Let’s save you some time and effort by learning from others’ mistakes when it comes to boat ramps in Miami and Biscayne Bay. I’m here to share some tips and insider information that will make your boating experience more enjoyable.

Entrance to Crandon Marina – where your boat day begins.

Picking a Ramp

I’ll get into the ‘why not another ramp’ more in another blog post. Since this is for beginners — whether you just moved to the area, just got a boat, or graduated from a kayak or paddleboard to a motorized watercraft — go to Crandon Marina.

I know what you may have heard or seen:

• YouTube videos of people failing at the marina
• Super full marinas
• Cars sinking at the ramp
• That one time it took hours to get off the island
• You have to pay to get on the island AND for parking

Still, Crandon is the best boat ramp in Biscayne Bay for beginners. Here’s why:

Why Crandon?

The Organization Police presence has increased, and a local sheriff’s representative is often parked right at the entrance. I’ve spoken with a few officers and they’ve confirmed it — the park staff here actually help. Sounds normal, should be normal — but it isn’t at most other ramps. These guys are organized and proactive.

Important ramp rules: Prepare while in line BEFORE the ramp.

The People Boaters here are just different. Friendly — well, friendly for Miami. I’ve had great chats with folks in line, setting up, or packing out. The vibe is less aggressive and more patient.

Crandon Marina’s wide ramps, staging area, and organization make it easier—even on crowded days—for boaters to launch and retrieve with confidence.

The Ramp Crandon’s ramp is pressure washed monthly, even below the waterline. Why does that matter? Because slick ramps are how cars slide in and people fall. Their staff cleans it during the week when traffic is low. That level of maintenance is rare.

Traction surface at the base of the ramp—essential for safe launches.

The Ramp Layout There are eight docks, with six offering access on both sides — that’s 14 usable lanes. After 3 PM, the first three are reserved for incoming boats, and the last two are typically for jet skis. That’s important — fewer out-of-control jet skis cluttering your launch.

Wide view of the ramp setup at Crandon Marina.

The lanes are also wide enough to comfortably launch a 20–30 foot boat next to someone dropping a 38-foot Cigarette on a triple-axle trailer. Just… maybe not behind a 2-door Jeep Wrangler. Watch this if you think I’m joking.

The Parking Yes, you have to pay by phone, and yes, it’s a bit pricey — but the ramp fee is included. You’ll also find organized, patrolled parking with no “dark corners,” trailer theft, or DIY lawn parking like at other ramps. Just be sure to pay for your tow vehicle, not your trailer.

Designated long parking spots for trailers at Crandon Marina.

The Amenities Right next to the ramp is a gas station, convenience store, and courtesy dock. Fuel isn’t cheap (dock fuel never is), but there are three pumps with long hoses that reach almost any setup. Premium, Plus, and Diesel are available. The convenience store has food, drinks, ice (large and small bags), ice cream, hats, fishing and boating suppiles.

Crandon Marina offers fuel and water stations conveniently located near the dock—ideal for topping off before heading out.

The Area Crandon launches you directly into the heart of Biscayne Bay. No 30-minute slog like from 79th Street’s Pelican Harbor. It’s generally protected from wind by mangroves and gives you fast access to:

• Nixon Beach Sandbar
• No Name Harbor and Cleat Miami bar
• Boater’s Grill and Hatuey food truck

When to Go

Weekdays between 8 AM and 5 PM = paradise. Almost no one there except for professional charters, and they move efficiently.

Weekends? Different story:

• Saturday: Arrive between 6–8 AM. Play it safe and return before 3 PM.
• Sunday: Even earlier — 6–7:30 AM. I’ve seen them shut down access after 8 AM when the lot fills up.

If the lot is full, the ramp is closed. No exceptions.

Of course, there’s always that one guy… like this.

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If you’re a beginner, trust me — skip the chaos elsewhere. Crandon Marina is your best shot at a smooth launch.

Let me know in the comments if you want a full comparison of all the major ramps in the area — it’s coming soon.