Photo via Google Places
South Inlet Park:
South Inlet Park is a quiet local favorite on the south side of the Boca Raton Inlet, where the Intracoastal meets the Atlantic. Anglers fish off the rocky south jetty, and because the jetty shelters the water, it stays calm and clear — making this as good a spot for snorkeling as it is for fishing. A reef sits just offshore, less than 200 yards out.
Fishing is free, off the jetty and along the shoreline (not in the guarded swimming area). Snapper bite year-round here, and the inlet brings through snook, jacks, mackerel and plenty of bait — mullet and pilchard are easy to net. It’s rarely crowded, and watching the boats slide in and out of the inlet is half the fun.
The county park has 850 feet of guarded beach with lifeguards, picnic pavilions and areas with grills, a playground, restrooms and outdoor showers. There are no concessions, so bring food and water. A piece of history sits on site too: a 1930s structure that was once the entryway to Addison Mizner’s old Cabana Club, relocated here when the club was demolished in 1981.
Parking is paid by the hour at the kiosks; the lot is small and fills on weekends, so come early. Balloons are banned park-wide to protect sea turtles, which (along with dolphins) you may spot in the clear inlet water.
Popular Species
Inlet & Reef
Snapper (year-round), Snook, Jack Crevalle, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano
Free to Fish
Jetty & Shore
Free fishing off the south jetty and shoreline (not in the guarded swim area). No concessions — bring food, water and your Florida license.
Calm & Clear
Snorkel the Jetty
The jetty keeps the water calm and clear, with a reef under 200 yds offshore — a local favorite for snorkeling. A relocated 1930s Mizner landmark sits on site.
Fishing at South Inlet Park
Work the rocks of the south jetty for snapper and snook, and fan casts into the inlet for jacks and mackerel as the tide moves. Live shrimp, mullet and pilchard are the go-to baits — you can usually net your own. The water’s clearest on the incoming tide, which is also the best snorkeling window if you want to swap the rod for a mask.
Spot
South jetty, Boca Inlet
Water
Atlantic / inlet
Hours
Sunrise–Sunset
Fishing Fee
Free
License
Your own FL license
Beach
850 ft, guarded
Parking
Paid kiosk
Snorkeling
Yes, reef offshore
Tide Forecast
Tides shown for the nearest NOAA station — a planning guide. Always confirm conditions before you head out.
Before You Fish
- Free to fish off the jetty and shoreline; fishing isn’t allowed in the guarded swimming area.
- Bring your own Florida saltwater license and gear; there are no concessions — pack food and water.
- Parking is paid by the hour at kiosks (about $3–4/hr); the small lot fills on weekends, so arrive early.
- Open sunrise to sunset; lifeguards are on duty roughly 9am–5:20pm.
- The jetty water is calm and clear — great for snorkeling, with a reef under 200 yards offshore.
- Balloons are banned to protect sea turtles; follow FWC size and bag limits.
Plan Your Visit
1100 S Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432
A quiet jetty at the Boca Raton Inlet — free fishing for snapper, snook and jacks, calm clear water for snorkeling, and a guarded beach. Paid hourly parking; come early.