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by Jim S. - Verified user on Sep 07, 2023
Great people very helpful amazing views
by Camille P. on Aug 23, 2023
There are no words to describe the fulfillment of aesthetic beauty—so superb and uncompromising—my partner and I attain when staying upon the new, unique dock at the Ocean Alliance. Located on the Rocky Neck peninsula of Gloucester—an area rich in cultural events, art galleries, and innovative restaurants, the historic buildings of the Ocean Alliance combine an anachronistic feeling of old Gloucester with all the modern amenities, including new bathroom facilities. The location, close to the harbor entrance, but accessible, quiet and calm, awards an incomparable panorama of all harbor happenings including the watching of the sightseeing schooners’ sunset sail excursions.
The first day we arrived this year, a Thursday, was the day Rocky Neck has its Culture Splash—where local artists and restaurants organize exhibits and food and wine events. We were given a schedule of the festivities by Brian and Alicia, who immediately came to the dock to expertly secure our boat. They are warm and professional—proficient seamen. We later saw the CEO of the Ocean Alliance, Dr. Iain Kerr, and the chief drone program manager, Chris Zadra. They, along with Alicia Pensarosa and Brian, are part of the magnificent, dedicated team of the Ocean Alliance— a research and conservation organization protecting whales and the oceans for over 50 years. A not-for-profit organization, staying at the Ocean Alliance helps fund their invaluable work. For us—along with the significance in our contribution, arriving in stimulating Gloucester, docking at The Ocean Alliance, seeing the members of the organization who have become our friends and inspiration—is like coming home— we feel protected and nourished and are always sad to leave. Until the next time, when we again will become enraptured by what the Ocean Alliance has manifested. You will never regret your stay here!! Thank you, Iain and team!!
by Ange N. - Verified user on Aug 20, 2023
Ocean Alliance is an amazing place to stay, Brian and the staff were extremely helpful with all our needs.
Just wish we had more time but we will be back again next year.
by Jan A. - Verified user on Aug 12, 2023
Perfect location in Gloucester Harbor and proceeds help in whale research. This is the second time visiting and we shall be back.
by Stephen T. - Verified user on Jul 28, 2023
Great stay. Very accommodating with good facilities. Some minor chop with passing boats.
by Warner H. - Verified user on Jul 24, 2023
Great location and helpful staff! Ocean Alliance is doing important work to protect whales and we are glad our dockage fee helps that cause. Went to the newly reopened Rudder restaurant in Rocky Neck for a great dinner.
by Dave A. - Verified user on Jul 18, 2023
Unique spot on Rocky Neck. New docks in excellent shape. Dockmaster Brian met us and got us well settled. Nice to have some of our boating dollars go to the worthwhile cause of this organization. Good park for dog walking 1/2 mile away.
by Kent T. - Verified user on Jul 07, 2023
Dr. Iain Kerr is not only a legend in the global Save the Whales crusade, he also makes a first rate dock hand. After moving the Pride of Baltimore ll to make room for us at the dock, he adroitly handled our lines and eagerly shared a wealth of information about the location as well as the research Ocean Alliance is doing under his direction. All proceeds help support the worthy cause. Truly a spectacular way to experience Gloucester.
by Bill P. - Verified user on Jul 05, 2023
Out of the way from downtown Gloucester, tjis historical location was quiet and had much less than expected wake action from the commercial traffic in the harbor. The facilities are clean and under what looks to be constant improvement. There are a couple of really great restaurants a short walk away from the dock.
Marina Response:
Thank you!
by David S. - Verified user on Jun 15, 2023
Nice private dockage , Brian was extremely helpful reaching out to us before-hand, tying up, and a tour guide for the facility. Sparse amenities, but all the basics. Nothing missing. Wishing this organization best of luck in turning the tar and paint building of old into a marine mammals education and research center. Location on the art colony side of the harbor easy to get to Gloucester by harbormaster launch (VHF 72). Visit Salted Cod wine bar and art gallery for b'fast through evening drinks. Great stay in Gloucester!
Marina Response:
Glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay! Thanks for the feedback.
by John B. on Jun 13, 2023
Excellent facility.
