Slow Down and Soak Up the Atmosphere at Grande Dunes Marina
June 4th, 2026
For many, being near the coast changes the pace of the day. Of course, that’s a big part of the draw of Grande Dunes, which gives residents a coastal getaway every day. One of the benefits of this exceptional community is its proximity to the Intracoastal Waterway, which means a marina and store are naturally part of the community.
Tucked along the Intracoastal Waterway and uniquely positioned as the only marina within Myrtle Beach city limits, the Grande Dunes Marina offers more than boat slips and waterfront access. It creates a lifestyle centered around connection, flexibility, and effortless coastal living.
“We want people to come here, relax, hang out, and feel at home,” said Marina General Manager, Bruce Michaels. “It’s a very laid-back atmosphere where you don’t have to worry about a strict schedule. You can just enjoy being here.”
A Different Kind of Coastal Experience
Unlike traditional club amenities built around tee times or reservations, the marina offers a more spontaneous experience. Residents and visitors alike can spend the day boating, enjoy dinner overlooking the water, meet friends for drinks, or simply watch the sunset over the Intracoastal Waterway.
Though the marina features 126 wet slips and docks for filling up the tank, grabbing tackle, or buying a shirt, Bruce said it’s approachable to those who might not be heading out on the water themselves.
“You don’t necessarily need a boat to enjoy what we have here,” Bruce explained.
The marina campus includes waterfront dining at 357 Raw Coastal Bar, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and 357 Brewers, coming soon, along with nearby hotel accommodations, public gathering spaces, and access to on-site boat and jet ski rentals through third-party operators.
It’s a place where homeowners can bring visiting family for the weekend, hop on a rented boat for an afternoon on the water, or simply spend an evening enjoying the atmosphere that surrounds the marina.
Resort-Style Living Meets Marina Culture
Part of what makes the Grande Dunes Marina unique is the balance it strikes between elevated design and authentic boating culture.
From its Mediterranean-inspired architecture and secured individual slips to its waterfront setting and walkable marina village atmosphere, the marina feels more like a luxury coastal resort than a traditional dockside facility.
“Our marina doesn’t look like any other marina around here,” Bruce said. “Everything is stepped up. It feels more resort-like.”
That attention to detail extends beyond aesthetics. Grande Dunes Marina is also known for its individualized slips, enhanced security, and long-standing dock staff, many of whom have worked at the marina for years.
“We pride ourselves on customer service,” Bruce said. “If somebody needs help, our team knows exactly what to do. Our dockhands are experienced, knowledgeable, and genuinely care about helping people.”
For boat owners, that level of service matters. But even beyond the technical side of marina operations, it helps cultivate the welcoming atmosphere residents experience every day.
A Community Built Around the Water
Like many marina communities, friendships naturally form along the docks. Neighbors become boating partners. Slip-side conversations turn into sunset gatherings. Long weekends on the water become part of the rhythm of everyday life.
“People are neighbors here,” Bruce said. “They have that camaraderie because they’re all boaters. It becomes a very close-knit community.”
That sense of connection extends beyond marina members themselves. Throughout the year, events hosted by marina restaurants, boating partners, and community organizations help bring additional energy and activity to the waterfront.
Freedom Boat Club, which operates from the marina, regularly hosts events and gatherings that introduce new visitors to the marina experience while giving residents another way to enjoy life on the water without owning a boat outright.
“It’s a very white-glove experience,” Bruce said. “You get all the perks of boating without worrying about storage, maintenance, or upkeep.”
For many Grande Dunes residents, that flexibility has become part of the appeal.
More Than a Place to Dock
While permanent slips remain in high demand, the marina also offers transient dockage for visitors or residents looking to spend a weekend on the water without committing to year-round storage.
That flexibility allows homeowners throughout the Grande Dunes community to fully enjoy the marina lifestyle, regardless of whether they’re arriving by boat for the weekend, meeting friends for dinner, or simply looking for a scenic place to unwind. And with continued marina improvements and future expansion plans already in motion, the experience is only continuing to evolve.
“There’s a lot we’re working on right now,” Bruce said. “We’ve always been great, but we’re continuing to improve and add more.”
For residents of Grande Dunes, the marina represents something larger than boating itself. It’s another layer of the coastal lifestyle that defines the community — one built around connection, relaxation, and access to the water that makes life here feel distinctly different.
