Lake Worth Harbor

Marinas near Lake Worth Harbor

Introduction:

With an abundance of marines facilities, protected anchorages and crystal blue water, Lake Worth is extremely popular with southbound boaters. Its close proximity to the Bahamas Islands (50 to 60 miles depending on route) also makes it a popular place for eastbound offshore cruisers to wait out favorable conditions to “hop” the Gulf Stream.

Lake Worth Inlet itself is among the most reliable on the Florida Coast, and allows deep-draft freight and cruise ships to enter the Port of Palm Beach. This is also a popular inlet among sport fishermen, especially during February and March when sailfish migrate through the area.

Navigating the Water:

Use NOAA Chart 11472.

Unlike many populated portions of the Florida portion of the Intracoastal Waterway, the immediate Lake Worth area is free of drawbridges with restricted openings. The Blue Heron Boulevard Bridge (65-foot fixed vertical clearance) does cross the ICW route north of Peanut Island, but poses few problems with its high clearance.

Two routes lead past the east and west sides of Peanut Island, located just inside the Lake Worth Inlet. The ICW proper route is to the west and an alternate route, which leads past several marine facilities, is to the east. Both are well-marked, but shoals await the mariner who fails to honor each and every one of them. Popular anchorages line both side of Peanut Island, and anchored vessels warrant special attention, especially when arriving at night.

Peanut Island is undergoing a major restoration by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Boaters transiting the area should be aware of, and keep an eye out for dredges, barges and other industrial equipment being ferried to the island to work on the project.

Lake Worth Inlet itself is deep and very reliable, with an average charted mid-line depth of 35 feet. The current is strong here on both sides, though; so do keep a close watch on your drift.

Local Notices to Mariners:

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Things To Do/Local Events:

Saltwater sport fishing is a major draw to the Lake Worth area. Sailfish, marlin, shark, dorado, snook, tarpon and a variety of other tropical species are here in abundance. Several charter operations specialize in catching these fish and are available for hire.

West Palm Beach, with its golf courses and extensive shopping are only a short taxi ride way to the north.

See the “Helpful Links” section at the bottom of this page for more detailed information.

Transportation:

The Palm Beach International Airport is within easy taxi reach of almost all of Lake Worth. The airport has regular national jet service from major carriers and private charter jet service that is popular with some of the local upper-crust residents for getting to the Bahamas.

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and Miami International Airport are farther north and south, respectively.

Helpful Links:

City of Lake Worth

Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Lake Worth Calendar of Events

Port of Palm Beach

Palm Beach International Airport

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport

Miami International Airport