Boat Ramps In Florida: Opening Dates And Times

Florida is known as a prime boating spot, with its unique range of salt, brackish, and freshwater. Boaters can enjoy convenient amenities and diverse launch points, making Florida a popular destination for water enthusiasts. However, boat ramps in Florida may be subject to closures due to special events, weather conditions, or necessary repairs. To find out when a boat ramp will be open, it is advisable to check with local authorities or refer to resources such as the Florida Boat Ramp Finder or interactive maps that provide up-to-date information on the status of boat ramps in the state.

Boat ramps in Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida is a prime boating location, with its unique range of salt, brackish, and freshwater ecosystems. The area offers a variety of boating experiences, from offshore cruising and fishing to back-bay and river cruising, and sightseeing charters. There are numerous boat ramps in Southwest Florida, catering to different needs and preferences.

Public Boat Ramps

Public boat ramps in Southwest Florida are usually open year-round and offer easy access to the region's diverse waterways. Here are some notable public boat ramps in the area:

• Burnt Store Boat Ramp: This 4.5-acre facility provides access to the North West Spreader canal and lake system, Matlacha Pass, and the Gulf of Mexico. It is located at 230 Burnt Store Road, Cape Coral, and has a daily parking fee of $15 for boat trailers. Annual parking decals are available for Cape Coral residents at $75.
• Horton Park: This serene 5-acre saltwater boat launch facility in Cape Coral offers access to the Gulf of Mexico via the Caloosahatchee River. It features picnic shelters, playground equipment, restrooms, and a walking path. It is located at 2628 SE 26 Place, Cape Coral, and has the same parking fees and options as the Burnt Store Boat Ramp.
• Rosen Park: Located at 2414 SE 15 Terrace, Cape Coral, Rosen Park boasts a spacious saltwater boat launch facility with two 30' wide x 60' long ramps and ample trailer and vehicle parking. The park also features a marina with 19 wet boat slips, picnic shelters, BBQ pits, restrooms, and a scenic boardwalk. It has the same parking fees and options as the previous two ramps.
• Goodland Boating Park: This 5.22-acre park, located on Goodland Bay, offers direct access to the Ten Thousand Islands and the Gulf of Mexico. It features a two-lane boat launch ramp, ample trailer parking, wet slips for rent, a covered picnic pavilion with a grill, a fishing pier, and a fish cleaning station. The motorized daily launch fee is $10, while the non-motorized launch fee is $5.
• Bayview Park: Located in Naples, Bayview Park offers a beautiful view of Naples Bay and includes a boat ramp, pavilion, picnic tables, family-friendly paddling trails, and restrooms. The motorized daily launch fee is $10, the non-motorized launch fee is $5, and the daily parking fee is $10 for vehicles without a resident beach parking sticker.
• Matlacha Boat Ramp: This nine-acre community park, located at 4577 Pine Island Road, offers a range of amenities, including a community building, covered picnic tables, pavilions, a playground, restrooms, basketball courts, a fishing pier, hiking paths, and benches. The park provides quick and easy access to the Calusa Blueway and the Atlantic Ocean, with a two-slip boat launching facility and 33 boat trailer parking spots. The daily parking fee is $10.
• Pine Island Commercial Marina: Located in St. James City, this marina and boat ramp provide access to some of the best fishing, boating, and water sports opportunities in Southwest Florida. It is open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and has a single-lane boat ramp with parking spots for vehicles with boat trailers. The daily parking fee is $10, and the Lee County Parks & Recreation parking sticker is honored on weekends and county holidays only.
• Laishley Park Boat Ramp: Nestled in the heart of Punta Gorda, Laishley Park is a waterfront destination offering a spacious boat ramp with multiple launch lanes, ample parking, a fishing pier, scenic walkways, and a large covered pavilion. It also features a playground, picnic tables, and restrooms, making it ideal for family outings.
• El Jobean Boat Ramp: This popular boat ramp, located at 4224 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte, offers convenient access to the waters of Charlotte Harbor. It is a great option for both locals and visitors, providing amenities such as a boat ramp, canoeing, kayaking, and paddling opportunities.
• Port Charlotte Beach Park: This 16.08-acre beach park, built in 1972 and renovated in 2012, features a boardwalk with a fishing pier, a boat ramp, a canoe/kayak launch, sports courts, a playground, covered picnic tables, pavilions, a swimming pool, a rec center, and restrooms. There is something for everyone at this park, making it perfect for family outings.
• Spring Lake Park: Located at 3520 Lake View Blvd., Port Charlotte, Spring Lake Park offers a variety of activities, including boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddling, fishing, and exploring the nature reserve.

