The Most Common Mistake Marinas Make With Their Website (And How It’s Costing Them Bookings)

Aug 3

In the world of marina marketing, there’s a common trap that even some of the best-run ports fall into: they assume having a website is enough.

But having a website isn’t the same as having a website that converts.

We've reviewed over 100 marina websites across the Mediterranean, and the pattern is clear: many are visually outdated, painfully slow, or simply missing the basic functionality today’s boaters expect. And it’s costing those marinas real money—lost bookings, lost leads, and a weaker online reputation.

What Boaters Expect Today

When a cruiser is approaching the coast or planning their route for the week, they don’t call anymore. They Google. They browse booking apps like Navily. They check reviews, then click through to your website—usually on a phone, often while under sail or anchored offshore.

In that moment, they need:

A website that loads quickly
Clear, immediate info: amenities, location, contact
A simple way to book or message you instantly
Social proof that you're a trusted, reputable marina

If your site takes more than 3 seconds to load, looks strange on mobile, or has no obvious way to book… they leave. They move on to the next port.

That one missed opportunity? It might have been a 3-night stay, fuel, food, repairs, and more. Multiply that by 20–30 missed visits per month, and you’re leaking revenue.

The 3 Most Common Marina Website Mistakes

1. No Booking Form or CTA
Many marina sites still rely on a vague “Contact Us” button or a generic email address. Worse—some have outdated or non-functioning forms. Boaters don’t have time to wait for a response—they want to reserve, now.

2. Poor Mobile Experience
Over 70% of your visitors are on mobile. If your site isn't responsive (scales and works on phones), you're losing them before the page even loads fully.

3. No Trust Signals
Boaters want reassurance. If your homepage doesn't show current reviews, testimonials, or even a “Verified on Navily” badge, you’re asking them to book blind. In a competitive region, that’s a deal-breaker.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

In the past, boaters found marinas through paper guides, radio calls, or local word of mouth. Now, digital discovery rules. Your website isn't a luxury anymore—it's your primary booking tool. It should be working 24/7 to:

Convert traffic from platforms like Navily and Google
Showcase what makes you different
Make booking effortless
Support your SEO rankings

It’s not about having the flashiest site. It’s about having one that drives action.

How We Can Help

At Marina Marketing, we specialize in helping marinas modernize their web presence. Whether you need a full redesign or just a conversion-focused tune-up, we build sites that:

Load fast and look great on every device
Include clear CTAs and booking forms
Feature live reviews and integrations with Navily or MarinaReservation
Support multilingual content for international guests

Even simple upgrades—like mobile-friendly design or a real-time chat feature—can increase inquiries by 30% or more.

Not Sure If Your Site Is Holding You Back?

We offer free, no-obligation audits. In 10 minutes, we’ll show you exactly how your site performs—and where it might be leaking bookings. You don’t need a full rebuild to get results. Sometimes a few changes are all it takes.

👉 Contact us for a free website performance audit

Your berths are valuable. Don’t let a slow or outdated website keep them empty.