Among Miami-Dade County's saltwater launches, Watson Island Lot 70 Boat Ramp stands out for its convenient location on Biscayne Bay. Regulars appreciate how quickly it drops you into the fishable stretches nearby. With 6 launch lanes, it can handle a busy weekend crowd without the usual bottleneck. As of the last FWC inventory update, a launch fee applies here.
Boater’s note
The gateway ramp for Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami — huge lot but it still fills on holiday weekends. Parking is paid (pay-and-display); don't skip the ticket. Idle zone runs all the way out to Government Cut, and the traffic — cruise ships, jet skis, party boats — gets thick. Best conditions are weekday mornings before 9am when the bay is glass.
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At a glance
- County
- Miami-Dade
- City
- Miami
- Waterbody
- Biscayne Bay
- Water type
- Salt or Brackish Water
- Ramp type
- Stand Alone Ramp
- Launch lanes
- 6
- Ramp surface
- Concrete
- Dock
- Fixed Launch Docks
- Parking surface
- Paved - Asphalt or Concrete
- Trailer parking
- 48
- Restroom
- Flush Toilet
- Fee required
- Yes
- Managed by
- City of Miami Parking Authority
- Status
- Open for Business
- Hours
- 24 Hours
Address: 1050 Mcarthur Causeway, Miami, FL, 33132 · Coordinates: 25.783649, -80.172569
Get directions on Google Maps →
Where it is
Live NEXRAD radar from Iowa State Mesonet — past ~65 minutes animated. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Ramp location from the FWC boat ramp inventory. Not for navigation.
On-water restrictions nearby
- manatee protection Miami-Dade (within 22 m)
Restriction zones: For general awareness only — not for navigation or legal determination. Florida Administrative Code and posted on-water signs prevail. Other local, state, or federal restricted zones may exist that are not shown here. Source: FWC manatee protection & boating-safety GIS layers. Zone data as of .
What to know before you launch
- Rinse your trailer and engine with fresh water after launching in salt — corrosion is the enemy on Florida's coast.
- Even with multiple lanes, prep in the staging area first so you're not tying up a lane while loading gear.
- Always check current tides, wind, and marine forecasts before you launch — Florida afternoons can turn stormy fast.
Tides at the nearest station
The closest NOAA tide station is Virginia Key, Biscayne Bay, about 4 miles away. Here are today's predicted highs and lows (referenced to MLLW):
Boater discussion
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