Boating on Florida's Gulf Coast waterways

Boating

Boating & Waterway Guide

The Gulf Coast is a paradise for boaters: miles of protected Intracoastal Waterway, world-class fishing, marinas with fuel, and waterfront restaurants reachable only by water. This guide is organized like a trip: quick reference first, then passes, ramps, docks, launches, marinas, fuel, dining, tides, rentals, fishing and charters.

New to the water? The Boating, Fishing, and Life on the Water primer covers launching, seasons, and what the waterfront lifestyle costs.

Safety alert · Venice Inlet jetties

Humphris Park and the South Jetty walkway are closed

The City of Venice reports that Humphris Park and the South Jetty walkway at Venice Inlet remain closed due to severe damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Conditions are unsafe and visitors should not go there; there is no reopening date. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers owns the jetties, and major repairs are still years away, with a maintenance report expected in November 2026.

The North Jetty on the Nokomis side remains open, and the Venice Inlet channel itself stays an active, federally maintained navigation inlet. The closure applies to the jetty walkway and the park, not to the channel.

Boater's Quick Reference

Boater's Quick Reference

Stable reference information and cautions that do not change with the daily tide, plus the official live-data links. Pass identities and hazards read as a reference; depths, channels and bars change with tides, weather, dredging and shoaling, so always confirm with current NOAA charts and live data before you go. Each pass name jumps directly to that pass's own section on the Tide & Pass dashboard.

Pass Notes & Cautions

Venice Inlet

Regularly dredged, marked channel just north of Venice in Sarasota County. Stay inside the marked channel and keep clear of the jetties and sandbars. Check current NOAA charts (US Harbors carries the NOAA chart for Venice Inlet) and NOAA station VENF1 for live conditions.

Big Sarasota Pass

Between south Lido Key and north Siesta Key. Deep and wide inside, but the outer bar is unmarked, shoaling and constantly moving; navigation aids have been removed in whole or part. High-caution, local-knowledge pass, not a recommended transit for unfamiliar boaters.

Midnight Pass

Between Siesta Key and Casey Key, reopened by the 2024 hurricanes after being closed since 1983. Sarasota County and county engineers describe it as a wild pass, not a navigable pass: no permanent jetties or Coast Guard markers and shifting sand. Not a routine transit.

New Pass

Lido Key pass beside Mote Marine. Channel markers have been removed and conditions shift with tides and storms. Local knowledge and current charts required; no transit window is published here.

Longboat Pass

Stabilized inlet between Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island. Drawbridge opens on request; confirm current depths and conditions with NOAA before transiting.

Big Carlos Pass & Gordon Pass

South toward Naples. Both are natural passes that shoal at the inlet mouth; conditions change with tides and storms, so check current charts and live NOAA data before crossing.

Pre-Departure Checklist

  • Check live tide data for your pass and compare it with the pass notes in the Quick Reference above
  • Check the NOAA marine forecast and match wind and sea state to your vessel and crew
  • Check current NOAA charts, Local Notice to Mariners and any pass-specific cautions before the trip
  • Check fuel, safety gear and VHF radio
  • File a float plan with someone on shore

Passes & Inlets

Passes & Inlets

Every pass has its own personality. Each name below is a link straight to that pass's full section (depth, best conditions, hazards and live NOAA buttons) on the Tide & Pass Resource Hub.

Venice Inlet

Regularly dredged, marked channel just north of Venice in Sarasota County. Stay inside the marked channel and keep clear of the jetties and sandbars. Check current NOAA charts (US Harbors carries the NOAA chart for Venice Inlet) and NOAA station VENF1 for live conditions.

Open pass section

Big Sarasota Pass

Between south Lido Key and north Siesta Key. Deep and wide inside, but the outer bar is unmarked, shoaling and constantly moving; navigation aids have been removed in whole or part. High-caution, local-knowledge pass, not a recommended transit for unfamiliar boaters.

Open pass section

Midnight Pass

Between Siesta Key and Casey Key, reopened by the 2024 hurricanes after being closed since 1983. Sarasota County and county engineers describe it as a wild pass, not a navigable pass: no permanent jetties or Coast Guard markers and shifting sand. Not a routine transit.

Open pass section

New Pass

Lido Key pass beside Mote Marine. Channel markers have been removed and conditions shift with tides and storms. Local knowledge and current charts required; no transit window is published here.

Open pass section

Longboat Pass

Stabilized inlet between Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island. Drawbridge opens on request; confirm current depths and conditions with NOAA before transiting.

Open pass section

Big Carlos Pass & Gordon Pass

South toward Naples. Both are natural passes that shoal at the inlet mouth; conditions change with tides and storms, so check current charts and live NOAA data before crossing.

Open pass section

Boating near you

Boating Near You

Every community's own boating content first, then nearby, then regional. Arrive from a community hub and that community's card moves to the top and is marked. All facilities below come from the verified lists in this guide.

Sarasota

Sarasota boats Sarasota Bay and the Intracoastal, with bayfront ramps and marinas and Gulf passes at its barrier keys.

Venice

Venice boats the Intracoastal and the Gulf through the regularly dredged, marked Venice Inlet, with public ramps and full-service marinas close together.

Osprey

Osprey centers on Little Sarasota Bay: county ramps and kayak launches at Blackburn Point and a marina at the swing bridge.

