For several years, Puerto Rico has been courting megayacht visitors. The government has been on a mission to diversify its economy, attracting further visitors than cruise-ship passengers and traditional tourists. Thanks to a newly signed contract with the government, Safe Harbor Marinas will develop a purpose-built San Juan superyacht marina. The first phase should be available for cruising guests to take advantage of as soon as the end of next year.
Although San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital, has offered berthing for big boats, space is quite limited. Additionally, basic services such as shorepower aren’t available. Furthermore, no amenities are available for guests or crew. By contrast, Safe Harbor Marinas will transform upwards of 180,000 square feet (67,000 square meters), including the two docks presently accommodating megayachts, into a marina.
Specifically, as part of a 40-year concession on the government-owned property, Safe Harbor Marinas will create space for six yachts. Shorepower, water, black-water pumping, and internet connections will be available for each, too. Effectively, Safe Harbor Marinas will become a tenant of the Puerto Rico Port Authority on the site. It will share five percent of its gross income as well as five percent of net profits from fuel sales with the Port Authority as well.
According to Pedro Pierluisi, Puerto Rico’s governor, the San Juan superyacht marina (thus far without a name) eventually will include a business center, repair facilities, and shops, among other things. Phase one opens toward the end of 2024, with phase two competing a year later. Ultimately, the governor’s office anticipates attracting up to 200 private yachts annually. Currently, nearly 30 yachts visit each year, it says.
The new marina will be Safe Harbor Marinas’ second facility in Puerto Rico. In 2021, it acquired Puerto del Rey Marina. In the city of Fajardo, about a 45-minute drive from San Juan, Puerto del Rey touted itself as the largest facility in the Caribbean.
Safe Harbor Marinas shmarinas.com
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