Boat Launch Access: Caxambas Ramp Status Update

Caxambas Park, located at 909 Collier Court, Marco Island, Florida, is a public boat access point that includes a 4-acre park, parking, and concessions for sale. It offers easy access to the Northern Ten Thousand Islands or the Gulf of Mexico. The park has faced complaints of overcrowding, with residents expressing concerns about the challenges of launching their boats. Despite these issues, it remains a popular destination for boaters and tourists alike. In March 2023, the park opened for non-commercial, non-motorized paddlecraft, including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, with limited hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, Hurricane Ian caused significant damage, and as of January 2024, the park has been shut down to commercial activity. Collier County is discussing plans for a Hurricane Restoration Project, with bids for repairs ranging from $2.7 million to $3.1 million.

The boat ramp was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in May 2022

Hurricane Ian, which occurred in September 2022, caused significant damage to the state of Florida, including the destruction of the Caxambas boat ramp on Marco Island. The boat ramp was one of many structures that were damaged or destroyed by the powerful storm.

Caxambas Park, located at 909 Collier Court on Marco Island, is a popular water access point that includes a 4-acre park, ample parking, and concessions for sale. It provides easy access to the Northern Ten Thousand Islands and the Gulf of Mexico, making it a favourite spot for boaters. Unfortunately, the boat ramp and other parts of Caxambas Park were severely impacted by Hurricane Ian.

The hurricane brought strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges to the area, leading to widespread destruction. The storm's impact on Caxambas Park was significant enough that a Hurricane Restoration Project was announced to address the damage. This project, scheduled to begin on May 28, 2024, will involve repairs and improvements to the park's infrastructure, ensuring it is safe and accessible for visitors once again.

As of March 15, 2023, Caxambas Boat Park reopened for non-commercial, non-motorized canoe, kayak, and paddleboard launching. However, the park operated with limited hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and only personal vehicles transporting non-motorized launch crafts for recreational purposes were permitted to enter. Park visitors were required to complete a Paddle Craft Float Plan provided by Park Rangers before launching their paddlecraft.

The park reopened for non-commercial activity in March 2023

The Caxambas Park boat ramp on Marco Island, Florida, is a popular destination for boaters and tourists. However, in March 2023, the park reopened only for non-commercial activity, specifically for non-motorized paddlecraft such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. This reopening came after the park had been closed to commercial activity since Hurricane Ian hit in 2022.

The park's public boat ramp provides direct access to the Ten Thousand Islands, making it a perfect launching spot for boaters and paddlers alike. Despite complaints of overcrowding from some residents, the park remains a favourite destination for many. The park offers a beautiful water access point with a 4-acre space, ample parking, and concessions for sale, including food and sunscreen.

The Collier County Parks & Recreation Division manages the park and has announced plans and discussions for its restoration and improvement. As of October 2024, the park is closed again for a Hurricane Restoration Project, with an expected completion date of May 28, 2024.

The park usually offers a range of activities, including wildlife tours, shelling, kayaking, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy the views, relax on the benches, and utilise the facilities such as tables for cleaning fish and purchasing ice cream and drinks from the shop.

The Collier County government announced a Hurricane Restoration Project for the park to begin on May 28, 2024

The Collier County government has announced a Hurricane Restoration Project for Caxambas Park, with a commencement date of May 28, 2024. The park, located at 909 Collier Court, Marco Island, Florida, will be closed to the public until the project is completed.

Caxambas Park is a popular water access point, providing the only public boat ramp on Marco Island. It offers easy access to the Northern Ten Thousand Islands and the Gulf of Mexico. The 4-acre park includes ample parking and concessions for sale, making it a convenient and attractive option for boaters.

In recent years, the park has experienced overcrowding, with high tourism numbers causing frustration for some residents. Commercial activity at the park has also been prohibited since Hurricane Ian in 2022. The upcoming Hurricane Restoration Project will likely address some of these issues and improve the overall experience for visitors and residents alike.

While the exact date for the boat ramp's reopening has not been specified, the Collier County Parks & Recreation Division has provided a contact number for further information: (239) 252-4000. This number can be used to reach the Parks & Recreation Administration Office.

The Hurricane Restoration Project for Caxambas Park is a significant undertaking, and the park's closure during this time will allow for necessary improvements and repairs to be made. The project demonstrates the Collier County government's commitment to maintaining and enhancing this valuable community resource.

The park is the only public boat access point on Marco Island

Caxambas Park is a public boat access point on Marco Island, Florida. The park includes a 4-acre area, ample parking, and concessions for sale, from sunscreen to food. It is the only publicly accessible boat ramp on the island, and it gives direct access to the Ten Thousand Islands, making it a perfect launching spot for boaters.

The park is a favourite for people all over, as the water is calmer and more blue than on the east coast. It is also a great place to watch dolphins. In addition to boating and fishing, visitors can enjoy biking, running, walking, and launching non-motorized paddlecraft, such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.

However, some residents have complained about overcrowding due to tourism, making it harder for them to launch their boats. Despite these complaints, local business owners want to maintain the steady stream of visitors to the island.

In January 2024, Collier County discussed plans to rebuild the park, which had been damaged by Hurricane Ian in May 2022. The hurricane destroyed the popular launch for boaters, and the park had been closed to commercial activity since. The county received bids for the construction project, with estimated costs of $2.7 million to $3.1 million. The project includes rebuilding seawalls, docks, and replacing the fuel system. The estimated time for repairs is 8-12 months.

The park provides easy access to the Northern Ten Thousand Islands and the Gulf of Mexico

Caxambas Park is a public boat access point located on upscale Marco Island, Florida. The park includes a 4-acre area, ample parking, and concessions for sale, from sunscreen to food. It is the only publicly accessible boat ramp on the island.

Caxambas Park is a favourite for people all over, thanks to its calmer and bluer waters compared to the east coast. The park provides easy access to the Northern Ten Thousand Islands and the Gulf of Mexico. This makes it a perfect launching spot for boaters and paddlers alike. For just $4 per person, visitors can also kayak to many beautiful beach islands, some of which are only a 10-minute kayak ride away.

The park has also been described as a jewel for its Gulf views and well-maintained facilities. Visitors can enjoy the benches, picnic tables, and fishing tables, as well as spot dolphins, manatees, pelicans, and various birds.

In March 2022, the park was closed for commercial activity due to damage caused by Hurricane Ian. As of January 2024, the Collier County government is discussing plans to rebuild the park, with repairs expected to take 8-12 months. The park remains open for non-commercial, non-motorized paddlecraft, such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.

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