In Osprey

Blackburn Point Park

Kayak & paddle launch

Nokomis

Nokomis launches into Blackburn Bay and Dona Bay, with Midnight Pass and Venice Inlet as the Gulf options to the north and south.

In Nokomis

Bradenton

Bradenton boats the Manatee River and the Gulf beaches west, with county ramps and full-service marinas along the river.

In Bradenton

Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island launches from county and city ramps on the bayside, minutes from Longboat Pass and Tampa Bay.

In Anna Maria Island

Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch has no beaches or marinas within its community boundaries: it sits between Sarasota and Bradenton, so boating means trailering to verified nearby launches at the Braden River ramp (State Route 64) in Bradenton, Lake Manatee State Park to the east, and Bayfront Park on Longboat Key.

No dedicated boating facilities in this guide are verified for Lakewood Ranch yet; the nearest options are listed below.

Siesta Key

Siesta Key boats Little Sarasota Bay and the Gulf passes at its ends; ramps sit at Turtle Beach and the marina at the Stickney Point Bridge.

In Siesta Key

North Port

North Port boats the Myakka River system from the city ramp at Marina Park; there are no marinas in city limits, so trailering is the norm.

In North Port

Englewood

Englewood lives on Lemon Bay, a protected aquatic preserve with county ramps and low bridges; most day boats stay bay-side and trailer-launch.

In Englewood

Indian Mound Park Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp & paddlecraft launch

Port Charlotte

Port Charlotte's canal system connects to Charlotte Harbor, with county ramps at Port Charlotte Beach, El Jobean, Spring Lake and South Gulf Cove.

In Port Charlotte

El Jobean Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp & kayak launch

El Jobean Marina

Full-service marina

Gulf Coast Marine Center

Private marina with fuel dock

Nearby

Gilchrist Park Boat Access

Public boat access

Indian Mound Park Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp & paddlecraft launch

Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda boats Charlotte Harbor from the city marina and ramps and the Fishermen's Village dockage downtown.

In Punta Gorda

Gilchrist Park Boat Access

Public boat access

Laishley Park Municipal Marina

Public municipal marina, no fuel

Fishermen's Village Marina

Private commercial marina with fuel & guest dockage

Safe Harbor Burnt Store Marina

Private marina with fuel & dock-and-dine

Cass Cay Restaurant

Dock & dine restaurant

Nearby

Cape Coral

Cape Coral's canal system connects to the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf, with five improved city ramps plus marina villages at Cape Harbour and Tarpon Point.

In Cape Coral

Horton Park Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

Rosen Park Boat Ramp & Marina

Public boat ramp & city marina

BMX (Lake) Boat Ramp

Freshwater public boat ramp

Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park Boat Ramp

Closed · redevelopment pending

Safe Harbor Cape Harbour

Full-service marina

Tarpon Point Marina

Full-service marina with fuel & pump-out

Everest Marina

Full-service marina

Fathoms Restaurant & Bar

Dock & dine restaurant

Rumrunners

Dock & dine restaurant

Nearby

Davis Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

Punta Rassa Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

Gilchrist Park Boat Access

Public boat access

Fort Myers

Fort Myers boats the Caloosahatchee: Lee County ramps at Davis Blvd and Punta Rassa, a municipal basin closed since 2022 awaiting the Suntex rebuild, and Fort Myers Beach marinas clearly labeled to the west.

In Fort Myers

Davis Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

Punta Rassa Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

Fort Myers Yacht Basin

Closed · redevelopment planned

The Marina at Edison Ford

Public-slip marina & dock-and-dine

Gulf Harbour Marina

Full-service marina with fuel & transient slips

Nearby

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg boats Tampa Bay and Boca Ciega Bay from city ramps and a downtown municipal marina, with Gulf access through the passes at the barrier beaches; Gulfport is a separate city listed Nearby.

In St. Petersburg

Nearby

Gulfport Municipal Marina

Municipal marina (Gulfport)

Wellen Park

Wellen Park's Grand Lake is paddle-only (kayak and paddleboard rentals, no motorized ramp); the closest public ramps and marinas sit about 10 to 15 minutes west in Venice.

No dedicated boating facilities in this guide are verified for Wellen Park yet; the nearest options are listed below.

Boat Ramps

Public Boat Ramps

Verified public launch sites from Sarasota County south through Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, across Cape Coral and Fort Myers on the Caloosahatchee, and over Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg, with the street address shown on the page so you never have to leave it to find a ramp. Directions open in Google Maps.

Centennial Park

Public boat ramp

1059 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota FL 34236

Three double-lane ramps into Sarasota Bay with trailer parking, beside Bayfront Park downtown.

Ken Thompson Park

Public boat ramp

1700 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota FL 34236

Lido Key park with boat access near New Pass and Mote Marine.

Turtle Beach Park

Public boat ramp

8918 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota FL 34242

Siesta Key launch with motorized and non-motorized ramps.

Blackburn Point Park

Public boat ramp

800 & 421 Blackburn Point Rd, Osprey FL 34229

Little Sarasota Bay / Intracoastal access in Osprey. Kayak-friendly.

Nokomis Beach Public Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

100 Casey Key Rd, Nokomis FL 34275

Sarasota County ramp on Blackburn Bay at Nokomis Beach: motorized and non-motorized ramps plus a canoe and kayak launch, open 24 hours, courtesy docks and trailer parking.

