Tucked on Sarasota Bay, Ken Thompson Park Boat Ramp is a saltwater launch that gives Sarasota County boaters direct access to some of the region's most fishable water. It's the kind of ramp locals keep in their rotation — close to home, reliably usable, and a quick run to open water. With 5 launch lanes, it can handle a busy weekend crowd without the usual bottleneck. As of the last FWC inventory update, launching is free here.
At a glance
- County
- Sarasota
- City
- Sarasota
- Waterbody
- Sarasota Bay
- Water type
- Salt or Brackish Water
- Ramp type
- Stand Alone Ramp
- Launch lanes
- 5
- Ramp surface
- Concrete
- Dock
- Fixed Launch Docks
- Parking surface
- Not Paved - Gravel/Limestone/Packed Soil
- Trailer parking
- 30
- Restroom
- Flush Toilet
- Fee required
- No
- Managed by
- City of Sarasota
- Status
- Open for Business
- Hours
- 24 Hours
Address: 1700 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL, 34236 · Coordinates: 27.333661, -82.574951
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.
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 Port Manatee, about 21 miles away. Here are today's predicted highs and lows (referenced to MLLW):