Lake Santa Barbara

• Location: Hillsboro River
• Mile Marker: 1056.9 RDB
• Lat / Lon: N 26° 13.421' / W 080° 06.036'
• Depth: 6 - 15 feet
• Tide: 2.5 feet
• Description:

  Lake Santa Barbara provides an excellent anchorage between Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale and is close to Hillsboro Inlet. Depths ranch from about 6-15 feet. On weekends, many locals come to fish, sunbathe, and listen to music. There are several marinas and many canal based homes here. Expect a significant amount of boat traffic during the day. And although it's a no wake zone, there certainly will be boats that don't believe that. At night it's quiet. There are some currents around the island, that can cause some weird swinging. But you can anchor anywhere in the lake. We find best further back by where the anchor mark is placed. There is a small park on the North side by the 4 story townhomes with docks. Although there is no dinghy dock, you can tie up to the metal railing for short periods. Federal highway is 1 block east. You can walk South and within a mile you can reach a Walmart Grocery, Dollar Store and multiple restaurants. The sushi buffet, Miyako, is outstanding! Good wind protection can be found by moving to various parts of the lake. Excellent cell service, good Xfinity WiFi with an extender. Patrolled frequently by local police and FWC.

  NOTE: Per Florida Statute 327.4109

  The owner or operator of a vessel or floating structure may not anchor or moor such that the nearest approach of the anchored or moored vessel or floating structure is:

  1. Within 150 feet of any marina, boat ramp, boatyard, or other vessel launching or loading facility;
  2. Within 300 feet of a superyacht repair facility. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "superyacht repair facility" means a facility that services or repairs a yacht with a water line of 120 feet or more in length; or
  3. Within 100 feet outward from the marked boundary of a public mooring field or a lesser distance if approved by the commission upon request of a local government within which the mooring field is located. The commission may adopt rules to implement this subparagraph.