Pros & cons
PROS
- 24-hour public ramp on Blackwater Sound
- Paved two-lane ramp with docks and restrooms
CONS
- Cash only for all fees
- Parking fills on weekends and holidays with higher rates
- No fuel, bait, or ship store on site
Overview
Tucked behind the storied Caribbean Club, this straightforward boat ramp puts you right onto Blackwater Sound. It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable: open 24/7, paved, two lanes, with docks and restrooms. If you’re launching to chase calm bay water or just want an easy access point near Key Largo, this is one of the more practical spots along the highway.
Ramp & Facilities
Expect a single paved ramp split into two lanes, plus docks for staging. There’s vehicle and trailer parking on a first-come, first-served basis, and restrooms on site. Don’t come looking for a marina—there’s no fuel, bait, or ship store here. Sailboats aren’t permitted to launch from this ramp.
Fees & How It Works
It’s cash only. Monday–Thursday the launch fee is lower, and trailer parking and optional overnight parking are priced more gently midweek. Friday–Sunday and holidays cost more across the board. Overnight parking (when you pay it) covers the entire next day. If the ramp attendant isn’t around, you’ll settle up with the bartender inside the Caribbean Club. Parking is at your own risk.
Getting a Spot
Weekends and holidays are the squeeze—arrive early. Demand spikes around major fishing dates (think mini lobster season and season openers), so plan accordingly. Midweek mornings are the easiest play if you want less hassle.
After the Launch
You’re launching beside a classic bayside hangout known for sunsets and live music, with rotating food trucks out front. If you time your haul-out for golden hour, you’ll get those big Florida Bay colors from the same shoreline.
Best Time to Visit
- Best odds for parking: weekday mornings.
- For lower fees: Monday–Thursday.
- For atmosphere and sunsets: late afternoon into evening, but expect more crowds on weekends and holidays.
Where it is
25.1451, -80.3969Tips for Caribbean Club Ramp
- 01Bring cash—no cards are accepted for ramp or parking fees.
- 02Arrive early on weekends and holidays; the lot often fills.
- 03If no ramp attendant is present, pay the bartender inside.
- 04No sailboats are allowed to launch here.
- 05Overnight parking includes the entire next day when paid.
Amenities
Near Caribbean Club Ramp
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayCaribbean ClubClassic bayside dive bar for sunsets, live music, and cheap drinksRestroom · Parking
0.5 mi awayRowell's Waterfront ParkBayside swim stop for paddleboards, picnics, and big sunsetsPicnic Table · Restroom
0.5 mi awayFlorida Keys Overseas Heritage TrailFlat Keys ride linking parks, bridges, and long water viewsParking · Restroom
1.4 mi awayGrove TrailShort hammock walk to a historic Key lime groveEasy · 0.5 mi · 45 min
1.5 mi awayJohn Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Visitor CenterAquarium-and-film hub that orients you before hitting the reefExhibit · Restroom
1.5 mi awayWild Tamarind TrailShady coral limestone loop through rare Keys tropical hammockEasy · 0.3 mi · 12 min
1.9 mi awayFlorida Keys Overseas Heritage TrailIconic Keys ride-walk: flat, sunny, long, with historic bridges.Moderate · 106 mi · 48 hr
18 mi awayWindley Key Quarry TrailShort loop among coral-quarry walls with fossil coral up closeEasy · 0.4 mi · 30 min
