The Bonita Springs public boat launch access point has officially returned to the community, blending old-school Florida history with high-end luxury master planning. In a highly anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony held on June 22, 2026, the brand-new Saltleaf Marina formally opened its gates to the public, marking the dynamic rebirth of one of the region’s most beloved maritime heritage sites.
Situated securely at the western terminus of Coconut Road directly on the pristine edge of Estero Bay, the new $8.5 million waterfront development directly addresses a multi-year void in local boating infrastructure. Spearheaded by Naples-based luxury developer London Bay Development Group and their marine engineering contractors, Kelly Brothers, the 72-slip project was finalized ahead of schedule and entirely under budget, creating an elite transit gateway out to the open waters of the Gulf.
Preserving the Legacy of the Historic Weeks Fish Camp
What makes the restoration of this specific Bonita Springs public boat launch site so significant is its deep cultural connection to early local history. The property originally housed the pioneering Weeks Fish Camp, an iconic commercial fishing outpost established by the Weeks family back in 1942. For decades, the camp operated as a casual focal point for native commercial fishermen, marine researchers, and recreational boaters before the private camp grounds were shuttered in 2014.
When the 40-acre tract was sold to private interests, local historians and family members worried that public access to the bay would be lost forever to high-density residential walls. However, after acquiring the acreage in 2018, London Bay CEO Mark Wilson worked alongside city officials and the Bonita Springs Historical Society to draft a unique covenant. The developer agreed to fund, construct, and manage a state-of-the-art marina while legally dedicating the docks as a public amenity in perpetuity, ensuring that local families can launch their crafts from this site forever.
Integration Into the 500-Acre Saltleaf Coastal Village
The newly operational Bonita Springs public boat launch serves as a vital public anchor for London Bay’s sprawling, 500-acre master-planned Saltleaf community. While the wider village layout features ultra-exclusive, low-density residential properties including the twin 22-story towers of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay the marina operations function similarly to a public park.
The surrounding luxury infrastructure includes a variety of high-end lifestyle amenities:
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The Ritz-Carlton Towers: A multi-million dollar residential enclave providing panoramic sunset views over the state’s first dedicated aquatic preserve.
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Acqua Bistecca Restaurant: A dockside fine-dining concept by celebrated chef Michael Mina, serving up premium wood-fired steaks and Italian-inspired coastal seafood.
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Saltleaf Golf Preserve: A recently modernized, Tom Fazio-reimagined 18-hole championship course operated by Troon, completely designed with zero formal bunkers to honor the natural Florida terrain.
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The Marina Ship Store: A fully stocked on-site boutique carrying daily essentials, outdoor sundries, and a curated display of historic Weeks Fish Camp photographs illustrating early coastal village life.
Upgraded Regional Connectivity for Lee County Boaters
During the formal opening remarks, local civic leaders highly praised the public-private partnership model as a transformational template for future coastal real estate efforts. Lee County Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass and Bonita Springs Mayor Mike Gibson highlighted the practical regional benefits of reviving this critical access node.
Prior to the completion of Saltleaf Marina, neighborhood boaters living along the Coconut Road and corporate corridors often faced extensive travel times, forcing them to haul their trailered vessels out to distant facilities like Lovers Key State Park or down to crowded docks in Naples. This close-to-home connection significantly reduces traffic friction along local roads while providing an immediate boost to nearby hospitality blocks. The facility is equipped to handle vessels up to 30 feet in length, making it perfect for custom fishing charters, dolphin sightseeing excursions, and day trips out to Sanibel and Captiva islands.
To stay updated on other key transportation assets and pedestrian pathways currently undergoing upgrades across Lee County, you can explore our detailed operational review of the Lee County sidewalk infrastructure improvements to help organize your seasonal travels.
Marina Operational Fact Sheet
Public Property Guarantee: Through a binding covenant signed between the City of Bonita Springs and London Bay, public access to the boat slips and ship store remains legally protected in perpetuity, completely independent of future real estate ownership shifts.
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Total Slip Capacity: 72 boat slips engineered for vessels up to 30 feet in length.
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Development Investment: $8.5 Million corporate capital allocation managed by Kelly Brothers.
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Core Public Services: Standalone boat launches, kayak/paddleboard rentals, and a public ship store.
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Environmental Oversight: Built in strict alignment with the surrounding Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve guidelines.
For real-time boat slip availability registries, annual dock lease data tables, or to view the full hours of operation for the ship store, maritime operators can track data summaries directly via the Official Saltleaf Marina Waterfront Registry.
