The south end of Siesta Key, much quieter than the famous main beach to the north. Launch into the Intracoastal Waterway side and paddle south to the Jim Neville Marine Preserve, which holds one of the area's best hidden beaches, a stretch of unspoiled sand accessible only by boat. Midnight Pass was mechanically closed in 1983 and reopened by hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, reconnecting Little Sarasota Bay to the Gulf, according to USGS. That history does not establish present-day currents or navigability. Dolphins, rays, and shorebirds are constant company. The launch is at Turtle Beach Park, which has a campground if you want to make a weekend of it. The main Siesta Beach to the north has the famous quartz sand; the south end has the quiet water.
Where do I park, and is it free?
- Cost
- Current fee unknown
- Parking
- Unknown
- Restrooms
- Listed in the checked source (checked 2026-08-20)
- Dogs
- Not allowed
The county lists motorized and nonmotorized launches, first-come paved and unpaved parking, and restrooms. Two current operator sources disagree on closing time, listing 10 p.m. and midnight, so hours remain conflicting and current cost is unknown.
Access sources: scgov.net (checked August 20, 2026), scgov.net (checked August 20, 2026).
How clear is the water?
An incoming tide may favor clearer water here. Visibility and currents are not measured at this launch
What will I see?
- Dolphins, rays, shorebirds: the secret-beach paddle is the draw
What's the fishing like?
Snook, redfish, and trout in the backwater; sheepshead and mangrove snapper on structure. Dolphins and manatees frequent.
How do I share the water here?
Paddle out from here and you are circling the Jim Neville Marine Preserve, a mangrove island bird rookery you reach only by water and that is surrounded by seagrass beds. Go around it rather than landing, give the rookery a wide berth so you do not flush nesting birds, and keep off the grass flats by staying in the deeper water. The rays and dolphins out here are easy to spook too, so let them set the distance.
See how it scores before you drive out.
Check Turtle Beach (Siesta Key) on the live map