Disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive cruising guide to Belfast, but a summary of our experience and recommendations and what we believe would be interesting to fellow travelers. If you have additional recommendations, please feel free to reach out.
In 2020, Josh helped deliver a Nordhaven from Miami to Belfast. The owner bought a marina in Belfast and needed someone to bring the boat up. Since we were making our way up there, we reached out so we could reconnect. He offered us dock space whenever we got there. What we didn’t expect was not to get charged for it. By the time we got there they were preparing to remove the docks for winter. Out of the two weeks we were there, we spent half that time without water and the other half without shore power. Nevertheless, it was dock space and we didn’t have to use the dinghy dock.
Marinas and Moorings
- Belfast Marina – We were lucky enough to be able to stay at this marina for free since it was the end of the season and we know Paul. We ended up staying for two weeks and some change, half of that time without the water hookup and the other half without shore power. Bathrooms are located in the building up the hill on the left. There are two full bathrooms with a shower and toilet.
- City of Belfast – Just up the road is the City of Belfast docks and moorings. We were going to grab fuel and leave, but it was Columbus Day weekend and everything was closed. We pulled in on Sunday and were able to stay until Wednesday at the fuel dock for the price of a mooring ball. That’s the perk of traveling during the off-season! There is a code for the bathrooms up the hill, but we didn’t use them.
Laundry
- Belfast Coin Laundry – This laundromat has very strict hours. We had read online that the doors would automatically lock at 9 p.m. at closing but if you were inside, you could still do laundry. We got there with 15 minutes to spare, but by the time we tried to swipe our card for payment on the machines, it didn’t work. We were one minute past nine. So to note, it’s not only the doors that lock, but also the machines. I had to come back the next morning and it was a busy place right at opening. There were plenty of washers and dryers. It is also right next to the community coop so I could walk over to grab coffee while I waited. Overall the facility was fine and no issues besides what “closing time” actually meant. We spent a total of $20 for two extra large washers and three driers.
Things to Do
- United Farmers Market – Open Saturdays all year round. This market hosts a variety of food and arts vendors. The building has a separate dining area and game room looking over the water.
- Belfast Community Coop – This is your typical coop with specialty items and high prices. However, it is conveniently located and right next to the laundromat. I always enjoy wandering through to see the products.
- Must Be Nice Lobster – This business is woman owned and operated! We learned about this place through someone who Josh used to serve with and who works on the lobster boats.
- Marshall Wharf Brewing Company – This seems to be where the locals hang out on weekday evenings. We ended up here on a Wednesday night during trivia. Even though it was 40 degrees outside, the outdoor seating space was packed and everyone was having a good time.
- Rollie’s Bar and Grill – This is where the college and young professionals seem to hang out. There was a much younger crowd than at the brewing company. We ate here late on a Friday night because it was one of the few places that was open. The place was packed and the server was efficient.
Resources
- Cruising Club of America – This is the resource that we used to figure out where to anchor or moor along Maine’s coast. This link specifically directs you to the Belfast page.
