Best Marinas and Boating Access on Longboat Key

January 1, 2026

Love being on the water and thinking about Longboat Key? You are in the right spot. Longboat Key pairs calm bay cruising with quick Gulf access, which is why boat owners love it. In this guide, you will learn where to keep your boat, how to plan around passes and bridges, and what services to expect nearby. Let’s dive in.

Longboat Key boating overview

Gulf and bay choices

Longboat Key sits between the Gulf of Mexico and the Sarasota and Manatee bay system. That layout gives you two styles of boating. Head west for open-water Gulf runs, or stay east in protected waters for relaxed day trips and fishing.

The island stretches across Sarasota and Manatee counties, with marinas and services clustered on nearby mainland shores. Many residents combine a private dock at home with service visits to full-feature marinas in Sarasota or Bradenton.

Passes, tides, and currents

Local “passes” connect the Gulf and the bay and can shift with weather and shoaling. Before you go, check current depths and any temporary notices using official NOAA navigational charts and the U.S. Coast Guard Local Notice to Mariners.

Tidal range here is modest, but currents in the passes can run hard. Time your entry and exit with the tide window that fits your draft. Local dockmasters can offer real-time perspective, especially after storms.

Bridges and height planning

Routes north or south often involve fixed or bascule bridges. If you have a sailboat or tall center console, measure your air draft and confirm clearances and opening schedules in advance. Start with Florida DOT guidance for movable bridges and cross-check notes on your latest NOAA chart set.

Marina options on Longboat Key

Private docks and slips

On-island dockage is often tied to waterfront homes and condominiums. If you are shopping for property, ask whether the slip is deeded, limited to residents, or managed by association waitlist. Private slips are convenient for dayboating, though you will likely use nearby full-service marinas for fuel and repairs.

Club and resort marinas

Some club or resort facilities on and near Longboat Key offer member or guest dockage. Policies can change seasonally. If this setup appeals to you, confirm membership requirements, transient rules, guest parking, and hurricane plans before you commit.

Public docks and ramps

Public access points in the area are limited on the island itself. Many boaters use mainland ramps and parks for trailering. If you plan to trailer, confirm ramp depth, trailer parking rules, and any county permits ahead of time.

Full-service marinas nearby

Sarasota marinas and access

Downtown Sarasota marinas provide full-service options like fuel, pumpout, and mechanical support, plus quick access to restaurants and cultural spots. Expect seasonal demand in winter, so reserving transient slips ahead of time is smart. For availability, check platforms like Dockwa slip reservations and the Marinas.com directory.

Bradenton and Manatee River

Bradenton and Palmetto marinas on the Manatee River connect smoothly to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf. These facilities often offer haulout, engine service, and longer-term dockage. Browse recent user feedback on ActiveCaptain community charts and reviews and confirm specifics directly with each marina office.

Transient dockage and booking

High season runs roughly late fall through early spring. Transient space tightens, and rates can increase. Book ahead, know your boat dimensions, and have your insurance and registration ready when you request a slip.

Fuel, pumpouts, and repairs

What to ask before docking

Before you pick a marina, call and confirm:

Fuel type available and hours of service
Pumpout location and fees
Slip length, beam, depth at mean low water, and power options
Security measures, parking, and guest access

For environmental compliance, ask about waste oil and used battery disposal.

Haulout and maintenance basics

If you need bottom paint, prop work, or engine service, verify yard capacity and lead times. Ask about lift tonnage, storage options, and specialties like diesel, outboards, electronics, or rigging. Seasonal backlogs are common, so schedule early.

Hurricane plans and storage

Storm planning is essential. Ask your marina about haulout priority, dry stack storage, on-dock hurricane tie plans, and owner alerts. Get costs in writing and store copies of your insurance and service contracts where you can access them remotely.

Popular routes and dining

Easy daycruise ideas

Protected bay waters are ideal for short cruises to sandbars and fishing flats. When weather allows, quick Gulf hops to nearby barrier island beaches make for great day trips. For tides, consult your chartplotter and recent NOAA updates, and consider adding a local tide source to your pre-departure checklist.

Dining near the docks

If you want boat-to-table convenience, Sarasota’s downtown marinas put you close to restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Bradenton’s riverfront pairs family-friendly dining with easy dockage. On Longboat Key, homes with private docks place you a short ride or drive from island dining, depending on your location and parking rules.

Buyer checklist for boaters

Slip access: Deeded slip included, association waitlist, or separate membership
Draft and air draft: Confirm local depths and bridge clearances on NOAA navigational charts and with marina staff
Slip size and utilities: Length, beam, depth at mean low water, power and water
Transient rules: Guest dock use, overnight policies, and fees
Services plan: Nearest fuel, pumpout, and haulout options and travel time
Insurance and security: Requirements, cameras, gates, and patrols
Parking and storage: Vehicle and trailer parking rules, dinghy and gear storage
Hurricane strategy: Haulout priority, dry storage, and tie-down plans

Seasonal timing tips

High season: Demand peaks in winter, so reserve transient slips and service appointments early. Keep your paperwork handy for quick bookings on Dockwa slip reservations.
Summer storms: Refresh your hurricane plan at the start of the season and verify your yard’s priority list.
Tides and notices: Before runs through the passes, review any shoaling notes in the U.S. Coast Guard Local Notice to Mariners and confirm depths on your latest NOAA chart set.
Speed zones: Review manatee and protected-area rules with the FWC boating regulations and speed zones.

Get local help

If a boating lifestyle is part of your move, plan your dockage and service network as carefully as your home search. I can help you match properties with practical access to the water, from private slips to nearby full-service marinas. Reach out to explore on-island options and the best marina pairings for your boat.

Ready to find your place on the water? Connect with Allison Werner for a private Sarasota luxury consultation.

FAQs

What are the best resources for local navigation around Longboat Key?

Use current NOAA navigational charts and check the U.S. Coast Guard Local Notice to Mariners for temporary hazards and pass conditions.

How should I plan for bridges near Longboat Key if I have a tall mast?

Measure your air draft, then verify charted clearances and opening schedules, starting with Florida DOT guidance for movable bridges and your NOAA chart notes.

Where can I book transient slips near Longboat Key in peak season?

Check availability and request reservations on Dockwa slip reservations, then compare options on the Marinas.com directory and user feedback in ActiveCaptain community charts and reviews.

How do I handle fuel and pumpout needs if my on-island dock lacks services?

Plan routine visits to nearby full-service marinas and confirm fuel type, pumpout access, and hours by phone, especially during weekends and holidays.