Places to Launch a Kayak in Pinellas County, Florida

Launch a kayak in Pinellas County, Florida, and spend a day dolphin watching or fishing. You can cruise the Gulf of Mexico next to white sandy beaches or the expansive waterways on Tampa Bay. Experienced paddlers can venture out to Caladesi Island, Egmont Key, Pass-a-Grille and Honeymoon Island for hiking excursions or secluded picnics. Pinellas County boasts a multitude of public boat ramps for the convenience of the large water sports community and visitors.

  1. Tierra Verde and Tarpon Springs

    • The town of Tierra Verde boasts the largest boat ramp area in Pinellas County. South Pinellas Fort Desoto Park also features a picnic area and hiking trails. Tarpon Springs offers multiple public boat launching areas. A. L. Anderson Park features ample free parking and a picnic area. Craig Park Boat ramp is a bit more secluded and is popular with anglers.

    St. Petersburg and Clearwater

    • The St. Petersburg and Clearwater area is a popular haunt for tourists and offers a host of public boat ramps and launch areas. Park Boulevard public ramps also offer waterfront dining near John's Pass Village and Clearwater Beach. Sunlit Cove Boat Ramp is a bit off the beaten path and perfect for a romantic or serene paddle excursion. War Veterans Memorial Park is a naturalist haven and frequent lounging spot for "Snow Birds" who have escaped the cold winter temperatures of the north. The park features a picnic area with views of the waterway, bicycle path and playground. Maximo Park also features a launch area for canoes and kayaks along the Gulf of Mexico. Jungle Prada Boat Ramp is located near the Tyrone Shopping District and Walter Full Park. Grandview Park is popular with fresh water anglers and boasts an on-site bait and tackle shot. The ramp is open 24 hours a day. Coffee Pot Park and Crisp Park boat ramps are located on the northern end of the city and allow launches from sunrise to 11 p.m. Daily.

    State Parks

    • Pinellas County boasts five state parks. Each park offers kayak and canoe boat launch areas, hiking trails, camping and a host of related muscle-powered activities. While spending a day or weekend at a state park in the county you can attend an on-site naturalist program, rent water sports equipment, tour a visitors center and discover local history and view wildlife displays. State parks located inside the Pinellas County boundaries includes Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, Egmont Key State Park, Caladesi Island State Park and Anclote Key Preserve State Park.

    County Parks and Recreation Areas

    • Pinellas County operates and maintains 10 public parks. All of the parks are waterfront recreational areas that permit kayak launches. While the parks may not have a formal boat ramp area, visitors are permitted to access the water from the shore. Lake Seminole Park and John Chestnut Sr. Park border fresh water. Philippe Park and Bellair Causeway border salt water areas.