Cockroach Bay Public Boat Ramp

Located at the western end of Cockroach Bay Road (4 miles north of the Manatee County line), this ramp provides convenient access to Tampa Bay and the surrounding Hillsborough Bay system. Parking is available along Cockroach Bay Road and at 3839 Gulf City Road. The ramp offers easy launch access to multiple bays, making it a popular departure point for both motorboats and paddlers exploring the coastal waters.

Kayakers and canoeists can access the marked **Horseshoe Crab and Snook Canoe Trails** directly from this launch point, featuring scenic paddles through mangrove tunnels and protected shallow-water areas. The calm, protected waters make this an excellent spot for beginners and recreational paddlers. The site's proximity to the Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge and De Soto National Memorial adds cultural and natural history value to any paddling trip in the area.