Safe Harbor, Dauntless/Essex Island Marina is a legacy marina from the Jack Brewer class. Yes you…read morewill be killing and flushing off spiders for the rest of the season and the currents inside can at times be swift but it remains a destination marina with pretty well maintained grounds and dicks. What I want to talk about is the service facilities and staff there. As a professional Ships Delivery Captain, I've seen my share of marinas. Most of the old Brewers were known for expensive but good work. I am very particular who works on my boat and like many of the southern New England marinas,vthe staff have been severely thinned out and the old timers let go. The same is true here. With one notable exception. The Regiinal Manager and head hanch is still Doug Domini. While we always exchange words and threats I know when Doug personally signs off on a job the work and boat are safe to go. You can't put a value on that type of surety. I know sometimes I'll like to poetically hit him over the head for his arrogance and I am absolutely sure he feels the same way but I've personally witnessed his work and his word and skill levels are rare these days. Sometimes you have to put up with a little arrogance to get good work. Maybe there's a reason he's arrogant.. because he knows what he's doing. I'm sure he find this Captain BullDog a challenge too but tolerates me for the same reason.

While they do good work, prepared yourself for sticker shock and for an attitude if you have any…read morequestions. I had work done and found the manager to be combative when I had questions about which propeller was appropriate for the application. I ended up going with his recommendation but he was very offended when I wanted to get a second opinion. Later, when I asked to be aboard my own boat for sea trials I was told that they did not allow it. Had the manager allowed me to be on the boat and had been able to ask questions, I would have much better understood the functioning of my new propeller. Sadly, I had to talk to other owners and the manufacturer as a sorted though questions. Later, when I approached the manager about hauling the boat for a few weeks, he made it very clear that he wasn't interested in doing business with me, even going as far as saying "I just don't like you." Not a great look.

You will not find a nicer marina on the CT river! The crew is helpful, you are protected from the…read moreweather from almost all points of the compass, and are on an island in a very safe environment. A complementary ferry service is available on demand to take you into downtown Essex where you can visit the iconic Griswold Inn, the Black Seal and a number of other fine restaurants all within easy walking distance. Two marine repair facilities are within 100 feet of their docks. I just finished the Americas Great Loop and have seen a lot of marinas. I really don't know how anyone could want for more than Dauntless Essex Island Marina.

This is the second year in a row they've pulled the bait and switch on us. They over promise and…read moreunder deliver. They totally screwed us with dockage. We were 3 boats suppose to be together on the river side. They threw us in the back of the marina where there's no view and no wind. You literally have to cross over mud piles to get to the pool. They put one boat in front of a launch and promised to move us all to the front of the marina then only moved the one boat only because they needed the launch. Lied. we look at mound of dirt and machinery . It's filled with bugs everywhere and the crew straight up lies to your face. The marina has huge chunks of wood floating everywhere. The restaurant is barely a restaurant and the hours they are actually open are ridiculous. I will never come back again. Ever!!!

I forgot to finish this review some time ago. This is the marina where one of the workers likely…read morecut my outrigger lines over the winter and I had to walk out and move to a real marina in Westbrook, pilots point. I had actually apologized to him over a situation and after I apologized that winter, someone cut my outrigger lines. Have a good life. I hope the 300 bucks in time it's spent rigging my outriggers again made you feel good. Oh that's right! And you also accused me of getting my boat waxed by you guys for free even though I paid $350 for it. What a joke cedar Island Marina is. Trash

Sometimes one employee is capable of doing their job well, but don't go above and beyond. MaryJo…read more(presumably does her job well) but went OVER AND ABOVE to help me out printing an important document for me. She illustrated what it means to be customer focused. She was very gracious and helpful. Cedar Island Marina obviously gives its employees the empowerment they need to service their customers. The facilities are clean and well maintained. MaryJo's attitude and excellent service just put the cherry on top. THANK YOU! I'm assuming her employer(s) know how good she is (who knows maybe she is the owner) but sometimes it needs to be pointed out.

Destination resort marina. Formerly a Brewers yard. Excellent repairs and family paradise with pool…read moreand restaurant.

This is a good, clean facility that is kept up well. But bear in mind that this is a corporate…read moremarina. If all is well, the place is great, but if you have any issues, management is very unresponsive. In early June it became apparent that mechanical issues will keep my boat out of the water this season. I immediately spoke with the member service specialist, asking whether it's possible to get a partial refund or credit towards next season. I was told management needed to sign off on this but "it's looking good". After repeated followups, I was told in mid-July that nothing could be done and they're keeping my money. This is not customer service, they'll never see another dime from us.

My cousins and I had the pleasure of visiting Three Belles Marina Café today, and it was an…read moreexperience we'll remember. From the moment we walked in, we were warmly welcomed by two wonderful hostesses, Bree and Rachel. They were friendly, attentive, and truly went above and beyond to make us feel at home. A special thank you to Kendra, the owner, who took the time to stop by our table, introduce herself, and personally welcome us. She even invited us to their upcoming hoedown and shared information about the live entertainment they host throughout the summer. We let her know we were visiting from out of town, but we will definitely keep Three Belles in mind for future trips. The breakfast and brunch menu was outstanding. I enjoyed the salmon on sourdough toast with home fries and a side of bacon, along with hot coffee. It was absolutely delicious. My cousins ordered bacon and eggs with home fries, sourdough toast, iced coffee, and juice, and they thoroughly enjoyed every bite. We had a couple of small hiccups that were actually our own doing, but the staff handled everything with kindness, professionalism, and genuine care. They truly went above and beyond to make sure we had a wonderful experience. Chef Tasha even came out to our table to check on us personally, which was such a thoughtful touch. Chef Tasha, your food was incredible, and your passion for what you do shines through in every bite. Wishing you continued success--only great things are ahead for you! I highly recommend Three Belles Marina Café not only for the delicious food and beautiful marina views but also for the outstanding hospitality. The entire team made us feel like valued guests, and that level of service is hard to find. We can't wait to visit again!

Do not support this place the "NEW " service team is the worst ever!!…read more Ken and Greg are no longer there and the service department has totally fallen apart. No communication with customers!

Dock hands, family-business attention, friendly boaters, and a great location on the Thames River…read moremake for a really good, low-cost marina. Fixed docks do make for some challenges, especially at low tide, but I'll absolutely come back. Love it here.

Great Marina! Great Friends! Great Lobsters delivered weekly! Yum.read more

We had a great time Kayaking down the Pachaug river from here! The Owner is really friendly and…read morethe price is incredible! $30 for for 4 hours! It's just $50 for the entire day! We will be going back ASAP!

East River Marine is a Madison Gem. While navigating the Railroad Bridge mid tide or lower is…read morerequired, this small inconvenience also provides excellent storm protection. Paul also provides a level of service rarely seen in this day and age as he will pick up your boat right off your mooring for winterization or service. Easy to find off Route 1 and he shares his location with Beebe Dock and Mooring who are the premier dock builders as well as full service mooring providers on the shoreline. As HarborMaster for Madison I can honestly recommend these 2 businesses as being dependable and trustworthy! Steve Adkins

Been a customer for a few years now. Customer service is as good as it gets! Paul and the team…read moreanswer all your questions and are happy to help. Quality of work is amazing. Highly recommend!