Private Boat Ramps

Southwest Florida also boasts a range of private boat ramps, providing a more exclusive and convenient launching experience. These ramps are often part of upscale marinas or residential developments and offer additional services and amenities. Here are some examples:

• Mulloch Creek Marina: This marina offers a serene and peaceful environment with excellent facilities, making it a great choice for those seeking a hassle-free boating experience.
• Sanibel Harbour Yacht Club: This yacht club provides amenities such as valet boat launching, secure storage, and direct access to fuel docks.
• Safe Harbor Cape Harbour Marina: Located in Cape Coral, this marina offers a controlled environment with top-notch facilities, ensuring less crowded and more efficient boating experiences.

Other Considerations

When planning to use a boat ramp in Southwest Florida, it is essential to check with local authorities or visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website for the latest information on ramp status and potential closures due to special events, weather conditions, or repairs. Additionally, some boat ramps may have specific hours of operation, parking fees, and regulations, so it is advisable to review these details before your visit.

Boat ramp closures

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Boating and Waterways Section is dedicated to improving boating access and facilities. They identify potential sites for new boating access areas, renovate and expand existing facilities, and administer grant programs for boating-related activities. The Commission also maintains a Boat Ramp Finder on its website, providing descriptive information, maps, and photographs for hundreds of public boat ramps across Florida.

It is recommended to check the status of boat ramps before planning a trip, as closures can occur due to various reasons. The FWC provides an interactive map that shows the status of boat ramps across Florida, which is frequently updated by the FWC Enforcement division. This map is a valuable resource for anglers and boaters, helping them stay informed about closures and plan their trips accordingly.

Boat ramp locations

Florida has a plethora of boat ramps available for public use, with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reporting that the state is "known worldwide as a prime boating spot for residents and visitors". Most of these boat ramps are free to use and are open 24 hours a day.

The Boat Ramp Finder website provides descriptive information, maps, and photographs for hundreds of public boat ramps throughout Florida.

• Burnt Store Boat Ramp: This 4.5-acre boat launch facility provides access to the North West Spreader canal and lake system, as well as Matlacha Pass and the Gulf of Mexico. The address is 230 Burnt Store Road, South Cape Coral, FL 33991. The hours of operation are 8:00 AM to sunset, and there is a $15 per day boat trailer parking fee. Cape Coral residents may obtain an annual parking decal for $75.
• Horton Park: This serene 5-acre saltwater boat launch facility in Cape Coral, FL, provides access to the Gulf of Mexico via the Caloosahatchee River. The address is 2628 SE 26 Place Cape Coral, FL 33904. There is a $15 per day boat trailer parking fee, and Cape Coral residents may obtain an annual parking decal for $75.
• Rosen Park: This park in Cape Coral, FL boasts a spacious saltwater boat launch facility with two 30' wide x 60' long ramps and ample trailer and vehicle parking. The address is 2414 SE 15 Terrace Cape Coral, FL 33990. The parking fees are the same as for Horton Park.
• Goodland Boating Park: This 5.22-acre park on Goodland Bay provides direct access to the Ten Thousand Islands and the Gulf of Mexico. The address is 740 Palm Point Drive, Marco Island, FL 34140. The motorized daily launch fee is $10, the non-motorized launch fee is $5, and the daily parking fee is $10 for vehicles without a resident beach parking sticker.
• Bayview Park: This park in Naples, FL offers a beautiful view of Naples Bay and includes a boat ramp, pavilion, picnic tables, family-friendly paddling trails, and restrooms. The address is Bayview Park, Naples, FL. The motorized daily launch fee is $10, the non-motorized launch fee is $5, and the daily parking fee is $10 for vehicles without a resident beach parking sticker.
• Collier Boulevard Boating Park: Located just north of the Marco Island bridge, this park is one of Collier County's most frequented water access points. It offers ample boat parking, two ramps for launching water vessels, and easy access to Marco Island. The address is 3620 Collier Blvd., Marco Island, FL 34145. The park is open year-round from 8 AM to sunset. The motorized daily launch fee is $10, the non-motorized launch fee is $5, and the daily parking fee is $10 for vehicles without a resident beach parking sticker.
• Golden Gate Boat Ramp: Located behind the Golden Gate Community Park in Naples, FL, this boat ramp is perfect for those with smaller boats. The address is 33000 Santa Barbara Blvd, Naples, FL. The motorized daily launch fee is $10, the non-motorized launch fee is $5, and the daily parking fee is $10 for vehicles without a resident beach parking sticker.
• Port of the Islands Marina: This marina offers direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and the opportunity to cruise the Everglades and hang out with manatees. The address is Port of the Islands Marina, Naples, FL. The park hours, including boat ramps, are 7 AM to 3:30 PM. The motorized daily launch fee is $10, the non-motorized launch fee is $5, and the daily parking fee is $10 for vehicles without a resident beach parking sticker.
• Ann Olesky Park: Located at the end of Lake Trafford Road in Immokalee, Collier County, this park features a 200-foot pier, a boat ramp, and access to a 1,500-acre lake. The address is 6001 Lake Trafford Rd., Immokalee, FL 34142. The hours of operation are 8 AM to sunset. The motorized daily launch fee is $10, the non-motorized launch fee is $5, and the daily parking fee is $10 for vehicles without a resident beach parking sticker.
• Lovers Key State Park

