Boat Ramps In Sarasota: Open For Sailing?

Sarasota County, Florida, is a great destination for boating enthusiasts, offering convenient boat ramps and docks and a range of outdoor activities. The county recently reopened some of its beaches and boat ramps, including Nokomis Beach, North and South Brohard Beach, and Maxine Barritt Park, following damage from hurricanes. Sarasota provides a variety of boat ramp options for both motorized and non-motorized vessels, ensuring easy access to the water for all types of boaters.

Ken Thompson Park Boat Ramp

Ken Thompson Park is a waterfront park in Sarasota, Florida, that provides a range of recreational opportunities for visitors. The park is 92 acres and is owned by the city of Sarasota but operated by Sarasota County Parks and Recreation. It has a six-lane concrete boat ramp, with four docks providing boat access to the water.

The park has a fishing pier, a playground, and a picnic area, as well as electric car chargers. There is a Mangrove Boardwalk to walk along before heading to the boat ramp, and restrooms are open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The park also has a bait shop, boardwalks, a canoe/kayak launch, trails, and shelters. Activities include birdwatching, photography, picnicking, and sailing.

The address for Ken Thompson Park Boat Ramp is 1700 Ken Thompson Parkway, Lido Key, Sarasota, FL 34236. You can get to the park by bus, with several routes passing near the boat ramp.

Centennial Park & Boat Ramp

Centennial Park, located at 1059 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236, is one of the most popular parks in the city. The park offers a gorgeous view and several amenities, including three double-lane boat ramps, picnic tables, and public restrooms. The park is part of a community park complex that includes the Lawn Bowling facility and the Bayfront John Chidsey Community Center, ensuring there's always something for everyone.

The boat ramp at Centennial Park provides easy access to Sarasota Bay, making it a preferred launching pad for boaters. With plenty of parking available, along with picnic areas, this park is a convenient and enjoyable spot for a day out on the water. The nearby US Coast Guard Auxiliary facility also offers added peace of mind, conducting frequent courtesy vessel inspections and providing safe boating courses to the public.

While the park is known for its boating facilities, it's also a great place to watch the sunset. Visitors can enjoy the sound of waves lapping against the wall as boats launch into the intercoastal waters. The park offers benches to sit and take in the views of the Van Wezel, the Ringling Bridge, and the passing boats. It's also a popular spot for fishing, with a pier extending into the water.

Centennial Park is owned and operated by the City of Sarasota Parks & Recreation District. The park is handicapped accessible and allows leashed pets, making it a welcoming space for all. With its convenient location, ample amenities, and beautiful views, Centennial Park & Boat Ramp is a favourite destination for locals and visitors alike.

Turtle Beach Boat Ramp

Sarasota County, Florida, offers a wide range of water access locations, including boat ramps for motorized and non-motorized vessels. One of these boat ramps is the Turtle Beach Boat Ramp, located at 8701 Blind Pass Road, Siesta Key. This public boat launch site provides easy access to the water for kayaks, paddleboards, and boats.

The Turtle Beach Boat Ramp features two boat ramps: a gradual northern ramp and a steeper southern ramp. Kayaks can be launched from between the boat launches. The site also offers other amenities, including grills, picnic tables, and restrooms, making it a convenient and attractive option for a day on the water. However, parking is limited, so visitors are advised to arrive early to secure a spot.

In addition to the boat ramps, Turtle Beach Park offers a beautiful beach and a mangrove lagoon for swimming, birding, boating, and paddling. Visitors can also rent bikes, umbrellas, chairs, kayaks, and paddleboards from nearby vendors, making it a popular destination for a variety of outdoor activities.

The Turtle Beach Boat Ramp is just one of the many boat ramps and water access points in Sarasota County, providing residents and visitors with ample opportunities to enjoy the area's waterways and natural environment.

Blackburn Point Park Boat Ramp

Blackburn Point Park itself is a 15-acre water access park with three distinct nodes or sections, each with its own unique characteristics and amenities. The park offers beautiful views of the water and is a great place to watch the nearby boat traffic. It also provides shady parking areas, a jogging path, and spots for fishing and sunning. If you're launching a kayak or canoe, you'll appreciate the convenient improvements made to the park in recent years, including shady parking areas and easy access to the water.

The park also features a unique, vintage swing bridge that rotates to allow boats to pass through. This manual bridge is operated by a bridgemaster, who may be the friendly Miss Tina, happy to share stories about the bridge. To get your boat under the bridge, simply give the bridgemaster a call, and they will open it for you using a hand crank.

Whether you're launching a motorized boat or a non-motorized vessel, Blackburn Point Park Boat Ramp provides a convenient and enjoyable entry point to Sarasota's waterways. With its range of amenities and the nearby attractions of Osprey, it's a great place to spend a day on the water or enjoy the shore.

Coquina Beach Boat Ramp

The Coquina Beach Boat Ramp is located at 1465 Gulf Drive South in Bradenton Beach, on the southern end of Anna Maria Island. The boat ramp is situated on Longboat Pass, providing quick access to the Gulf. This convenient location also offers easy access to excellent fishing spots, including the shore and the bridge nearby.

The Coquina Beach Boat Ramp is a great choice for boaters due to its proximity to several desirable boating destinations. Within a short distance, boaters can explore popular locations such as Jewfish Key, Beer Can Island Sandbar, Passage Key, and Egmont Key. The ramp's position just north of Longboat Pass makes it ideal for those looking to fish or enjoy the surrounding islands and flats.

As a two-lane ramp, the Coquina Beach Boat Ramp offers efficient access to the water, and there is ample parking available for vehicles and trailers. Restroom facilities and a water fountain are also provided for added convenience. However, it is important to be cautious when loading or unloading boats at the ramp, as boat wakes from passing vessels can reach the inside of the ramp area.

When planning a visit to the Coquine Beach Boat Ramp, it is worth noting that it can become quite busy during the summer months and holiday weekends. However, with its convenient location and access to some of Florida's best boating spots, the ramp is an excellent choice for boaters looking to explore the region's beautiful waters and enjoy a day of fishing or leisure on the Gulf.

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