Reviews: Bell Isle Marina

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Bell Isle Marina

2 Bells Island Drive
Hampton, VA 23664
Back River

Lat / Lon: N 37° 05.800' / W 076° 17.550'
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm M,TH,F,Sa,Su and CLOSED Tues and Wed
Contact: Martin Bell
VHF Monitored: 16
VHF Working: 9
Phone: (757) 850-0466
Fax: (757) 851-2879
Email: bellislemarina@gmail.com
Website: http://www.bellislemarina.com

Review for Bell Isle Marina

Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel, Cruising Editor , Janthina, on Sep 5, 2025
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

This was an unplanned stop due to a medical issue. Bell Isle was the closest marina to our position in the Chesapeake. We called the marina and the owner answered, when asked if there was space, we were told that the marina was not open Wednesdays. When told that we had a medical issue the response changed to "Yes, I will text you a map of the approach and guide you into the marina." The approach was tight but manageable except for shallow water at the turn-off from the main channel. Hug the greens as you make the turn. Bill, the off duty dockmaster, helped us into a slip, helped us tie up, and then drove us to the closest urgent care facility. Words fail me.

On first exposure, it is tight going down the channel especially since the private buoyage is not represented on many charting programs, including Aqua Maps. On the ground it is clear what is necessary and the minimum depths are about 6' MLW within the narrow channel. We are 48 feet and draw 5 feet and managed to get in at less than half tide with no issues on our first try seeing no less than 5' MLW at the turn off the main channel and no less than 6' MLW on the approach to the marina.

The marina has a combination of fixed and floating docks that are well maintained. There is 30 amp electric and water on the docks. The office also houses bath/shower rooms. The marina is also a boatyard with a 50 ton travel lift and a boat forklift for dry storage, of which there is quite a lot. The business also caters to the RV crowd and has considerable open air spaces for picnics. If you are able to get a slip you are as close to the Chesapeake as possible and, at the same time, totally protected from all directions. Even at our length and draft, I would be happy to have a slip at the marina to wait out bad weather. Call in advance to make sure there is sufficient space for your vessel. One last thing: Langley Air Force Base is nearby so be prepared for low flying jets in the neighborhood.

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Review for Bell Isle Marina

Reviewed by: Charlie Morris on Jun 29, 2018
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 31'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

I stopped here because of engine trouble. This marina went out of their way to be helpful

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