Banana River Boat Ramp
Kelly Park
2550 North Banana River Drive
Merritt Island, FL 32952
The internet has opened up the hidden secrets of the Banana River Lagoon and it's No Motor Zone in the northern most part of this remarkable waterway in East Central Florida. Sandwiched between the eastern shore of Merritt Island and Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center the Banana River Lagoon is really just another lobe off of the Indian River Lagoon or the Intracoastal Waterway that runs pretty much the whole eastern seaboard of the Unitied States.
You'll find that there really is no freshwater tributaries in Brevard County excepting the Sebastian River and Crane Creek in the south, but the effects of freshwater has little bearing on the saltwater content in the Banana River Lagoon as the salinity often raises above what the ocean normally is because of evaporation and the distance from an ocean source.
Sebastian Inlet is approximately thirty five miles south and New Smyrna Inlet is about the same north, Port Canaveral's locks don't contribute to any significant tidal movement and neither do any of the nearest inlets. It's a unique habitat that keeps many of the schools of redfish from migrating to and from the ocean and thus many speculate that it's the largest population of non-ocean spawning redfish in the world.
Kelly Park-East
2550 N Banana River Drive, Merritt Island
Opens in New Window Parks Referendum Project
Open after 7:00 a.m. until dark, except for scheduled use. Boat ramp open 24 hours a day.
This 15.37-acre community river park and internationally recognized windsurfing area on the Banana River features a natural catamaran / sailboard launch area with sandy beach and shower, boat ramps with dock, and adjacent parking for cars and boat trailers. Near a small scenic lagoon, a paved walkway connects a mid-size pavilion, 5 grills, restrooms, drinking fountains and recreation amenities. Two small pavilions and picnic tables provide picnicking by the river’s edge. With the waterfront view and facilities attracting numerous group gatherings through the spring and summer season, advanced reservations are recommended.
WATCHABLE WILDLIFE: Listed in State of Florida Great Florida Birding Trail—Migratory Ducks such as Green-Winged Teal, Common and Red-throated Loon, and Horned Grebe (fall/winter); Shorebirds, Waders
FACILITY RESERVATIONS: 321-455-1380
Medium Pavilion (seats 100), Small Pavilions (seats 32), Small Pavilion (seats 32), Family Picnic Shelter (seats 25)
ADA ACCESSIBLE: Parking, Restrooms, Pavilion, Playground, Boat Dock, Cocrete Walkway
ACTIVITY FEATURES
- Boat Ramp (4-lane, lighted)
- Boat Dock (5x60)
- Catamarran/Sailboard Launch Area
- Fishing (shoreline)
- Grassy Activity Area
- Horseshoe Pits
- Picnics
- Playground
- Strolling
- Volleyball Courts
- Windsurfing
DOS & DON’TS: 1) Service animals only or dogs on short leash and only when leading dog between vehicle and boat. 2) Alcoholic beverages in designated areas only. 3) Other restrictions as posted.
Your IP Address is: 72.34.229.76
