Ken Griffin to Develop a Private Superyacht Marina on Miami Beach’s Terminal Island

Courtesy of BMA Architects

A Major New Waterfront Project by One of America’s Wealthiest Investors

Billionaire hedge-fund founder Ken Griffin has received approval to develop a private superyacht marina on Miami Beach’s Terminal Island, adding yet another landmark project to his expanding South Florida footprint. The marina—intended exclusively for Griffin, his vessels, and his guests—marks one of the most unique and high-end waterfront developments undertaken in Miami Beach in recent years.

What the Marina Will Include

According to city planning documents, the approximately 3.7-acre site will be transformed into a highly specialized, ultra-private maritime facility. Plans call for roughly six deep-water slips capable of accommodating large superyachts, including vessels exceeding 300 feet. The design includes multiple purpose-built structures: a gatehouse with security offices, a crew pavilion with gym, sauna, and rooftop pool, an operations building with repair shop and staff offices, and a luxury owner’s pavilion featuring its own pool, lounge, and entertainment spaces. The total built program is expected to exceed 30,000 square feet.

City Approval and Conditions

The Miami Beach Planning Board granted the necessary conditional use permit, though with several required stipulations. Any special events held on-site will require coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard due to the marina’s proximity to major maritime operations. All parking must remain self-contained on Terminal Island, ensuring no spillover into surrounding neighborhoods. And should the marina ever change ownership, the new owner must return to the board for review. Approval represents a significant milestone for Griffin, whose development plans continue to reshape parts of Miami and Miami Beach.

Courtesy of BMA Architects

Why Terminal Island Is a Strategic Choice

Terminal Island sits between South Beach and PortMiami, offering rare deep-water access and maritime infrastructure capable of supporting the world’s largest private yachts. Few waterfront parcels in Miami Beach can accommodate this scale of vessel operations. The site’s location near the cruise port, MacArthur Causeway, and major shipping channels further elevates its appeal. As marine experts noted in early reporting, the site benefits from exceptional depth and maneuverability—qualities that are increasingly scarce in Miami’s built-out waterfront.

Impact on Miami’s Luxury Landscape

Griffin’s move signals a continued deepening of investment in Miami following the relocation of Citadel and Citadel Securities to the city. Beyond his corporate presence, Griffin has been actively acquiring prime land in both Miami Beach and Brickell, including the site of what is slated to become one of Miami’s tallest office towers. This private marina further underscores Miami’s growing traction as a global hub for ultra-luxury yachting, complementing the region’s expanding ecosystem of high-net-worth residents, large-scale events, and bespoke services.

Courtesy of BMA Architects

A New Chapter for Terminal Island

Historically an industrial and logistics zone, Terminal Island is now seeing renewed interest from private and institutional investors. Griffin’s marina is poised to set a new benchmark for exclusivity and design, transforming a utilitarian waterfront into a prestigious amenity for one of the world’s wealthiest individuals. As construction progresses, the project is expected to bring heightened attention to Miami Beach’s limited deep-water inventory and its future potential.