Loreto Court Bay Access

Public boat ramp

800 Loreto Court, Nokomis FL 34275

Motorized ramp on the bay side of Nokomis.

Higel Marine Park

Public boat ramp

1330 Tarpon Center Dr, Venice FL 34285

City of Venice small-boat ramp on the Intracoastal, reopened after 2024 storm repairs.

Marina Park and Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

301 E Venice Ave, Venice FL 34285

Verified public concrete boat ramp on the east side of the Intracoastal Waterway next to the bridge, with restrooms, picnic shelters and benches, maintained by Sarasota County.

South Venice Community Boat Ramp

Restricted Access

4800 Lemon Bay Dr, Venice FL 34293

Restricted: community ramp run by the South Venice Beach Endowment Trust with access by smartphone app and smart locks, no overnight parking, membership required. Not an open public launch.

Snook Haven

Public boat ramp

4076 E Venice Ave, Venice FL 34292

Myakka River boat ramp and canoe/kayak launch at Snook Haven Park, Sarasota County.

Shamrock Park & Nature Center

Public boat ramp

3900 Shamrock Dr, Venice FL 34293

County water-access park; primarily a canoe and kayak launch on the Intracoastal.

Marina Park (North Port)

Public boat ramp

7030 Chancellor Blvd, North Port FL 34287

Double-lane ramp to the Myakka River via Myakkahatchee Creek.

Burnt Store (New Burnt Store) Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

230 Burnt Store Rd S, Cape Coral FL 33991

(239) 573-3128

City of Cape Coral improved ramp facility on 4.5 acres with boat-trailer parking: access to Matlacha Pass, the Caloosahatchee and the Gulf. One of the city’s five improved ramps, accessible 24/7 unless closed for safety or repairs.

Horton Park Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

2600 SE 26th Pl, Cape Coral FL

City of Cape Coral improved ramp on the Caloosahatchee with park amenities; accessible 24/7 unless closed for safety or repairs.

Rosen Park Boat Ramp & Marina

Public boat ramp & city marina

2414 SE 15th Terrace, Cape Coral FL

City of Cape Coral improved ramp and marina on the Caloosahatchee; accessible 24/7 unless closed for safety or repairs.

Crystal Lake Park Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

4307 NW 36th St, Cape Coral FL

City of Cape Coral improved ramp at the 2025-opened Crystal Lake Park with boat-trailer parking; one of the city’s five improved ramps, accessible 24/7 unless closed for safety or repairs.

BMX (Lake) Boat Ramp

Freshwater public boat ramp

1509 SW 7th Court, Cape Coral FL 33991

City of Cape Coral freshwater access ramp beside the Strausser BMX Sports Complex, launching into the Shelburne Canal; accessible 24/7 unless closed for safety or repairs.

Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park Boat Ramp

Closed · redevelopment pending

5815 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral FL

CLOSED: the city boat ramp and marina at Yacht Club Community Park remain closed while the multi-phase park redevelopment proceeds. The marine-phase construction contract was approved in November 2025 and work is underway, with no public reopening date yet.

Davis Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

2227 Davis Blvd, Fort Myers Shores FL 33905

Lee County single-lane community ramp on the Caloosahatchee River, open dawn to dusk: paid parking $5/day, no overnight mooring.

Punta Rassa Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

15001 Punta Rassa Rd, Fort Myers FL 33908

Lee County public ramp near San Carlos Bay with access to open Gulf waters. Storm-damaged by Hurricane Ian, the ramp reopened in 2026 with improvement work continuing and partial closures possible; check Lee County for current ramp status.

Demens Landing Park Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

Bayshore Dr & 2nd Ave S, St. Petersburg FL 33701

(727) 893-7441

Downtown St. Pete public ramp beside the marina basin, open 24 hours: free paved ramp with docks and limited trailer parking.

Grandview Park Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

6th St S & 39th Ave S, St. Petersburg FL 33705

(727) 893-7441

St. Pete public ramp with two concrete lanes into Tampa Bay, open 24 hours: free, paved and ADA accessible.

Maximo Park Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

34th St S & Pinellas Point Dr S, St. Petersburg FL 33711

(727) 893-7441

St. Pete public ramp into Boca Ciega Bay with several paved lanes, docks and ample parking; the park also has trails, a boardwalk and a beach.

Jungle Prada de Narvaez Park Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

8322 Elbow Ln N, St. Petersburg FL 33710

(727) 893-7441

St. Pete public ramp launching into Boca Ciega Bay, open 24 hours: free paved single-lane ramp with docks and about 60 parking spaces.

Ponce de Leon Park Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy, Punta Gorda FL 33950

City of Punta Gorda ramp with dedicated trailer parking: gateway to the Punta Gorda Isles canal system and Charlotte Harbor. Daytime use with park amenities.

Gilchrist Park Boat Access

Public boat access

1000 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda FL 33950

(941) 575-5050

Waterfront park on Charlotte Harbor with a fishing pier and boating access; the ramp status can change, so verify with the city before trailering in.

Directions

El Jobean Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp & kayak launch

4224 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte FL 33953

(941) 681-3742

Charlotte County public boat ramp and kayak launch into the Myakka River / Alligator Bay with a single launch lane, courtesy docks, a paved launch, parking and restrooms. Public access, no fuel on site. No transient policy is published, so none is claimed.

