National Marina Day
June 13
About National Marina Day
National Marina Day takes place on Saturday, 13 June 2026, kicking off the summer boating season with open days and family events at marinas across North America. The day invites the public to explore boating, meet their local marina community, and learn about caring for the water.
How to Celebrate National Marina Day
Marinas put on a packed programme for the day, and most events are free and welcoming to newcomers. Here are plenty of ways to take part.
- Visit your local marina – Many marinas hold open days with tours, demonstrations, and activities. It is the easiest way to see what life on the water is all about.
- Take a boat ride – Some marinas offer free or low-cost rides on the day, a perfect first taste of boating if you have never been out on the water.
- Join a safety demonstration – Look out for lifejacket fittings and safe-boating sessions. Learning the basics makes any future trip safer and more enjoyable.
- Bring the family – Kids’ games, water sports clinics, and live music are common features. The day is designed to be fun for all ages.
- Try a water sport – Many events include clinics for paddleboarding, kayaking, or sailing, giving beginners a supervised first go.
- Support local charities – National Marina Day events often raise money for good causes, so your visit can give back to the community.
- Learn about the environment – Marinas use the day to share advice on protecting waterways, from clean boating habits to wildlife awareness.
- Talk to boat owners – The boating community is famously friendly. Strike up a conversation and you will pick up plenty of tips for getting started.
What is National Marina Day?
National Marina Day is an annual public education event that celebrates marinas and the boating lifestyle. Marinas across North America open their doors to introduce people to boating through on-water and land-based activities. The day promotes boating participation, supports local charities, builds community, and raises awareness of environmental care on the water.
When is National Marina Day?
National Marina Day is held on the second Saturday of June each year. In 2026 that falls on Saturday, 13 June. Because the date is tied to the second Saturday rather than a fixed number, it shifts slightly from year to year. The table below shows the dates for the next five years.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, 13 June |
| 2027 | Saturday, 12 June |
| 2028 | Saturday, 10 June |
| 2029 | Saturday, 9 June |
| 2030 | Saturday, 8 June |
The History of National Marina Day
National Marina Day was created by the Association of Marina Industries (AMI). In February 2001, the AMI Board of Directors approved a grassroots public education initiative to introduce more people to boating and to showcase the role marinas play in their communities. The day was first proclaimed for the second Saturday of August.
Over time the date moved to early June, allowing marinas to open the boating season on a high note as the warmer months begin. The shift to the second Saturday of June means the celebration now lands when more people are looking to get out on the water. Across the years, marinas have used the day to welcome the public with boat rides, safety clinics, environmental programmes, and community fundraising, building a tradition that supports both the industry and the wider boating public.
Fun Facts About National Marina Day
- The day was established in 2001 by the Association of Marina Industries.
- It was originally held on the second Saturday of August before moving to June.
- Events take place at marinas across North America, not at a single location.
- Activities commonly include boat rides, safety demonstrations, water sports clinics, kids’ games, and live music.
- Many National Marina Day events raise money for local charities.
- Environmental education is a core theme, teaching visitors how to care for waterways.
Why National Marina Day Matters
Boating can feel hard to access if you did not grow up around it, and National Marina Day lowers that barrier by opening marinas to everyone. The day grows participation in a pastime that supports thousands of small businesses, raises money for local causes, and builds awareness of how to protect rivers, lakes, and coasts. For many families, it is the gateway to a lifelong love of the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Marina Day?
It is an annual public education event run by the Association of Marina Industries, when marinas across North America open to the public to promote boating, support charities, and teach environmental care.
When is National Marina Day in 2026?
It falls on Saturday, 13 June 2026, the second Saturday of June.
Who organises National Marina Day?
The Association of Marina Industries (AMI) created and coordinates National Marina Day, with individual marinas hosting their own events.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your day on the water on social media with #NationalMarinaDay and #NationalMarinaDay2026. Tag a friend and challenge them to visit a marina with you.
Related Awareness Days
- International Surfing Day – Another summer day celebrating getting out on the water.
- World Oceans Day – A global day dedicated to protecting the seas and the life within them.
- National Powersports Month – A month celebrating motorised outdoor recreation, including boating.
Links
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
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