Foss Harbor Marina — Attraction in Tacoma

Here’s the straight scoop on this marina: it really is one of the best in Tacoma. The staff? Top-notch—friendly, attentive, the kind of people who seem to know exactly what they’re doing. Sure, you might hit a snag with one person now and then, but generally, they set the bar pretty high. The fuel dock? Great hours and a pump-out that doesn’t require Olympic-level planning. The docks themselves? Solid, well-kept, a real testament to doing things right.

The facilities here deserve a mention, too. They’re not fancy, but they’re clean and functional, with bathrooms that do the job without making you cringe. Public areas are tidy, and they even throw in some nice touches like the seasonal flowers that make the place feel more welcoming. Just a heads-up: showers and laundry are on a bring-your-quarters basis. It's an old-school setup, but nothing you can't handle.

Now, the real selling point: the community. This place has heart. It’s tight-knit and welcoming, a spot where people actually look out for each other. It goes beyond just a marina—you feel a sense of belonging here that’s rare.

A couple of minor gripes. Getting a mailbox or some storage space is an exercise in patience, thanks to a waitlist process that’s about as clear as mud. And yes, there have been a few security issues, but that’s pretty much par for the course on the Tacoma waterfront. Parking? It can be a squeeze at times, but to their credit, the staff always find ways to make it work for everyone.

All in all, this marina gets high marks. Sure, there are a few small areas for improvement, but it's a solid choice and an easy...

The three women working on the store today were some of the most unfriendly, unprofessional customer service representative I have come in contact with in a while. When we arrived to start our kayak rental, none of them really seemed like they wanted to help us. The women that did finally help us addressed in a very snappy manner at first and then down right dismissive. When we returned our rentals, a second woman checked us out and didn’t even speak to me besides saying, “Do we have your id?” Nothing else. We tried to ask for the bathroom key but couldn’t get a word in edgewise with the third woman in the office because she was standing at the counter flirting with another patron without even acknowledging our presence.

The only saving grace for this place was the man that fitted us for life jackets and got us out in the water.

I don’t think I’ll...

Inept, incompetent people. Also there is a high rate of break-ins to vehicles which you will learn when asking long time residents but not from the staff. Go somewhere else if you need boating moorage services.

At worst they are dishonest and at best they lie to cover their own incompetence. Poorly trained. Often no published policies which I suspect is so they are not bound by fairness when it does not suit them. Super defensive so do not challenge them to be professional. If you like to loose money because of businesses that promise one thing and later renege and take no responsibility, then this is the place for you - in another sleepy little poorly run...