(ALSO SEE BOATING; BOAT SALES; BOAT RENTALS)
Getting out on the water in Sarasota County
It's no secret that the sparkling waters around Sarasota County offer superb boating and watersports. Sprinkled with boat ramps from Longboat Key to North Port, it's alway a great adventure exploring new waters and boater-friendly dining spots. On the northern part of the county, Centennial Park and Ken Thompson Park boat ramps provide scenic views of downtown Sarasota and quick access to South Lido Beach Park and Siesta Key Beach. Heading south to Venice and Englewood, both Marina Park and Indian Mound Park ramps put you right out into some very interesting waters around South Jetty Park, Venice Beach and Caspersen Beach Park. So many places offering diverse thrills!
Centennial Park
1059 N. Tamiami Trl.
Sarasota FL 34236
Phone: 941-861-7275
http://www.scgov.net/ParksandRecreation/BoatLaunches/boatlaunches.asp
This park is part of a community park complex including the Lawn Bowling facility and Bayfront John Chidsey Community Center. There are three double-lane boat ramps with a roundabout lane for trailer turnaround.
This 10-acre park features the following park amenities:
boat ramp
boating destination
canoeing/kayaking
dogs allowed on leash
fishing
restrooms
scenic vista
Dallas White Park
5900 Greenwood Ave.
North Port FL 34287
Phone: 941-861-7275
http://www.scgov.net/ParksandRecreation/BoatLaunches/boatlaunches.asp
Dallas White Park is a 13-acre park owned by the City of North Port. This community park is located between the Al Goll Recreation Center, North Port Aquatic Complex and the Youth Recreation Center. The boat ramp consists of one double cement ramp with two docks. Sarasota County Parks and Recreation maintains the following park features:
boat ramp
playground
softball field
lighted tennis courts
lighted volleyball courts
Higel Park
1330 Tarpon Center Dr.
Venice FL 34285
http://www.scgov.net/ParksandRecreation/BoatLaunches/boatlaunches.asp
Higel Park is primarily used for boat access. The boat ramp consists of one double ramp with docks. There is a scenic picnic area overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. This 3-acre park is owned by the City of Venice and operated by Sarasota County Parks and Recreation. It features the following park amenities:
boat ramp
boating destination
canoeing/kayaking
fishing
picnicking
restrooms
scenic vista
Indian Mound Park
210 Winson Ave.
Englewood FL 34223
http://www.scgov.net/ParksandRecreation/BoatLaunches/boatlaunches.asp
Indian Mound Park has significant historical value. There are a number of Native American Indian mounds on the site that add cultural value to the recreation highlights. Boat access is by an asphalt boat ramp with three docks. This 10-acre park features the following park amenities:
bay access
birding
boat ramp
boating destination
canoeing/kayaking
fishing
picnic shelter - reservable
picnicking
rest rooms
scenic vista
trails
Ken Thompson Park/City Island
1700 Ken Thompson Parkway
Lido Key FL 34236
http://www.scgov.net/ParksandRecreation/BoatLaunches/boatlaunches.asp
Ken Thompson Park is a waterfront park providing many recreational opportunities including boardwalks through mangrove and tidal marsh restoration areas. Boat access is by a concrete boat ramp with six lanes and four docks. This 92-acre park is owned by the City of Sarasota and operated by Sarasota County Parks and Recreation. It features the following park amenities:
bait shop
birding
boat ramp
boating destination
canoeing/kayaking
dogs allowed on leash
fishing pier
picnicking
playground
rest rooms
trails
Manasota Beach Park
8570 Manasota Key Road
Manasota Key FL 34223
http://www.scgov.net/ParksandRecreation/BoatLaunches/boatlaunches.asp
Manasota Beach provides beach and boat access. The park has a cement boat ramp, a boardwalk and a dock. This 21-acre park features the following park amenities:
bay access
beach access
birding
boat ramp
boating destination
canoeing/kayaking
fishing
picnic shelter – reservable
picnicking
rest rooms
scenic vista
swimming
trails
volleyball
Marina Boat Ramp Park
301 E. Venice Ave.
Venice FL 34285
http://www.scgov.net/ParksandRecreation/BoatLaunches/boatlaunches.asp
Marina Park and Boat Ramp Park provides access to the Intracoastal Waterway. The park is owned by the West Coast Inland Navigational District. The old train station, adjacent to the park has been restored. This 7-acre park features the following park amenities:
boat ramp
boating destination
canoeing/kayaking
fishing
picnicking
rest rooms
scenic vista
Nokomis Beach Park
901 Casey Key Road
Casey Key FL 34275
http://www.scgov.net/ParksandRecreation/BoatLaunches/boatlaunches.asp
This 24-acre park features the following park amenities:
bay access
beach access
birding
boat ramp
boating destination
canoeing/kayaking
concessions
fishing
picnicking
picnic shelter – reservable
playground
rest rooms
scenic vista
swimming
Turtle Beach Park
8918 Midnight Pass Road
Siesta Key FL 34242
http://www.scgov.net/ParksandRecreation/BoatLaunches/boatlaunches.asp
Turtle Beach is located on the south end of Siesta Key. This park is known as a more natural beach with a history of being a prime location to witness sea turtles nesting. There are two separate concrete double-lane boat ramps with docks. This 17-acre park features the following park amenities:
bay access
beach access
birding
boat ramp
boating destination
camping
canoeing/kayaking
fishing
horseshoes
picnic shelter – reservable
picnicking
playground
rest rooms
scenic vista
swimming
volleyball
Vamo Primitive Ramp
700 Vamo Dr
Sarasota FL
Phone: 941-861-7275