St. Augustine offers a variety of boat ramps and kayak launches for those looking to explore its beautiful waterways. Whether you’re looking for a convenient spot to launch your boat or a quiet place to drop in your kayak, this guide covers some of the top options in and around the area.
1. Vilano Boat Ramp
The Vilano Boat Ramp is the closest public ramp to the St. Augustine Inlet, making it the top choice for boaters who want quick access to the ocean. This ramp can get extremely busy on holidays and on days when the seas are calm, attracting both locals and visitors alike. Parking here is limited, and on especially crowded days, vehicles often spill out onto the roadside, making it challenging to find a spot. Despite the crowds, Vilano is the most popular ramp in St. Augustine.
- Pros: Closest ramp to the inlet; convenient for ocean access.
- Cons: Limited parking; gets very busy on holidays and weekends.
- Best for: Powerboats and fishing boats, with easy access to the St. Augustine Inlet.
Amenities:
- Bait and Tackle shop, selling live shrimp (though it runs out fast).
- Restrooms by the bait shop.
- Small pavilion for boat watching.
Tips:
- When heading out to the ICW, hug the rocks on the left as it can get shallow quickly on the right.
- At low tide, the depth can drop to under 3 feet.
- If it’s your first time using this ramp, follow another boat out to learn the shallow areas.
2. Lighthouse Boat Ramp
The Lighthouse Boat Ramp is located near St. Augustine Lighthouse and offers access to the Intracoastal Waterway. While the location is scenic, parking can be a hassle due to limited space. Additionally, navigating your boat trailer through the narrow streets of St. Augustine’s historic district can be a challenge, especially on busy days. This ramp is better suited for kayaks and paddleboards, with easy access to Salt Run, a popular kayaking and paddleboarding spot.
- Pros: Scenic location near the lighthouse; direct access to Salt Run and the Intracoastal Waterway.
- Cons: Limited parking; tricky to navigate boat trailers through the historic district.
- Best for: Kayaks and paddleboards, especially those looking to explore Salt Run.
Amenities:
- Restrooms.
- Shaded picnic areas.
- Water fountains.
Tips:
- A great spot for launching kayaks and paddleboards to explore Salt Run and its beautiful views of the lighthouse.
3. Six Mile Landing
If you’re a kayaker, Six Mile Landing is an excellent option. This launch provides easy access to the Guana River, part of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. The area is known for its excellent fishing. It’s a popular spot for kayakers looking to explore the quiet and beautiful Guana River, away from the busier boat traffic in St. Augustine.
- Pros: Great for kayakers; access to a quiet, natural area with lots of wildlife. Really great fishing here.
- Cons: Not suitable for larger boats; primarily for kayaks.
- Best for: Kayakers looking for quick access to Guana River.
Amenities:
- None, so bring your own supplies.
Tips:
- One of the best spots for kayak fishing in the area, especially for redfish and seatrout.
4. Mayport Boat Ramp
Located in Jacksonville, the Mayport Boat Ramp is a bit farther away but is the largest ramp in the region. It provides access to the St. Johns River and, eventually, the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re willing to take the drive, it’s a great spot with ample parking, wide ramps, and plenty of space to accommodate larger vessels. It’s a solid option for those who want a less crowded alternative to the Vilano ramp for offshore fishing.
- Pros: Large ramp; plenty of parking; good for larger boats.
- Cons: Farther from St. Augustine; about a 45-minute drive.
- Best for: Boaters willing to drive farther for a large, uncrowded ramp. Access to both St. Johns River and Atlantic.
Amenities:
- Restrooms.
- Ample parking.
Tips:
- This ramp can get a little tricky from currents, they tend to run strong here.
5. Freedom Boat Club
If you’re tired of the hassle that comes with using public boat ramps and pulling trailers, then a boat club might be the solution for you. With Freedom Boat Club, you don’t have to worry about launching, trailering, or maintaining a boat. You simply show up, use a fully equipped boat, and return it at the end of the day. Membership to the club allows you to reserve boats in advance and eliminates all the typical frustrations associated with owning and launching a boat. It’s perfect for boaters who want to enjoy the water without all the hassle.
- Pros: No need to own or trailer a boat; eliminates ramp hassles; access to a fleet of boats.
- Cons: Requires membership, monthly fees, and a big initial fee.
- Best for: People who want to boat frequently without the responsibility of ownership.
Amenities:
- A wide variety of boats available for members.
- Many different locations to go out from.
- They do all the maintenance, fueling, and cleaning.
Tips:
- Plan your trips in advance, especially on busy weekends or holidays, to ensure availability.
- Before committing to a boat club membership, it’s a good idea to talk with current members at the specific location you’re looking to join. Ask about their experience, including the pros and cons of membership. They can give you insight into the availability of boats, how easy it is to reserve a boat during busy times, and the overall experience at that marina.
- The location of the club plays a huge factor in the types of boats available and the marina options. Some locations may have a larger selection of boats or better marina amenities, while others may be more limited. Make sure the club location fits your boating style and needs. Northeast Florida has a excellent selection of marinas and boats.
Other Options to Explore
If you’re looking for more low-key options for boat and kayak launches, there are plenty of smaller, lesser-known spots around St. Augustine worth exploring. Here are a few more options:
- Inn at Camachee Harbor: Skip the boat ramps by staying on the water and renting a slip at this fantastic marina.
- Palmetto Road Boat Ramp: A small, quiet ramp near Fort Matanzas with very limited parking, ideal for those looking to avoid the crowds.
Conclusion
Whether you’re boating or kayaking, St. Augustine offers a variety of ramps and marina options that suit both locals and visitors. From the busy Vilano Boat Ramp with direct access to the inlet to the peaceful Six Mile Landing for kayakers, there’s a launch spot for everyone. If you’re visiting from out of town, Conch House Marina and Inn at Camachee Harbor provide dockage and amenities to make your trip easier, while Freedom Boat Club eliminates the need for ramps altogether.