Boca Raton Inlet
Tighter and shallower than Hillsboro. Beautiful — Lake Boca sits right inside it — but tricky on outgoing tide with east wind. Best on incoming tide and calm conditions.
Hillsboro Inlet
Wider and deeper. Easier in most conditions, with the iconic lighthouse standing guard. The go-to inlet for offshore-bound boats in this stretch.
Scenery
Boca: turquoise sandbar lagoon and mansion-lined approach. Hillsboro: lighthouse postcard. Both are spectacular.
When To Pick Boca
You're going to Lake Boca, not offshore. Or you specifically want the sandbar lagoon experience.
When To Pick Hillsboro
You want offshore time, you want the lighthouse photo, or wind/tide make Boca uncomfortable.
Pontoon Note
Pontoons stay inside. Either inlet is just scenery — your captain will keep you in protected water.