Crocker Marine Services designs, builds, and repairs docks, seawalls, and boat lifts throughout Bonita Springs, Florida, in Lee County. Most Bonita Springs waterfront sits on the Imperial River as it winds from downtown out to Estero Bay, or on the canals off it. Estero Bay is a state aquatic preserve, and the Imperial River has a fixed low bridge that caps the size of vessel that can reach open water — both shape what's possible here.
Marine construction services in Bonita Springs
Crocker Marine is a full-service marine contractor — docks, seawalls, boat lifts, dredging, and inspections, in-house. See the full range of services or browse completed projects across Southwest Florida.
Docks
Imperial River docks sit in shallow, tidal, brackish water inside an aquatic preserve, so placement and size are reviewed closely. We build new docks and handle repair, replacement, accessories, and canopies and shade covers.
Seawalls
River- and canal-front seawalls in Bonita Springs are a mix of concrete and vinyl, and age plus tropical storm exposure are the main drivers of failure here. We install and replace both and extend sound walls with repair and maintenance before a replacement or new wall.
Boat lifts
We install and service boat lifts from Coastal Boat Lifts in Fort Myers, sized for the Imperial River's shallow, brackish water. Repair covers cables, motors, bunks, and controls.
Dredging
The Imperial River and its canals are naturally shallow and silt easily. Our residential dredging restores permitted depth, with the added care Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve rules require, permitting handled.
Marine inspections
Our marine inspections give buyers, sellers, and insurers a written condition report on the dock, seawall, and lift before you commit.
Permits and local conditions in Bonita Springs
Marine construction in Bonita Springs is permitted through the City of Bonita Springs, with Lee County covering areas outside the city and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers covering work below the mean high-water line.
- Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. The bay the Imperial River empties into is a state aquatic preserve with strict seagrass and mangrove protections, which generally limits new dredging and shapes dock design.
- The Old 41 bridge. A fixed, low bridge on the Imperial River caps the air draft of any vessel heading downriver, which matters if you're choosing a boat or a lift.
- Shallow, winding river. The Imperial River is narrow and shallow in stretches, so depth and swing room are checked early in design.
- Manatee zones. The river and Estero Bay carry slow-speed manatee protections.
Why Bonita Springs homeowners choose Crocker Marine
- True Price Guarantee. The quoted price is the price you pay — no change orders, excluding rock excavation, client-requested changes, or specialty permitting.
- Licensed and insured. Florida certified building contractor CBC1266139, with $2 million in insurance coverage.
- Regional reach. More than 60 years of combined experience and a showroom at 2101 McGregor Blvd in Fort Myers.
- Warranties. A 15-year seawall warranty and a 1-year dock warranty.
Bonita Springs marine construction FAQ
Does the Old 41 bridge limit what boat I can keep on the Imperial River?
Yes — it's a fixed, low bridge, so anything taller can't pass under it to reach Estero Bay. We factor that into lift and dock recommendations.
Does the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve limit dredging?
Generally, yes — the preserve's rules are strict about new dredging and about disturbing seagrass and mangroves. Any work is scoped and permitted within those limits.
Who permits dock work in Bonita Springs?
The City of Bonita Springs for most of the waterfront, Lee County outside the city limits, plus FDEP and the Army Corps for in-water work.
How shallow is the Imperial River?
It varies by stretch, but shallow and silty is the norm. We check depth at mean low water before designing any dock or lift.
Are there manatee rules on the river?
Yes — the Imperial River and Estero Bay are slow-speed manatee zones. Request a free estimate or call (239) 841-9674.