

Marina Response:
Glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay! Thanks for the feedback.
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Excellent facility. Very Clean and quite.

Marina Response:
Thank you!
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Nice facility and very quiet

Marina Response:
Thank you!
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The Organisation, the idea, the engagement are great, as well the location in the Harbor of Gloucester. This is a Milestone in our experiences exploring New England.

Marina Response:
Glad you enjoyed your stay, thank you!
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Mark was very helpful in getting us settled. There are two different shuttles across the harbor.

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Fantastic stay for such a short stay (1 night) but it was not only nostalgic but scientific as well. Learned a lot about whales conservation monitoring. Dockhand kept in communication with me thru Docwa and was there to help tie us up👍🏻

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Clean. East access.

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Marvelous experience!! Mark was great…very helpful and accommodating. Aside from their docks unique perspective of Gloucester harbor and the historical significance of the “Paint Factory”, the dock revenue supports an important non-profit organization. Rocky Neck is only a couple blocks away and the Gloucester harbormaster runs an efficient (free) launch service that makes it very convenient to downtown. This is a hidden gem!

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This is a quaint little spot in Gloucester. Docks are new and facilities clean. Easy walk to a few restaurants and galleries. Alicia was wonderful. There was an issue with the power pedestal upon arrival and she had an electrician there within 15 minutes to fix it. Lots of boat traffic and the No Wake buoy is just a short distance ahead which creates lots of rocking. But if you’re a boater you know what you signed up for! Glad Gloucester had another spot for mariners to enjoy!

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Ocean Alliance has been great! Emergency slippage and repairs could not have been more smooth. You guys are a true “god send”

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Great, very friendly and helpful staff. A huge fan of the Ocean Alliance mission, glad that our stay could help support the mission in a small way.

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Beautiful new docks. Great team. Great facility and story. Highly recommend

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Extremely friendly and helpful staff doing important work to save the whales. Great location at Gloucester's historic paint factory, beautiful views, and brand new docks. A short walk or dinghy ride to restaurants. We had a great weekend and can't wait to return!

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Very nice location and great facilities

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Great place and great people! And a good cause....

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We love coming up to Ocean Alliance. It’s in the quiet Rocky Neck section and a short water shuttle ride over to downtown. Staff is helpful. Can’t wait to go back.

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Nice place to stay. The view was worth it all.

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Excellent new docks, helpful staff and a great location.

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Great dock, Great people, great location.

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Not a typical marina as it is operated by a non-profit Ocean Alliance that is dedicated to conservation and research of whales and the ocean. They are very appreciative of having boaters visit their facilities as it helps offset the cost of the improvements that they have made and the on-going improvements to their dock and facility. We enjoyed our stay and meeting Dr. Iain Kerr and some of his fellow researchers. Nick and Robin on M/Y Silver Skye

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Great cause. Beautiful location with a great view on the harbor and in the heart of Rocky Neck. Unfortunately, they haven’t finished the facilities yet but give them time. The bathroom and showers should be finished soon. Did I say they are a great cause. Save the whales!

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