Marinas in Pompano Beach, FL

For the best odds of a dry, clear day, plan Pompano Beach boating from late October through April, but choose the exact day by the marine forecast. The local season is effectively year-round: the city identifies Alsdorf Park as a boat launch into the Intracoastal Waterway and lists boating access into the evening. Atlantic water off Pompano Beach averages in the mid-to-upper 70s in winter and reaches the mid-80s in summer. Hillsboro Inlet is the key local wildcard; NOAA says stronger easterly winds often occur from November through May, heavy thunderstorms are common from May through September, and wind, seas and an ebb tide can make the inlet rougher.

Source: City of Pompano Beach Parks (cdn.pompanobeachfl.gov)

From Pompano Beach, you can cruise the inshore Intracoastal Waterway, turn into Lake Santa Barbara, pass through Hillsboro Inlet to the open Atlantic, or continue along the Intracoastal to Fort Lauderdale’s New River. Lake Santa Barbara is a local marina and boatyard area, while Hillsboro Inlet is the gateway between the Intracoastal and ocean. The New River is a scenic urban cruise through downtown Fort Lauderdale, contrasting with the Atlantic’s open water. Boats can launch at Alsdorf Park on NE 14th Street Causeway, where the city provides boat and personal watercraft access beside the Intracoastal.

Source: City of Pompano Beach (parks.pompanobeachfl.gov)

From Pompano Beach, good day-trip choices include Hillsboro Inlet, Shipwreck Park, Fort Lauderdale’s New River waterfront and Whiskey Creek. Hillsboro Inlet is a departure point for fishing trips to Sailfish Alley, while Shipwreck Park draws divers to wrecks and underwater art installations. On the New River, downtown public dockage puts crews within walking distance of Las Olas Boulevard shops and sidewalk cafés. At Whiskey Creek in Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, boaters can beach on a sheltered sandy bottom, picnic and visit the beach.

Source: Visit Lauderdale (visitlauderdale.com)

Florida does not issue a boating license, but operators born on or after January 1, 1988, must carry photo ID and a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission boating education card when running a vessel with a motor of 10 horsepower or more. This includes personal watercraft. There is no general minimum age for boats; personal watercraft operators must be at least 14, and no one under 18 may rent any vessel other than a human powered one. Exemptions include Coast Guard licensed masters, private lake or pond operators, operators accompanied aboard by someone 18 or older who holds the card or is exempt and is responsible for the vessel, and nonresidents with proof of a NASBLA-approved out of state course. Any non exempt operator may instead pass an FWC approved temporary certificate exam and carry that certificate with photo ID for 90 days.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (myfwc.com)

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rules require boaters to carry life jackets, stay sober, use properly registered vessels, follow personal watercraft limits, and obey posted no wake and manatee zones. Every vessel must carry an accessible U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable life jacket for each person; children under 6 must wear one while underway on vessels under 26 feet. Operating while impaired is illegal; a .08 blood or breath alcohol level creates a presumption of impairment. Most vessels must be registered and carry the certificate aboard. Personal watercraft operators must be at least 14, wear a noninflatable PFD, and not operate from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (myfwc.com)

Florida law requires you to be at least 18 to rent a livery vessel other than a human-powered vessel. Florida sets no general minimum age to operate a boat, but a personal watercraft operator must be at least 14.

Under section 327.395, anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, operating a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must carry the required boating safety credentials. An exemption applies when accompanied by a credentialed or exempt person age 18 or older who is attendant to the operation and responsible for safe operation and violations. The rental operator sets its own booking minimum subject to state law, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (myfwc.com)

Alongside the marinas on this page, Pompano Beach has 22 boat rentals, 11 boat clubs and 29 boat dealers.