Also known as the Levee Board Marina, Orleans Marina is central to the West End of New Orleans. For years, boaters have coveted one of their well-protected, privately accessible slips. It’s one of the most convenient marinas in the area, with parking available just steps away from each pier. For those who wish to walk or bike, there are many options nearby for food and drinks within the area.
Contact Information
For inquiries about slip availability, reach out to the marina office:
📍 Address: 221 Lake Marina Ave. New Orleans, LA 70124
📞 Phone: (504) 288-2351
🌐 Website: Visit Orleans Marina Online
Rooted in New Orleans’ vibrant West End, Orleans Marina offers a safe, private waterfront experience with easy access to Lake Pontchartrain.
GPS Coordinates:
📍 N 30.022º W 90.117º
Brief History
Built on land reclaimed from Lake Pontchartrain as part of the broader New Orleans Lakefront project begun in the 1920s and 1930s, this marina was developed as a working waterfront with boathouses, marine businesses, and boatyards such as Sintes Boat Works and Schubert’s Marine. Orleans Marina, distinct from the neighboring Municipal Yacht Harbor, was formally established in 1959 when administrative control of the area was given to the “Orleans Levee District.”
Today, Orleans Marina and the adjacent South Shore Harbor are managed by the Lakefront Management Authority (LMA), which oversees non-flood-protection lakefront assets. While the Municipal Yacht Harbor followed a separate rebuilding path after Hurricane Katrina, the LMA has continued to manage, maintain, and plan for Orleans Marina, including adopting a Marina Master Plan in 2024 aimed at revitalizing the facilities and better realizing the recreational potential of the New Orleans Lakefront.
Marina Features
The marina has evolved to meet the needs of visitors and locals alike, with amenities such as:
- Transient and long-term slips for a range of vessel lengths
- Fixed docks with water and electrical hookups
- Pump out station
- Restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities
- Security with gated access and surveillance cameras
Community & Atmosphere
Orleans Marina reflects the city’s unmistakable spirit – social, welcoming, and full of character. It’s the kind of place where getting to know your dock neighbors comes naturally, whether over casual dockside conversations or an impromptu drink at sunset. For out-of-town boaters or those new to the scene, these neighboring slips can be a great resource for getting plugged into an active sailing, fishing, and cruising community.
Boaters regularly gather at nearby favorites like JB’s Fuel Dock, Sala Nola, Parlay’s, and other local watering holes – solid starting points if you ever find yourself in need of crew. And for the morning after, Russell’s Marina Grill is a must-try breakfast stop and the perfect antidote to one too many dockside cocktails.
Final Thoughts – Why Here?
Orleans Marina offers peace of mind for boaters who value security, convenience, and a true sense of refuge. Tie up with confidence knowing your boat is protected by West End’s engineered harbor defenses and surrounded by a close-knit community of fellow boaters who keep an eye out for one another. When it’s time to unwind, your boat is just steps from your parking spot, making it easy to slip away from the noise of daily life and into your own waterfront escape.