marina

A marina is a sheltered harbor area designed for the docking of small to medium-sized boats and yachts. It emphasizes mooring facilities and recreational amenities rather than cargo handling. The word marina is derived from Latin marinus meaning of the sea, and entered European usage through Italian and Spanish terms for coastal harbors.

Typical facilities at a marina include berths or floating docks, water and electrical hookups, fueling stations, pump-out services for waste, repair yards, storage, and chandlery shops. Many marinas offer additional amenities such as clubs or lounge areas, restrooms, showers, restaurants, and security. They are commonly protected by breakwaters and are situated along a waterfront basin or promenade to provide safe access for vessels and their owners.

Marinas can be municipal, community-owned, private, or part of a resort development. They are managed by harbor authorities, private operators, or marina management companies. Berthing fees are usually charged by vessel length and season, with extra charges for utilities, storage, or equipment rental. Environmental considerations include waste management, fuel handling, spill response, and compliance with regulations on discharges, emissions, and noise.

As a given name, Marina is used in many languages and is typically feminine. It originates from Latin marinus, meaning sea. Notable people include Marina Abramović, a Serbian performance artist; Marina Diamandis, a Welsh-Canadian singer known as Marina; and Marina Sirtis, a British-American actress.

Examples of places named Marina include Marina, California, and Marina del Rey in Los Angeles, California.