Port Charlotte Beach Park Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

4500 Harbor Blvd, Port Charlotte FL 33952

(941) 627-1628

Charlotte County public boat ramp with 2 launch lanes, a paved ramp, docks, parking and restrooms, handicap accessible; a launch fee applies. No fuel on site. No restaurant is documented as boat-accessible here.

Spring Lake Park Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

3520 Lake View Blvd, Port Charlotte FL 33948

(941) 627-1074

Charlotte County ramp on the park lake system, reopened in November 2024 after hurricane repairs; the park’s canoe and kayak launch remains closed. County pay-to-park applies.

Braden River Boat Ramp (State Route 64)

Nearby · Public ramp

Braden River Boat Ramp, 3020 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton FL 34208

NEARBY (Bradenton): Manatee County public ramp on the Braden River with a paved lane, trailer parking, a courtesy dock and a fish-cleaning table; quick runs into the Manatee River. No overnight parking per county ordinance.

Bayfront Park Boat Ramp (Longboat Key)

Nearby · Public ramp

Bayfront Park Addition, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key FL 34228

(941) 316-1999

NEARBY (Longboat Key, for northern Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch): Sarasota County ramp at Bayfront Park Addition with direct access to Sarasota Bay; open daily, park hours apply. Phone (941) 316-1999.

Lake Manatee State Park Boat Ramp

Nearby · Freshwater ramp

Lake Manatee State Park, 20007 State Road 64 E, Bradenton FL 34212

NEARBY (East Bradenton): freshwater double-lane ramp with floating docks on Lake Manatee and a 20-horsepower motor limit. State park entrance fee applies ($5 per vehicle for 2 to 8 people, $4 single occupant); open 8 AM to sundown.

63rd Street Memorial Park Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

63rd St and Marina Way, Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island FL 34217

Manatee County public boat ramp with a single launch lane and 9 trailer parking spaces.

Coquina South Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

Southern end of Anna Maria Island at Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach FL

Manatee County public boat ramp that reopened in November 2024 after hurricane repairs.

Ainger Creek Park Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

2011 Placida Rd, Englewood FL 34224

Free public ramp on Lemon Bay with roughly 24 vehicle-and-trailer spaces.

Indian Mound Park Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp & paddlecraft launch

Indian Mound Park, Englewood FL

Free public boat ramp and paddlecraft launch on Lemon Bay.

Manasota Beach Park Boat Ramp

Public boat ramp

Manasota Beach Park, Englewood FL

Free public ramp on Lemon Bay with 2 launch lanes and about 49 parking spaces.

Public Docks

Public Docks & Tie-Ups

Where to tie up to visit downtown: paid transient dockage and free day docks. Where a dock doubles as a kayak or paddle access point, that is noted.

Marina Jack Yacht Basin (transient dockage)

2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota FL 34236

Main downtown transient marina: slips to about 228 ft, in-slip pump-out, dinghy dock and ship store. Transient daily rates apply; book ahead.

Directions Details

Centennial Park Day Docks (The Bay)

10th St at Centennial Park boat basin, Sarasota FL

18 free public day slips on the south side of the Centennial Park boat basin so boaters can visit downtown. Free, time-limited (about 6 hours). Also a kayak and paddle tie-up point for Bayfront paddlers.

Directions Details

Bradenton Riverwalk Pier

Downtown Bradenton, Manatee River (between Green and DeSoto bridges)

Public day dock on the Manatee River: free day tie-up, typically 6 AM to 11 PM, steps from the Riverwalk.

Directions Details

Kayak & Paddle

Kayak & Paddle Launch Points

Verified launch points for kayaks and paddleboards across Sarasota County, each with name, description, address, directions, official information and known restrictions or fees where confirmed. Anything unconfirmed is marked, never guessed.

South Lido Park Mangrove Trail / Ted Sperling Nature Park

190 Taft Dr, Sarasota FL 34236 (park entrance 2201 Benjamin Franklin Dr)

The classic Lido Key mangrove tunnel paddle. Ted Sperling Nature Park holds the launch; tour outfitters operate from here.

Free public access; no launch fee confirmed

Bird Key Park (Lido Trail launch)

200 John Ringling Causeway, Sarasota FL 34236

Protected bay-side launch on the Lido Key paddling trail.

Free public access; no launch fee confirmed

Siesta Key Beach Access #1 (Lido Trail launch)

3940 N Shell Rd, Sarasota FL

Paddle launch near the north end of Siesta Key for the Lido Trail system.

Free public access; fees unconfirmed

Myakka River Outpost (Myakka River State Park)

13208 State Road 72, Sarasota FL 34241

Concessions inside Myakka River State Park renting canoes and kayaks, with ramps on Upper Myakka Lake and launches at picnic areas along the drive. Phone (941) 923-1120.

State park entrance fee applies; rentals and launch details confirm with the park

Shamrock Park & Nature Center

3900 Shamrock Dr, Venice FL 34293

County water-access park with a canoe and kayak launch on the Intracoastal.

Free public access; no launch fee confirmed

Snook Haven Park

4076 E Venice Ave, Venice FL 34292

Myakka River paddling access at the historic Snook Haven park.

