Best Boat Launching Sites In St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, Florida, offers a variety of boat ramps and marinas for boaters and anglers to access the area's waterways. From the St. Johns River to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, there are numerous options for launching a boat in St. Augustine. The city boasts several public boat ramps, such as Vilano Boat Ramp, Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp, and Usina Boat Ramp, which provide convenient access to the water and a range of amenities. Additionally, there are private marinas like Conch House Marina and Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor, which serve as excellent starting points for fishing charters. With its diverse boating facilities, St. Augustine caters to a range of water-based activities, from kayaking and canoeing to offshore fishing expeditions.

Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp

The Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp in St. Augustine, Florida, is located at 442 Ocean Vista Avenue, and is open to the public. The facility offers two boat ramps, a dock, a bench, bleachers, water fountains, and ample parking. There are approximately 12 parking spaces for vehicles and their trailers near the ramp, with additional parking for another 15 to 25 vehicles in the surrounding area. The site also offers a grassy slope north of the boat ramp with dinghy storage racks for boaters renting a mooring ball from the Municipal Marina.

The Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp provides beautiful views and convenient access to Salt Run. It is a great spot for various activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, shoreline fishing, and picnicking. The facility features picnic tables and grills, making it an ideal location for an afternoon cookout with family and friends.

When visiting the Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp, it is important to note that overnight parking and boat storage are not permitted. Once you have launched your boat, you may temporarily leave it tied to the dock while you secure parking for your vehicle and trailer. If you need to leave your boat unattended, please move to the far end of the pier or the north side to avoid obstructing other users.

The Lighthouse Park Boat Ramp is conveniently located near several attractions in St. Augustine. These include the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Flagler Hospital Campus, and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. The ramp is usually open from 7 am to 7 pm from Tuesday to Saturday.

Usina Boat Ramp

For visitors, there are places to stay nearby, such as the North Beach Camp Resort and the Ocean Sands Beach Inn. The boat ramp is conveniently located next to Aunt Kate's Restaurant and Mike's Place Bait Shop. St. Johns County, where the boat ramp is located, offers 15 boat ramps that provide free saltwater and freshwater access.

Vilano Boat Ramp

The Vilano Boat Ramp is located on the southwestern side of the Vilano Bridge, just west of the bridge on A1A. It offers boat access to the Intracoastal Waterway and land facilities. The boat ramp is a great spot for those who want to take their boat out on the Intracoastal and enjoy the city views of St. Augustine.

The Vilano Boat Ramp has a large parking lot and restrooms, as well as a picnic pavilion, fishing, and kayaking. There is also a bait shop on site. The Vilano Boat Ramp is a convenient place to launch your boat, with free parking available on site.

The Vilano Boat Ramp is also close to other parks in the area, such as Mussallem Beachfront Park and Nease Beachfront Park, which are both a short drive away. There are also places to stay nearby, such as the Inn at Camachee Harbor and Harbor 26.

The Vilano Boat Ramp is a great option for those looking to explore the Intracoastal Waterway and enjoy the surrounding scenery and attractions that St. Augustine has to offer. With its convenient location, amenities, and nearby attractions, it is a popular choice for boaters and visitors to the area.

Devils Elbow Boat Ramp

Devil's Elbow Boat Ramp is located at 140 Gone Fishing Lane, St. Augustine, FL 32080, approximately 10 miles south of downtown St. Augustine via coastal highway A1A. The boat ramp is situated next to Devil's Elbow Fishing Resort on Highway A1A and is a great starting point for inshore and offshore fishing charters.

Devil's Elbow Fishing Resort offers a range of amenities and services for boating and fishing enthusiasts. The resort has two on-site boat ramps available for guests who bring their own boats, as well as watercraft rentals, including 16' Carolina Skiffs and 20' pontoons. They also provide a guide service and fishing gear rentals for those looking to explore the waterways and fish.

The resort is located on a crooked inlet of the Intracoastal Waterway, known for its challenging navigation in the past. Today, it is a popular destination for fishermen and water sports enthusiasts, offering easy access to the Matanzas River and the Atlantic Ocean. The boat ramp at Devil's Elbow is conveniently located on the Matanzas River, approximately 4 miles north of Matanzas Inlet.

In addition to its boating and fishing facilities, Devil's Elbow also offers waterfront cottage rentals with stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The cottages are spacious and well-appointed, featuring "Old Florida" covered front porches and fully equipped kitchens. Guests can also take advantage of the heated pool, oceanfront walkover, and on-site bait and tackle shop. Devil's Elbow has something for everyone, whether they are seeking a relaxing vacation or an action-packed fishing trip.

Faver Dykes State Park

Faver-Dykes State Park is a Florida State Park located 15 miles south of St. Augustine, near the intersection of I-95 and US 1. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sundown every day of the year, and admission is $5 per vehicle.

Faver-Dykes State Park offers a boat ramp that provides access to Pellicer Creek, a designated state canoe trail. The creek has an average depth of 2 to 6 feet and is accessible for canoes, kayaks, and small boats. From the boat ramp, you can head east to the Pellicer Flats and Matanzas River, or west to the freshwater beginnings. Pellicer Creek is a unique mix of fresh and saltwater, offering a glimpse of the \"Real Florida."

The park features two half-mile loop nature trails, a full-facility campground, and a primitive youth campground. The campground accommodates RVs up to 35 feet in length and tents, with 30 sites available. Each campsite includes water, electricity, a fire ring, a grill, and a picnic table. The campground also offers hot showers, flush toilets, and a dump station.

In addition to boating and canoeing, Faver-Dykes State Park offers a range of activities, including fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and hiking. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, bobcats, river otters, and various bird species such as bald eagles, falcons, and herons.

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