If you're launching on Atlantic Ocean, Fort Zachary Taylor Paddle Craft Beach is a solid saltwater option in Monroe County. It's well-placed for boaters who want to spend their time fishing rather than trailering across the county. As of the last FWC inventory update, a launch fee applies here.
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At a glance
- County
- Monroe
- City
- KEY West
- Waterbody
- Atlantic Ocean
- Water type
- Salt or Brackish Water
- Ramp type
- Hand Launch Only
- Ramp surface
- Sand Kayak Beach
- Dock
- No Docks
- Parking surface
- Paved - Asphalt or Concrete
- Restroom
- Flush Toilet
- Fee required
- Yes
- Managed by
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection
- Status
- Open for Business
- Hours
- 8:00 AM until Sunset, 365 days a year
Address: 601 Howard England Way, KEY West, FL, 33040 · Coordinates: 24.545384, -81.809423
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
No mapped state manatee-protection or boating-safety zones were found within 500 m of this ramp in the current FWC dataset. This does not mean the area is unrestricted — posted signs and other local, state, or federal rules may still apply.
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.
- Parking and lane space can be tight on weekends; have your gear staged and your plug in before you back down.
- 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 Key West, about 1 miles away. Here are today's predicted highs and lows (referenced to MLLW):
Boater discussion
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