Public park; fees unconfirmed

Overlook Park

101 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key FL 34228

Bay-side paddle launch on Longboat Key, on the county Blueways network.

Free public access; no launch fee confirmed

Blackburn Point Park

800 Blackburn Point Rd, Osprey FL 34229

Little Sarasota Bay launch shared with the motorized ramp; popular for mangrove tunnels to the south.

Free public access; no launch fee confirmed

Loreto Court Bay Access

800 Loreto Court, Nokomis FL 34275

Bay-side ramp and paddling access in Nokomis.

Free public access; no launch fee confirmed

Myakka State Forest

2555 S River Rd, Sarasota FL

Paddle trail launches along the Myakka River and Myakkahatchee Creek system.

Fees unconfirmed

Bay Point Park

490 Lyons Bay Rd, Nokomis FL 34275

Paddle access on Lyons Bay. Pedestrian access only, no trailer ramp.

Pedestrian access only

Marinas

Marinas

Verified municipal marinas, full-service marinas and day-boat dockage from Sarasota and Venice south to Punta Gorda, Cape Coral and Fort Myers, and across Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg. Private clubs are not listed here; see the Sailing Clubs block in the charters section.

Marina Jack Yacht Basin

Marina

2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota FL 34236

Full-service downtown marina: transient and annual slips, fuel dock, pump-out, ship store and restaurants. Vessels to about 228 ft.

Directions Website

Safe Harbor Siesta Key

Marina

1265 Old Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota FL 34242

Full-service marina with fuel dock (gas and diesel) on Little Sarasota Bay.

Directions Website

Hidden Harbor Marina

Marina

7700 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota FL 34231

South Sarasota marina with a fuel dock on the Intracoastal.

Fuel dock confirmed via Go Boating Florida; hours unconfirmed

Directions Website

Crow's Nest Marina & Restaurant

Full-service marina

1968 Tarpon Center Dr, Venice FL 34285

Venice marina on the Intracoastal (GIWW Mile Marker 58) with fuel (gas/diesel), slips and the waterfront restaurant.

Directions Website

Safe Harbor Cape Harbour

Full-service marina

5828 Cape Harbour Dr, Cape Coral FL

Full-service marina at the heart of the Cape Harbour dining and shopping village on the Caloosahatchee canal system: transient slips, fuel and event programming.

Directions Website

Tarpon Point Marina

Full-service marina with fuel & pump-out

Silver King Blvd, Cape Coral FL 33914

Full-service marina off the Intracoastal Waterway at ICW marker 92 in a protected deep-water basin with about 8 to 12 feet of depth, 261 total slips and vessels up to 75 feet. Fuel dock with gas and diesel, pump-out available. Waterside dining at the Marina Village: Gather, Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro and Next Door at Tarpon Point; call the marina ahead for dining dockage availability.

Directions Website

Everest Marina

Full-service marina

1838 Everest Pkwy, Cape Coral FL

Full-service marina with slips and dry storage near the Horton Park ramp on the Caloosahatchee.

Directions Website

Fort Myers Yacht Basin

Closed · redevelopment planned

1300 Lee St, Fort Myers FL

CLOSED: the city-run 241-slip municipal marina in the downtown River District on the Caloosahatchee between the Caloosahatchee and Edison bridges has been closed since Hurricane Ian (2022) and is not yet rebuilt. The planned Suntex Marinas redevelopment is still in permitting (extended to 2027), so no slips are currently available; subject to change.

Directions

The Marina at Edison Ford

Public-slip marina & dock-and-dine

2360 W First St, Fort Myers FL 33901

(239) 245-7049

Public-slip marina on the Caloosahatchee at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates with 45 public slips, upgraded composite docks, pump-out services, 30/50 amp electric, showers and restrooms, free WiFi and ample parking. No fuel dock is verified, so none is claimed. On-site waterfront restaurant Pinchers (Pinchers Crab Shack) is on the marina property, so boaters tie up at the public slips and walk to the restaurant, a verified dock-and-dine with public slips.

Directions Website

Gulf Harbour Marina

Full-service marina with fuel & transient slips

14490 Vista River Dr, Fort Myers FL 33908

(239) 437-0881

Private full-service deep-water marina on the Caloosahatchee at ICW marker 73 with 186 slips accommodating vessels up to 97 feet, floating concrete docks, a full-service fuel dock with gasoline and diesel (Rec 90 / ValvTect diesel), transient slips available (reserve ahead; 11 transient slips per directory listing), pump-out at the slips, 30/50 amp power, potable water, air-conditioned bathhouses and laundry. Pump-out is available; call ahead to confirm transient availability. No restaurant boat access is documented at this marina, so none is claimed.

Directions

Salty Sam's Marina

Marina (Fort Myers Beach)

2500 Main St, Fort Myers Beach FL 33931

FORT MYERS BEACH, not local to Fort Myers city: bay-side marina on Estero Island about 25 minutes from downtown Fort Myers. Verify hours and services with the marina before you go.

Directions Website

Fish-Tale Marina

Marina (Fort Myers Beach)

7225 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach FL 33931

FORT MYERS BEACH, not local to Fort Myers city: marina on Estero Island about 25 minutes from downtown Fort Myers. Verify hours and services with the marina before you go.

