Bulletin Board

America 250 at Liberty Marina

This Fourth of July marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence — a milestone worth celebrating on the water in one of the most storied maritime regions in the country. Liberty Marina sits on the South River just minutes from Annapolis, an ideal homeport for boaters looking to make the most of America 250 by boat.

Rafting Up Done Right

Rafting up — tying two or more boats together at anchor — is a Chesapeake summer tradition. Done well, it's the best way to spend a Saturday on the water. Done poorly, it damages hulls, drags anchors, and turns friends into former friends. A few basics go a long way.

The Longest Day on the Bay

Today is the summer solstice — the longest day of the year on the Chesapeake, with roughly 14 hours and 55 minutes of daylight in the Annapolis area. It's an ideal day to squeeze in a long cruise, an extended sail, or an unhurried anchor-and-swim afternoon.

Sea Nettles Are Back

The Chesapeake's summer jellyfish are back. Sea nettles typically show up in the middle Bay by mid-June and stick around through September. Warmer, saltier water triggers the bloom, so the lower tributaries and open Bay usually see them first, with numbers climbing through the summer.

Spa Creek by Dinghy

One of the most rewarding short cruises from Liberty is the run up to Annapolis Harbor — about an hour from the South River for most boats. Anchor outside the mooring field or grab a transient mooring through the city, drop the dinghy, and you've got Eastport, downtown Annapolis, and Spa Creek's restaurants all within a short ride.

Osprey Chicks Are Hatching

From now through midsummer, the channel markers and pilings along the South River and across the Bay are full of osprey nests with new chicks. The adults will be working overtime, hauling fish in from the water and feeding hungry young between long stretches perched and watching.

Watch for Crab Pot Floats

Crab season is in full swing on the Chesapeake, and watermen have pots set throughout the Bay and its tributaries. The small floats marking each pot can be hard to spot in chop or low light, and a wrapped line means an unhappy waterman, an unhappy boater, and often a haul-out.

Transient Slips Available

Cruising through the Chesapeake or planning a weekend on the South River? Liberty Marina welcomes transient boaters with nightly and weekly slip availability, subject to space. We're tucked into Edgewater just minutes from Annapolis and the open Bay — an easy stop for visiting sailboats, powerboats, and catamarans.

Our Pool Is Open for Slip Holders

The pool at Liberty Marina is open for the 2026 season — a welcome perk for slip holders looking to cool off between trips on the South River. Whether you're spending the day at the dock or stopping in after time on the water, it's an easy way to unwind without leaving the marina.

Osprey Season on the South River

If you've been out on the South River this month, you've already seen them — osprey returned to the Chesapeake in March and are now well into nesting season. These remarkable raptors travel up to 4,000 miles from their winter grounds in South America to raise their young right here on the Bay, often returning to the exact same nest year after year.

Spot a Bay Storm Before It Hits

Chesapeake summers bring fast-moving thunderstorms that can build in under an hour. The good news is they almost always send signals first — towering cumulus clouds with anvil-shaped tops stacking up to the west, a sudden drop in temperature, a glassy stillness on the water before the wind shifts, the smell of rain on the breeze, and increasing static crackle on your VHF. If you spot two or more of these signs, it's time to head in or find a protected anchorage.

Memorial Day Weekend Preparation

The unofficial start of summer on the Chesapeake brings packed anchorages, busy channels, and plenty of season-opening trips. A little work now goes a long way. Test your VHF, check expiration dates on flares and fire extinguishers, top off fluids, and run the engine before the holiday weekend rather than the morning of.

Lift Slips Go Fast

Lift slips at Liberty Marina are among our most sought-after accommodations — and they fill up quickly every season. If a lift slip is on your radar for 2026, don't wait until it's too late. Reach out to the Liberty Marina office today to get your name on the list and reserve your place on the South River. Our team is ready to help you find the right fit and get you set up for a great season on the Chesapeake.

2026 Boating Season Is Open

Annual and Monthly Slip Leases. If you're searching for the perfect Chesapeake homeport, Liberty Marina on Maryland's South River deserves a serious look. Tucked in Edgewater just minutes from the open Bay and the heart of Annapolis, Liberty welcomes every type of vessel — sailboats, powerboats, and catamarans alike — with slip options to match, including lift slips, fixed slips, spacious T-heads, and wide-beam catamaran dockage.

Liberty Weather Station Is Live

We are excited to announce the launch of the Liberty Weather Station, now live on our website! This dedicated page provides up-to-the-minute conditions directly impacting the South River and the Chesapeake Bay.

Annual and Monthly Slip Leases

Whether you're seeking a short-term monthly stay or a year-round home for your vessel, Liberty Marina provides exceptional amenities and dedicated support. Our commitment to well-maintained facilities and personalized service ensures every boater enjoys a seamless and rewarding experience on the water.