North Marathon Shores Public Boat Ramp (Dodge Lake)

Located at 800 35th Street in Marathon, this public boat ramp provides convenient access to Florida Bay and nearby Atlantic waters. The facility features a 40-foot-wide single-lane ramp with a courtesy dock and parking for approximately 10 boat trailers. The ramp was renovated in 2009 with newly paved surfaces, making it suitable for larger vessels as well as kayaks and canoes. The location sits at the end of 35rd Street on the Gulf side of Marathon.

The ramp's convenient proximity to Vaca Cut makes it an excellent launch point for paddlers and boaters seeking access to both Gulf-side and Atlantic-side fishing grounds. The shallow, sheltered waters of Florida Bay are ideal for kayaking and canoeing, while the nearby cuts provide passage to deeper waters. Paddlers should be aware of tidal conditions typical of Florida Keys waters, and plan accordingly for the shallow bay environment.