Boat ramp fees

Public boat launches in gated communities or resorts typically charge a fee, whereas public boat launches offered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are usually free. The Commission maintains over 200 access sites, most of which are open 24 hours a day, and new sites are added each year.

In Southwest Florida, boat ramp fees vary by county and location. For example, in Lee County, the Matlacha Boat Ramp charges $10 per day for parking, while the Punta Rassa Boat Ramp has a $10 fee per 24-hour day for parking. In Collier County, several boat ramps, including Goodland Boating Park, charge a $10 daily launch fee for motorized boats, a $5 fee for non-motorized boats, and a $10 daily parking fee for vehicles without a resident beach parking sticker.

In Marathon, Florida, the Marathon Public Boat Ramp, Mile Marker 54 Boat Ramp, and Aviation Boulevard Boat Ramp all charge $25 for entry and exit, plus $20 per day for trailer parking. The Grassy Key Marina Boat Ramp charges $50 for in-and-out access and offers additional amenities such as boat rentals and a marketplace.

Some locations offer annual or resident passes at a discounted rate. For example, in Cape Coral, residents can obtain an annual parking decal for $75, compared to the $15 per day boat trailer parking fee for non-residents.

Boat ramp facilities

Boat ramps in Florida are managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Boating and Waterways Section, which is part of the Division of Law Enforcement. This body works to improve boating access by identifying potential sites for new boating access facilities, renovating and expanding existing facilities, and constructing and renovating boating access facilities on state-owned lands. The Commission currently maintains over 200 access sites, most of which are open 24 hours a day and free of charge.

Before visiting a boat ramp, it is advisable to check its status with local authorities, as ramps may be temporarily closed due to special events, weather conditions, or repairs. Real-time closure information may not always be available on the Commission's website, so it is recommended to contact them directly or refer to other resources, such as interactive maps, for the most up-to-date information.

Boat ramps in Florida offer a range of facilities to cater to the needs of boaters. Some ramps provide basic access to waterways, while others have more extensive amenities. Here are some examples of the facilities available at various boat ramps in Florida:

• Parking: Many boat ramps offer dedicated parking spaces for vehicles with boat trailers, with daily parking fees ranging from $5 to $15. Annual parking decals may also be available for residents at a discounted rate.
• Launch lanes: Multiple launch lanes are often available at busier boat ramps to facilitate the launch of various types of boats, including motorized and non-motorized vessels.
• Picnic areas: Several boat ramps feature picnic shelters, tables, and grills, making them ideal spots for family outings and recreational activities.
• Restrooms: Many boat ramps provide restroom facilities for visitors' convenience.
• Fishing amenities: Some boat ramps cater specifically to anglers by providing fishing piers, fish cleaning stations, and even fishing licenses.
• Playgrounds: For family-friendly boat ramps, playgrounds and other children's amenities are often available to keep the young ones entertained.
• Hiking and paddling trails: Certain boat ramps are located near hiking and paddling trails, offering additional outdoor exploration opportunities.
• Marinas: Some boat ramps are part of larger marina complexes, offering services such as boat rentals, fuel docks, and wet boat slips.
• Security: To ensure the safety of visitors and their belongings, some boat ramps provide security features such as controlled access or valet services.

It is important to note that the facilities available at each boat ramp may vary, and not all ramps will have the same amenities. Additionally, boat ramps may be affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, which can lead to temporary closures or reduced services. It is always a good idea to check the status and available facilities of a boat ramp before planning your trip.

Frequently asked questions