Community & Events
Rickenbacker Marina: 40+ Years of Family-Owned Legacy in Miami
A heritage piece tracing the Melwani family story, from 1983 beginnings to today’s focus on sustainability and community.
Rickenbacker Marina: 40 Years of Family-Owned Legacy in Miami
Since 1983, Rickenbacker Marina has been more than just a place to dock your boat. For the Melwani family, it has been a lifelong commitment — to Miami, to Biscayne Bay, and to the generations of boaters who trust us with their vessels.
A Family Business With Local Roots
When Ram Melwani first moved to Miami in 1980, he fell in love with Key Biscayne and its waterfront community. Just a few years later, he took a leap of faith and acquired the lease for what is now Rickenbacker Marina on Virginia Key. It was the beginning of a true family business, built with passion and perseverance in a city that has always demanded resilience.
For over four decades, the marina has remained family-owned and operated, passing from one generation to the next. That continuity matters — it means local knowledge, accountability, and skin in the game. Our family name has been tied to this marina for 40 years, and that’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.
Resilience Through Miami’s Changes
Operating a marina in Miami hasn’t always been easy. From the drug violence of the 1980s to devastating hurricanes like Andrew, to recessions and the rapid growth of the city itself, we’ve weathered every storm — literally and figuratively. Each challenge has made us stronger, and each season has deepened our commitment to serving boaters and protecting Biscayne Bay.
A Sustainable Future for Biscayne Bay
Legacy doesn’t mean standing still. As Miami has grown, so has our awareness of the responsibility we have as stewards of the bay. That’s why sustainability is at the heart of how we operate. From eco-conscious fueling and recycling programs to partnerships with Compost for Life Miami and Glass for Life Miami, we’re investing in practices that protect the water we all depend on. Our family has lived on these shores for decades, and we want them just as vibrant for the next generation.
Local Knowledge, Lasting Commitment
What sets Rickenbacker Marina apart isn’t just our facilities — it’s our people. Our staff, many of them lifelong Miami residents, understand the tides, the weather, and the rhythms of Biscayne Bay like second nature. For boaters, that knowledge translates into better service, safer operations, and a marina that truly feels like home.
More Than a Marina
After 40 years, we’re proud to say that Rickenbacker Marina isn’t just where boats are stored — it’s where Miami’s boating community thrives. Families launch weekend adventures here, anglers set out for offshore runs, and locals gather for food, drinks, and sunsets by the bay. This is our life’s work, and it’s a story still being written every day.
Rickenbacker Marina: 40 Years of Family-Owned Legacy in Miami
Since 1983, Rickenbacker Marina has been more than just a place to dock your boat. For the Melwani family, it has been a lifelong commitment — to Miami, to Biscayne Bay, and to the generations of boaters who trust us with their vessels.
A Family Business With Local Roots
When Ram Melwani first moved to Miami in 1980, he fell in love with Key Biscayne and its waterfront community. Just a few years later, he took a leap of faith and acquired the lease for what is now Rickenbacker Marina on Virginia Key. It was the beginning of a true family business, built with passion and perseverance in a city that has always demanded resilience.
For over four decades, the marina has remained family-owned and operated, passing from one generation to the next. That continuity matters — it means local knowledge, accountability, and skin in the game. Our family name has been tied to this marina for 40 years, and that’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.
Resilience Through Miami’s Changes
Operating a marina in Miami hasn’t always been easy. From the drug violence of the 1980s to devastating hurricanes like Andrew, to recessions and the rapid growth of the city itself, we’ve weathered every storm — literally and figuratively. Each challenge has made us stronger, and each season has deepened our commitment to serving boaters and protecting Biscayne Bay.
A Sustainable Future for Biscayne Bay
Legacy doesn’t mean standing still. As Miami has grown, so has our awareness of the responsibility we have as stewards of the bay. That’s why sustainability is at the heart of how we operate. From eco-conscious fueling and recycling programs to partnerships with Compost for Life Miami and Glass for Life Miami, we’re investing in practices that protect the water we all depend on. Our family has lived on these shores for decades, and we want them just as vibrant for the next generation.
Local Knowledge, Lasting Commitment
What sets Rickenbacker Marina apart isn’t just our facilities — it’s our people. Our staff, many of them lifelong Miami residents, understand the tides, the weather, and the rhythms of Biscayne Bay like second nature. For boaters, that knowledge translates into better service, safer operations, and a marina that truly feels like home.
More Than a Marina
After 40 years, we’re proud to say that Rickenbacker Marina isn’t just where boats are stored — it’s where Miami’s boating community thrives. Families launch weekend adventures here, anglers set out for offshore runs, and locals gather for food, drinks, and sunsets by the bay. This is our life’s work, and it’s a story still being written every day.
