Local Boat Launches
Ready for a FUN time on the water?! In this article I share a few favorite local boat ramps, and marinas that offer slips for longer stays or daily rates for weekend adventures!
Boca Grande/ Placida
6301 Boca Grande Causeway, Rotonda West, FL 33947
Driving by this location at the foot of the Boca Grande toll booth, it doesn't look like much. If you aren't careful you will drive right by it. Its a ONE stop shop! Launch your vessel for the day or park and take the water taxi over to Little Gasparilla. Forget snacks?! No problem, they have a small store filled with everything you might need for a day on the water or the beach. Fast access to BLUE water and the Gulf of Mexico! Parking is $6 for a car or $8 if you are launching a vessel. They also have a greenhouse FILLED with gorgeous Orchids for about $25 a piece. Restroom available at this location.
6499 Gasparilla Rd, Placida, FL 33946
Placida park has boat and kayak launches and is open to the public 24/7 and is operated by a pay per hour station in the parking lot. It accepts cash or credit. You can also obtain a yearly pass for this park though the county for around $50, last I checked. This pass is good at nearly ALL local parks and boat launches in Charlotte county, if you are a frequent user it could save you a substantial amount. This park also gives you FAST access to Englewood and Stump Pass as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Gasparilla Sound. There are also restrooms at this location.
Port Charlotte & Punta Gorda
4500 Harbor Blvd, Port Charlotee FL
This park has a little of everything. Including a boat & kayak launch, fishing pier , tennis courts and a number of other amenities. Great for families with kids as there are a number of beautiful parks and a beach area to relax. It is a pay by the hour to park facility so make sure to stop at a pay station on your way in. This location gives you fast access to Charlotte harbor and the peace river. Restroom available at this location.
4224 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte FL
No thrills, pay to park by the hour and launch your boat or kayak. Quick access to the Myakka River and Charlotte Harbor. Restrooms available at this location
3520 Lakeview Blvd, Port Charlotte FL
Offering a boat and kayak launch, picnic tables and fishing pier. This park is conveniently located off Edgewater drive in Port Charlotte. It is a pay to park by hour facility if you do not obtain the county's yearly pass. This ramp is less busy than others and is perfect for exploring local canals or spending the day on the harbor. There are Restrooms available at this location.
120 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Located at the base of the 41 bridge in downtown Punta Gorda. Parking is FREE as is the use of the boat ramp. Need some gear or bait? They have a wonderful tackle shop a few feet away from the boat launch, Downtown Bait and Tackle. Fast access to the peace river, and Fishermans village in this location! Interested in an overnight slip? The marina on site offers per foot rates for those weekend trips.
3192 Matecumbe Key Rd Punta Gorda, Florida 33955
Burnt Store Marina is every boaterās dream. Located on Charlotte Harbor, ranked one of the top ten places to sail by Sail magazine, the exit the channel and you are just 10 miles to the Gulf of Mexico and Boca Grande Pass. Launching daily? Boaters enter though the gated community.
Boat launch ONLY membership does require a yearly fee. Other membership options are available as well. Contact the office for pricing and more information. At their boat launch they offer a filet table and water available to rinse down your boat and motor after your trip. They offer dry, wet and rack storage at this location. Fuel and bait also available daily. Watch out for manatees here, its one of their favorite places to relax!
Hungry after a long day on the water? Stop by Case Cay, open to the public and specializing in Steak and Seafood, at Cass Cay Restaurant & Grill youāll be treated to an extraordinary waterfront dining experience. Open at 11 AM daily.
Click on any marina names to be directed to their website for further information