Directions Website

St. Petersburg Municipal Marina

Municipal marina

500 1st Ave SE, St. Petersburg FL 33701

(727) 893-7329

City marina on the downtown waterfront beside the St. Pete Pier: transient dockage, pump-out and amenities. Open and operating while a full redevelopment is planned, with construction anticipated to begin 2028 and completion around 2031; transient arrivals check in with the marina ship store, and availability is subject to change.

Directions Website

Maximo Marina

Full-service marina

4801 37th St S, St. Petersburg FL 33711

(727) 867-1102

Full-service marina on Boca Ciega Bay with covered and uncovered wet slips, high-and-dry rack storage, a repair department and a fuel dock (fuel hours about 8 AM to 4:30 PM). Phone (727) 867-1102.

Directions Website

Harborage Marina at Bayboro

Full-service marina

1110 3rd St S, St. Petersburg FL 33701

(727) 821-6347

Deepwater full-service marina on sheltered Bayboro Harbor near downtown with Gulf access, a fuel dock, high-and-dry storage and transient slips. Phone (727) 821-6347.

Directions Website

Gulfport Municipal Marina

Municipal marina (Gulfport)

4630 29th Ave S, Gulfport FL

(727) 893-1071

GULFPORT, a separate city from St. Petersburg: municipal marina open and operating with fuel and a ship store; the South Basin is being rebuilt after 2024 storm damage while the marina stays in operation. Phone (727) 893-1071.

Directions Website

Laishley Park Municipal Marina

Public municipal marina, no fuel

120 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda FL 33950

(941) 575-0142

City of Punta Gorda operated public municipal marina on Charlotte Harbor and the Peace River, with transient dockage, a fishing pier, bait shop, public boat launch, day room and boater showers. No fuel at this marina (public facility, no fuel dock). Dock-and-dine at the adjacent Laishley Crab House, 150 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda FL 33950, which sits along Laishley Marina and Charlotte Harbor.

Directions Website

Fishermen's Village Marina

Private commercial marina with fuel & guest dockage

1200 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda FL 33950

(941) 575-3000

Private commercial marina on Charlotte Harbor with about 97 slips and transient day dockage, bookable via Dockwa (call ahead to confirm availability). Fuel dock with ethanol-free gas and diesel, open roughly 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (call ahead to confirm). A private commercial marina with a fuel dock and guest dockage, within walking distance of its own waterfront dining: Harpoon Harry’s and Village Brewhouse at Fishermen’s Village.

Directions Website

Safe Harbor Burnt Store Marina

Private marina with fuel & dock-and-dine

3192 Matecumbe Key Rd, Punta Gorda FL 33955

Private, service-rich marina on the east shore of Charlotte Harbor, roughly midway between Punta Gorda and the harbor entrance at Boca Grande, inside a gated residential community. Verified features: reservable transient slips, gasoline and diesel fuel, pump-out, shore power, fresh water hookups, floating and fixed wooden slips, and a ship’s store. Waterfront restaurant at the marina: Cass Cay Restaurant, open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering deck seating, bar, sports bar and live music. Boaters tie up at the transient slips and walk to Cass Cay, a verified fuel dock plus dock-and-dine facility. It is a private marina; transient slips are reservable ahead. No phone is verified, so none is listed.

Directions

El Jobean Marina

Full-service marina

4170 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte FL

Full-service marina on the Myakka River at El Jobean with dry storage, service and repair.

Directions Website

Gulf Coast Marine Center

Private marina with fuel dock

4240 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte FL 33953

Private marina on the Myakka River offering a fuel dock, listed in Charlotte Harbor boating fuel guides as a fuel source on the water. It is the verified fuel marina for the Port Charlotte side. No restaurant dockage and no transient policy are verified, and no phone is verified, so none is claimed.

Directions

Fuel

Fuel Locations

Verified gas and diesel docks from Sarasota and Venice south to Punta Gorda and Cape Coral. Fuel availability is stated only where confirmed; hours we could not verify are marked unconfirmed.

Marina Jack Yacht Basin Fuel Dock

Gas / Diesel

2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota FL 34236

Available: Gasoline (ValvTect 90-octane) and diesel

Hours: 24 hours with credit card; staffed about 8 AM-5 PM

Directions Website

Safe Harbor Siesta Key Fuel Dock

Gas / Diesel

1265 Old Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota FL 34242

Available: Gasoline and diesel

Hours: Hours unconfirmed

Directions Website

Hidden Harbor Marina Fuel Dock

Gas / Diesel

7700 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota FL 34231

Available: Gas fuel dock (per Go Boating Florida)

Hours: Hours unconfirmed

Directions Website

Crow's Nest Marina Fuel Dock

Gas / Diesel

1968 Tarpon Center Dr, Venice FL 34285

Available: Gas and diesel

Hours: Hours unconfirmed

Directions Website

Fishermen's Village Marina Fuel Dock

Gas / Diesel

1200 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda FL 33950

Available: Ethanol-free gas and diesel

Hours: Roughly 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; call ahead to confirm

Directions Website

Tarpon Point Marina Fuel Dock

Gas / Diesel

6179 Black Marlin Ln, Cape Coral FL 33914

Available: Gas and diesel

Hours: Hours unconfirmed

Directions Website

Gulf Harbour Marina Fuel Dock

Gas / Diesel

14490 Vista River Dr, Fort Myers FL 33908

Available: Gasoline and diesel (Rec 90 / ValvTect diesel)

