Key Largo's Top Boat Launch Spots

Key Largo in the Florida Keys is a popular destination for boating, with its other-worldly beauty and natural wonders. There are many options for boating in Key Largo, from private charters to small group excursions and party boats. The area is also home to numerous marinas, which provide easy access to the water and offer boating advice and navigation tips from local experts. In addition, glass-bottom boat tours are available, offering a unique perspective of the underwater world of the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary. For those looking to launch their own boats, there are several boat ramps available, such as the one located at the Caribbean Club on Blackwater Sound, as well as storage facilities like the Key Largo Boatyard and Storage.

Boat Ramp Key Largo

There are several options for boat ramps in Key Largo, Florida. The Caribbean Club, the oldest bar in the Upper Keys, has a boat ramp located on Blackwater Sound. The ramp is open to the public for a $10 fee per vessel, with boat trailer parking available on-site for $20 a day. Overnight parking is available for an additional $20. Payment is cash only and no reservations are accepted.

Key Largo Boatyard and Storage, previously Catamaran Boat Yard and Storage, has a paved ramp on the ocean side, which is said to be just a 10-minute ride from the reef. The boatyard also offers long-term storage for boats and trailers.

Key Largo is also home to numerous marinas, which are great places to launch and house vessels and get boating advice and navigation tips from local captains and other boating experts.

Blackwater Sound

One notable location on Blackwater Sound is the Caribbean Club, the oldest bar in the Upper Keys, which has been in operation since 1938. The club offers a boat ramp that is open to the public for a small fee. From this ramp, boaters can easily access Blackwater Sound and the surrounding waters. The Caribbean Club is also known for its lively atmosphere, featuring live music, a waterfront stage, and a popular food truck.

In addition to the Caribbean Club, there are several other boat ramps and marinas located on or near Blackwater Sound. These include the Key Largo Boatyard and Storage, which offers a paved ramp and quick access to the reef, as well as numerous marinas that provide charter excursions, boat launches, and housing for vessels.

Boating in Blackwater Sound offers a range of exciting activities and natural attractions. Visitors can explore marine sanctuaries, go fishing, or take nature tours to the nearby tropical reefs. The area is also known for its eco-tours and airboat rides to the Everglades. With its convenient access to the water and abundance of natural beauty, Blackwater Sound is an ideal destination for boaters and nature enthusiasts alike.

Harry Harris Park

In addition to the beach, Harry Harris Park offers a range of facilities for visitors. These include covered pavilions, barbecues, picnic tables, a children's playground, a basketball court, baseball fields, restrooms with showers, boat ramps, a fishing jetty, and a bike path. The park is free for local residents, while non-residents are charged a small fee on holidays and weekends ($5 per person and $10 to launch a boat).

The park has received mixed reviews online. Some visitors praise the calm and shallow water, clean beach, and family-friendly atmosphere. Others have expressed disappointment over the small size of the park and the entrance fee, especially on weekends. It is recommended to visit during the week, as weekends tend to be more crowded, and fees may apply.

Indian Key Fill

In February 2021, the boat ramp at Indian Key Fill was damaged when a contractor working for the village of Islamorada disturbed the hard pack surface at the entrance to the ramp. As a result, the ramp was closed off due to safety concerns. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection determined that restoration was necessary before the area could be reopened to the public. Repairs were completed and pending review and approval from the Indian Historic State Park management and DEP regulatory staff, the ramp is set to reopen.

The boat ramp at Indian Key Fill is a great spot for those looking to get out on the water in Key Largo. With easy access to the spectacular waters of the Florida Keys, it offers a convenient place to launch your vessel and explore the natural beauty of the area.

Key Largo Boatyard and Storage

In addition to the ramp, the facility provides long-term storage for boats and trailers, as well as gated and secure storage for various other items, including wave runners, extra trailers, and boat trailers. They also accommodate locked bait and fish freezers for serious fishermen.

The boatyard is committed to meeting the diverse needs of its customers and offers additional services to enhance their experience. They plan to introduce boat racks in the future, further expanding the storage options available. For those seeking recommendations, they also provide a list of trusted contractors.

For enquiries or further information, customers are invited to call (305) 852-2025 or email [email protected].

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