Business Spotlight: Jekyll Harbor Marina

By Neva Parsons Assistant Editor

Jekyll Harbor Marina, located at 1 Harbor Road, on the west side of the popular island, has been in operation since 1991. The newest owners, Zac and Stephanie Gilbert, purchased the marina in the fall of 2020 and channeled their enthusiasm, expertise and energy into a dream project: transforming their new business into the top marina destination in the Southeast.

Both Stephanie and Zac have worked in the marine industry since 1994, and purchasing their own marina was their next step. The family spent their first 18 months in residence living on their boat but have recently bought a house on the island. Relocating from Florida to seize this opportunity was a no-brainer according to Stephanie. “Jekyll Island is such an amazing and beautiful place – what’s not to love?”

Getting to know their new community and watching the business grow have been the best part of the Gilberts’ venture. Dockage is a mix of locals and transient customers, with repeat transient customers coming back season after season. Dry storage is mostly Jekyll and St Simons Island folks, but customers also hail from Atlanta, Fernandina and other locales all over the Southeast.

In addition to having “the best sunset views” Jekyll Harbor offers basic services like dockage, dry storage, boat rentals, and fuel, as well as a menu of amenities including everything from an onsite restaurant/bar, Zachry’s Riverhouse,to free high-speed wi-fi and a dog walking area to marina carts and bicycles to explore the island.

The Gilberts have recently partnered with Mercury Marine in offering their full line of products and there are more plans in the works.