Very Clean and quite.
Marina Response:
Thank you!
by Dave M. - Verified user on Jun 09, 2023
Nice facility and very quiet
Marina Response:
Thank you!
by Constantin C. - Verified user on May 28, 2023
The Organisation, the idea, the engagement are great, as well the location in the Harbor of Gloucester. This is a Milestone in our experiences exploring New England.
Marina Response:
Glad you enjoyed your stay, thank you!
by Margaret F. - Verified user on Aug 27, 2022
Mark was very helpful in getting us settled. There are two different shuttles across the harbor.
by Donald Z. - Verified user on Aug 25, 2022
Fantastic stay for such a short stay (1 night) but it was not only nostalgic but scientific as well. Learned a lot about whales conservation monitoring. Dockhand kept in communication with me thru Docwa and was there to help tie us up👍🏻
by Adam M. - Verified user on Aug 22, 2022
Clean. East access.
by Benjamin H. on Aug 04, 2022
Marvelous experience!! Mark was great…very helpful and accommodating.
Aside from their docks unique perspective of Gloucester harbor and the historical significance of the “Paint Factory”, the dock revenue supports an important non-profit organization. Rocky Neck is only a couple blocks away and the Gloucester harbormaster runs an efficient (free) launch service that makes it very convenient to downtown. This is a hidden gem!
by Lindsay M. on Jul 26, 2022
This is a quaint little spot in Gloucester. Docks are new and facilities clean. Easy walk to a few restaurants and galleries. Alicia was wonderful. There was an issue with the power pedestal upon arrival and she had an electrician there within 15 minutes to fix it. Lots of boat traffic and the No Wake buoy is just a short distance ahead which creates lots of rocking. But if you’re a boater you know what you signed up for! Glad Gloucester had another spot for mariners to enjoy!
by Benjamin B. - Verified user on Jun 29, 2022
Ocean Alliance has been great! Emergency slippage and repairs could not have been more smooth. You guys are a true “god send”
by Colm P. - Verified user on Jun 24, 2022
Great, very friendly and helpful staff. A huge fan of the Ocean Alliance mission, glad that our stay could help support the mission in a small way.
by Scott P. on May 24, 2022
Great dock and location. Excellent shape and helpful staff.
by kerry k. - Verified user on Aug 17, 2021
Beautiful new docks. Great team.
Great facility and story.
Highly recommend
by Katherine M. on Jul 31, 2021
Extremely friendly and helpful staff doing important work to save the whales. Great location at Gloucester's historic paint factory, beautiful views, and brand new docks. A short walk or dinghy ride to restaurants. We had a great weekend and can't wait to return!
by Johannes W. - Verified user on Jun 27, 2021
Very nice location and great facilities
by Joel B. - Verified user on Jun 27, 2021
Great place and great people!
And a good cause....
by Anonymous on Jun 23, 2021
We love coming up to Ocean Alliance. It’s in the quiet Rocky Neck section and a short water shuttle ride over to downtown. Staff is helpful. Can’t wait to go back.
by evan d. - Verified user on Jun 07, 2021
Nice place to stay.
The view was worth it all.
by Jeffrey H. - Verified user on Aug 28, 2020
Excellent new docks, helpful staff and a great location.
by Steven S. - Verified user on Aug 10, 2020
Great dock, Great people, great location.
by Nick I. - Verified user on Aug 03, 2020
Not a typical marina as it is operated by a non-profit Ocean Alliance that is dedicated to conservation and research of whales and the ocean. They are very appreciative of having boaters visit their facilities as it helps offset the cost of the improvements that they have made and the on-going improvements to their dock and facility. We enjoyed our stay and meeting Dr. Iain Kerr and some of his fellow researchers.
Nick and Robin on M/Y Silver Skye
by Bryan L. - Verified user on Aug 03, 2020
Great cause. Beautiful location with a great view on the harbor and in the heart of Rocky Neck. Unfortunately, they haven’t finished the facilities yet but give them time. The bathroom and showers should be finished soon. Did I say they are a great cause. Save the whales!