Hours: Hours unconfirmed

Directions

Gulf Coast Marine Center Fuel Dock

Gas / Diesel

4240 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte FL 33953

Available: Verified fuel dock (per Charlotte Harbor boating fuel guides)

Hours: Hours unconfirmed

Directions

Safe Harbor Burnt Store Marina Fuel Dock

Gas / Diesel

3192 Matecumbe Key Rd, Punta Gorda FL 33955

Available: Gasoline and diesel

Hours: Hours unconfirmed

Directions

Dine by Boat

Dine by Boat

Waterfront restaurants, bars and tiki spots reachable by water, with address, website, directions and dock or tie-up information where verified. Dock capacity is never invented; where we could not confirm it, that is stated.

For the full boat-up dining reference, with dockage notes and call-ahead advice, see the dedicated Dine by Boat guide.

Marina Jack

2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota FL 34236

Dockside dining room and lounges over Sarasota Bay, with transient slips right at the marina.

Transient slips available; book ahead

Directions Website

O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill

5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota FL 34236

Bayfront tiki deck over Sarasota Bay with live music nightly.

Dock access near Island Park; capacity unconfirmed

Directions Website

Casey Key Fish House & Tiki Bar

801 Blackburn Point Rd, Osprey FL 34229

Waterfront fish house on the Intracoastal beside the historic Blackburn Point Swing Bridge.

Dock access available; capacity unconfirmed

Directions Website

Crow's Nest Restaurant, Tavern & Marina

1968 Tarpon Center Dr, Venice FL 34285

Waterfront landmark at the Venice Inlet jetty since 1976, with marina slips at the restaurant.

Marina slips at the restaurant; capacity unconfirmed

Directions Website

Dockside Waterfront Grill

509 N Tamiami Trail, Venice FL 34285

Casual waterfront grill at Fisherman's Wharf Marina (Marker 4) near the Intracoastal.

Marina dock access; capacity unconfirmed

Directions Website

Nokomo's Sunset Hut

690 S Tamiami Trail, Nokomis FL 34275

Directly on Dona Bay, reachable by car and boat with its own dock.

Own dock on Dona Bay; capacity unconfirmed

Directions Website

The Old Salty Dog

1601 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota FL 34236

Casual pub fare on City Island with waterfront views of the bay.

Boat parking/dock access: unconfirmed, confirm before arriving by boat

Directions Website

Harpoon Harry's

1200 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda FL 33950

Open-air, boat-casual seafood restaurant at the end of Fishermen’s Village on Charlotte Harbor. Phone and hours unverified.

Dock-and-dine at Fishermen’s Village Marina; transient day dockage bookable via Dockwa, call ahead

Directions Website

Village Brewhouse

1200 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda FL 33950

At Fishermen’s Village, right on the water with live music. Phone and hours unverified.

Dock-and-dine at Fishermen’s Village Marina; call ahead

Directions

Laishley Crab House

150 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda FL 33950

Waterside restaurant along Laishley Marina and Charlotte Harbor, at the public municipal marina. Phone unverified.

Public transient dockage at Laishley Park Municipal Marina; no fuel at this marina

Directions Website

Gather

5971 Silver King Blvd, Suite 116, Cape Coral FL 33914

Waterside breakfast, lunch and dinner at Tarpon Point Marina. Phone (239) 673-9939.

Boaters tie up at Tarpon Point Marina; call the marina ahead for dining dockage availability

Directions

Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro

5951 Silver King Blvd, Cape Coral FL 33914

Waterside American and seafood inside The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village. Phone (239) 541-5942.

Boaters tie up at Tarpon Point Marina; call the marina ahead for dining dockage availability

Directions Website

Next Door at Tarpon Point

Tarpon Point Marina, Cape Coral FL

Waterside breakfast, lunch and dinner at Tarpon Point. Phone unverified.

Boaters tie up at Tarpon Point Marina; call the marina ahead for dining dockage availability

Directions

Fathoms Restaurant & Bar

5785 Cape Harbour Dr, Suite 106, Cape Coral FL 33914

At Cape Harbour Marina. Dockage is offered for boaters and is complimentary while dining, first come, first served. Phone (239) 542-0123; for dockage availability and reservations, contact the Safe Harbour Marina Master at (239) 945-4330.

Complimentary while dining, first come, first served; contact the Safe Harbour Marina Master

Directions Website

Rumrunners

Cape Harbour Marina, Cape Coral FL

Upscale seafood and steak with waterside seating at Cape Harbour. Street address and phone unverified; for dockage, contact the Safe Harbour Marina Master at (239) 945-4330.

Contact the Safe Harbour Marina Master at (239) 945-4330

Directions Website

Three Fishermen Seafood Restaurant

13021 North Cleveland Avenue, North Fort Myers FL 33903

Waterfront seafood restaurant on the Caloosahatchee just north of the downtown Fort Myers bridge. The restaurant’s own website states waterfront dining with free dockage, so this is a verified dock-and-dine with free guest dockage while dining, and the clearest verified North Fort Myers boat-up restaurant.

