Key West - Port Area

The Key West Port Area boat ramp, located at the 11th Street Boat Ramp in downtown Key West, provides convenient access to the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding waters. This City of Key West facility features a double-lane launch, courtesy docks, and trailer parking for approximately 10 vehicles, making it suitable for kayakers, canoeists, and larger motorboats. The ramp's location near Garrison Bight puts you in prime position to explore the mangrove-lined waters and shallow flats characteristic of the lower Florida Keys.

From this access point, paddlers have excellent opportunities to explore nearby waters and visit the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area established in 1938 that provides habitat for great white herons, migratory birds, and other wildlife. The port area also serves as home to Charterboat Row, a working fishing harbor. Paddlers should be aware this is an active commercial and recreational boating area with vessel traffic, so exercise appropriate caution when launching and paddling. The Atlantic Ocean waters here are typically shallow with sandy and muddy bottoms, offering good visibility for exploring the unique ecosystem of the Keys.