Lake Boca the Perfect boat cruise destination
Instead of cruising north on your next Gulfstream Boat Club adventure, why not try cruising south? In Boca Raton, Lake Boca and the Boca Inlet area offer the perfect boat cruise destination from GBC’s Delray Beach location at Marina Delray.
One of the benefits of Gulfstream Boat Club is that we can provide a variety of experiences on the water, from deep-sea fishing to a dockside brunch. A trip to Lake Boca is more of the lazy-days-of-summer variety.
Lake Boca and Boca Raton Inlet Safety
The Boca Raton Inlet is located on the East Coast of Florida twenty-four miles south of West Palm Beach, sixteen miles north of Fort Lauderdale, and five miles northward of Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, near Intracoastal Waterway Mile 1048. The first bridge was built across the Boca Raton Inlet in 1923, a wooden structure of pilings with an opening large enough to allow boats to pass through. Today, a modern drawbridge carries cars across the inlet. The bridge has a restricted opening schedule, opening every quarter-hour from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on demand at all other times.
Boat club members need to use care when navigating the Boca Inlet, as there are areas of shoaling. Our new GBC map clearly indicates these areas to avoid. Depth at low tide varies from one to three feet. A sandbar protrudes out of water inside the inlet on the north side. A sandbar extends underwater to within thirty feet of the south jetty. Shoaling and sandbars are continually shifting.
Boaters say that the Boca Raton Inlet is safer now that the city cleared away sand buildup in spring 2017. The city dredged the inlet after the sandbar caused some boats to run aground. The ebb shoal — an area near the mouth of the inlet that collects drifting sand — had caused trouble for boaters. Both the city and boat towing companies had reported an increase in complaints in the months beforehand.
Where to dock in Lake Boca
Boat club members can enjoy access to two hotels and a public park area on Lake Boca. The Boca Raton Resort and Club is located on the west side of the lake. The park area offers picnic areas with grills, a playground, restrooms, and showers.
One of Gulfstream Boat Club members’ favorite destinations is the Waterstone Resort and Marina, which offers Boca’s only waterfront dining experience. You can dock your boat, and enjoy a meal at Boca Landing restaurant. The menu showcases for South Florida’s freshest seasonal flavors. Savor a bountiful European breakfast table, linger over grilled steak and local seafood for dinner, and sample boutique wines from vineyards around the world. Whether you’re dining indoors or at an outdoor table overlooking the Intracoastal, a memorable experience is in store.
Also, the Waterstone is now offering waterfront “Family Dinner Nights” the first Sunday of every month, with a four-course Italian meal and live music. Parties of five or less can book online at OpenTable.com; or call 561-226-3022. What a great way to spend time with family friends on a Sunday!
If you haven’t taken a cruise to Lake Boca, now is the time. Grab some friends, make a reservation at the Waterstone, and enjoy the warm breezes. Call us at 561.865.7797 today!