Free guest dockage while dining, per the restaurant’s own website

Directions Website

Pinchers Crab Shack (The Marina at Edison Ford)

2360 W First St, Fort Myers FL 33901

Waterfront restaurant on the marina property at The Marina at Edison Ford on the Caloosahatchee. Boaters tie up at the public slips and walk to the restaurant. No fuel dock is verified at this marina.

Public slips at The Marina at Edison Ford; verified dock-and-dine with public slips

Directions Website

Cass Cay Restaurant

3192 Matecumbe Key Rd, Punta Gorda FL 33955

Waterfront restaurant at Safe Harbor Burnt Store Marina on the east shore of Charlotte Harbor, roughly midway between Punta Gorda and the harbor entrance at Boca Grande. Open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with deck seating, bar, sports bar and live music. Boaters tie up at the marina’s reservable transient slips and walk to Cass Cay. Verified fuel dock plus dock-and-dine at a private marina.

Transient slips reservable ahead at Safe Harbor Burnt Store Marina; no phone verified

Directions

Tides

Tides Change Daily. Check Live Data.

Tide times, heights and currents vary by day, season and weather. This page does not show tide times that go stale; click through to NOAA for real-time predictions.

Tides Change Daily

Click any link below for real-time NOAA tide predictions. The reference information on this page (pass identities, cautions and fishing patterns) is stable year to year; depths, channels and bars change with tides, storms, dredging and shoaling, so confirm them against current NOAA charts and live data before you go.

Full Inlet & Tide Dashboard

Pass-by-pass navigation notes, live NOAA tide tables, 7-day tide predictions, moon phase effects and the complete Go / No-Go boating checklist. Click anywhere on this card to open it.

Open Full Dashboard

Rentals

Boat & Paddle Rentals

Verified rental and tour operators for kayaks, paddleboards and guided boat trips. Powerboat rental operators in the Sarasota area are not yet verified, so only confirmed businesses appear here.

Clear Kayak Tours (Get Up and Go Kayaking)

Lido Key, Sarasota

Guided clear kayak tours through mangroves with glass-bottom views.

Website Directions

Siesta Key Watersports

Siesta Key

Kayak and paddleboard rentals plus guided paddles.

Website Directions

Happy Paddler Tours

Venice & Lido Key

Eco-tours through mangroves and seagrass beds; glass-bottom clear kayaks.

Website Directions

Ride and Paddle

South Venice

Kayak rentals and guided paddling tours with equipment and instruction.

Website Directions

Fun Boat Tours

Siesta Key Marina

Private boat tours and eco-tours from Siesta Key Marina.

Fishing

Fishing

The full fishing resource: licenses, seasons, slot and bag limits, species library, piers, charters, tides and ramps.

Open Fishing Guide
Tony Saprito Pier

550-foot pier into Sarasota Bay at Causeway Park; no individual license needed to fish from a pier.

Directions
New Pass Fishing Piers

Lido Key piers behind Mote Marine; snook and tarpon in season.

Directions
Sarasota Bay Flats

Trout and redfish on the sheltered flats.

Directions
Venice Inlet & reefs

Snook, tarpon, grouper and snapper runs near the inlet and the Venice artificial reefs.

Directions

Charters

Fishing Charters, Boat Tours & Sunset Cruises

Verified operators only, each with its official website, phone where confirmed, and service area. Book directly with each operator.

Fishing Charters

Sarasota Offshore Fishing Charters

Sarasota (Charter Boat Row)

Offshore grouper, snapper and mahi trips; half-day and full-day.

Outriggers Sport Fishing

Sarasota

Family-friendly inshore and offshore trips for all experience levels.

Bad Habit Offshore Charters

Venice

Venice-based offshore charters to the famous Venice artificial reefs.

Website

Venice Reef Charters

Venice

Offshore fishing expeditions to the Venice reefs and Gulf waters.

Website

Angling with Adria Charters

Venice

Venice-based inshore and offshore trips.

Website

Boat Tours

Fun Boat Tours

Siesta Key Marina

Eco-tours, dolphin runs and island hops from Siesta Key Marina.

Pineapple Boat Tours

Sarasota Bay

Private and group tours exploring Sarasota Bay, mangrove islands and wildlife.

Website

Sarasota Bay Explorers

Mote Marine, Sarasota

Marine-science guided boat tours of Sarasota Bay with Mote Marine.

Website

Low Tide Tours Tiki Boat

Sarasota Bay

Floating tiki bar tours with drinks and music.

Website

Sunset Cruises

LeBarge Tropical Cruises

2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota

Classic sunset sailing cruises on Sarasota Bay with live narration (daily 5:30 PM & 7:30 PM).

Key Sailing Sarasota

Siesta Key

Private sailing and sunset sails on a 30-foot sailboat.

Website

Sailing Clubs & Organizations

Sarasota Sailing Squadron

1717 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota

Sarasota Yacht Club

1100 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota

Florida Sailing & Powerboat School

2001 Whitfield Park Ave, Sarasota

Dreaming of Waterfront Living?

Find Your Slip

Many Gulf Coast homes come with boat docks or community marina access. Let Michael help you find a waterfront property that matches your boating lifestyle.

Waterway News

Boating conditions, fishing reports and waterfront dining updates delivered weekly.