The public water access point located on Collier Boulevard just north of the Marco Island bridge is one of the most popular in Collier County. The access has ample boating parking, but does tend to become crowded during season (Jan - April). Parks & Recreation recommends arriving early during season. The Collier Boulevard Boating Park is located on the East side of Collier Boulevard and has two ramps for launching water vessels.
The park does not sell fuel, but is one of the most popular boat launch access points because of its easy access to Marco Island and the Snook Inn restaurant, which boaters love to frequent.
On 4/18/11 , we were informed that this ramp has been overhauled and has better dockage and more parking.
Bayview Park's 4 acres are located at the end of Danford Street off Thomasson Drive. Enjoy the million-dollar views of Naples Bay, a waterway shared by the homes in downtown Naples' Port Royal. Bayview Park becomes very busy on the weekends, so it is recommended for boaters to arrive early on the weekends.
Recreational Permits to launch a boat are $75 from January to December. These stickers are prorated approximately $6 + some change per month. If you do not have a recreational sticker it is $5 to launch a boat. Commercial Permit is $500 for up to 5 trailers and no ramp fees Additional trailers are $100. These permits are not prorated. Commercial Stickers are $100. Must pay launch fee each time you launch
The park provides access to the gulf of Mexico through Wiggins Pass. Cocohatchee River Park has more capacity than other boat launches with many parking spaces and four boat launching lanes. A Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla is on-site and offers boating safety classes.
Recreational Permits to launch a boat are $75 from January to December. These stickers are prorated approximately $6 + some change per month. If you do not have a recreational sticker it is $5 to launch a boat. Commercial Permit is $500 for up to 5 trailers and no ramp fees Additional trailers are $100. These permits are not prorated. Commercial Stickers are $100. Must pay launch fee each time you launch
This park features a wealth of vegetation and wildlife typical of the Everglades, plus a forest made up of tropical trees. Although rare elsewhere, the Florida royal palm is a common tree here. The park is also the site of a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark which was dedicated by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1994, the Bay City Walking Dredge. Built in 1924, it was used to build the Tamiami Trail highway (U.S. 41) through the Everglades, linking Tampa to Miami. Hiking, bicycling, and canoeing trails offer opportunities for visitors to explore the park´s remarkable wilderness. The park has canoe rentals along with a boat ramp that provides access to the Blackwater River, where anglers can enjoy both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Campers can spend the night in a full-facility campground; youth/group and primitive campsites are also available.
The park has two camping areas. One area contains 19 sites located in a wooded area and is popular for tents, vans, and popups. The other consists of 101 sites in an area more suited for RV's and also includes tent sites. All sites have electricity and all sites have a picnic table and a grill. Three bathhouses are located in the campground and are equipped with hot and cold showers. One bathhouse has a washer and dryer and another has an activity room with tables, chairs, brochure rack, and other reading material. The park has a youth camping area, a primitive camping area that is accessible from the park's hiking trail, and another primitive camping area accessible by canoe. The youth camp area can be reserved and the primitive camps are first come first serve.
The boat ramp will accommodate small to medium vessels during low tide and most boats during high tide. Please call for condition
A boater’s paradise on the south side of Gordon Pass. It abuts the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, an untouched and pristine coastal wilderness. Keewaydin is a mostly undeveloped shoreline that’s home to an exploding population of invasive iguanas. The island is also the domain of many Naples area boaters and fishermen. Dozens of vessels can be found anchored off the beach whenever weekend weather permits. (from Naplesnews.com)
Perfect for a picnic lunch, shelling, swimming, floating down the beach on the outgoing tide, snorkeling, sand castles or an afternoon nap. Cast a line from the beach for a catch of a lifetime!
One of the most popular seashore destinations in Naples, this park's mile-long stretch of white sugar sand has been rated as one of the best beaches in the nation. The beach is popular for sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, snorkeling, and picnicking. Fishing at the beach along Wiggins Pass, where swimming is not allowed, is another popular activity. For saltwater or freshwater fishing, boaters can launch their vessels into Water Turkey Bay and travel to the Gulf or up the Cocohatchee River. Kayakers can enjoy paddling through estuaries; scuba divers can explore the hard bottom reef in the Gulf. At the north end of the island, a tower gives visitors a bird's-eye view of Wiggins Pass and the surrounding coastal habitat.
Boating
From the Cocohatchee River you can go north via the back bays up into Estero Bay, East up the Cocohatchee River or, as most visitors do, head west into the Gulf of Mexico through Wiggins Pass
Strategically located on Naples Bay where Goodlette Frank meets 41 in downtown Naples, there is nothing modest about this upscale oasis. Bayfront's colorful European architecture is an eye catching and memorable landmark in Old Naples. Strolling on brick-laden pathways lead to rare finds in the galleries and shops coupled with the impeccable cuisine of the restaurants take the Bayfront experience to a new level. The restaurants' gourmet fare is complimented by an atmosphere ranging from informal to lavish, depending on the diner's mood or taste. The shops are detailed in exquisite woodwork, imported stone, artistic displays and staffed by friendly, knowledgeable representatives to complete the "total" shopping experience.
Nestled in the heart of the Florida Everglades, yet just a short 30-minute drive from downtown Naples with its renowned restaurants, boutiques and cultural attractions, as well as its world-famous shoreline, recently named “America’s Best All-Around Beach” by The Travel Channel. Nowhere can you be so close, yet still feel a world away from it all.
Discover an oasis of Old Florida charm where you can experience one of the most unique and pristine environments in the U.S. and enjoy some of the best fishing in the world. Our unspoiled waterways offer exploration of the Everglades in true “off the beaten path” fashion. Whether you choose the high-speed thrills of an airboat ride or the remarkable wildlife delights of an eco-tour cruise, prepare for an experience you’ll not soon forget.