8 Things to Do in Lantana, Florida on the Water

The best things to do in Lantana, Florida all have one thing in common. Water. This small Palm Beach County town sits right where the Intracoastal Waterway meets the Atlantic Ocean, and nearly every direction you look has a view of something blue. That alone makes it one of South Florida's most underrated spots for a full day outdoors.

But here is what most people miss. Lantana is not just a pass-through between West Palm Beach and Delray Beach. It has its own public beach, its own kayak launch, its own snorkeling access near the Boynton Beach Inlet, and some of the best waterfront dining in the entire Palm Beach corridor. All packed into a town that covers barely two square miles.

Here are eight ways to spend a full day on the water here, from early morning to sunset.

1. Start the Morning at Lantana Public Beach

Lantana Public Beach stretches across roughly 800 feet of Atlantic shoreline. It opens early; it rarely gets the crowd that Delray or Palm Beach beaches pull, and the parking situation is far less stressful.

This is a beach with some real history, too. It sits along the route the famous "Barefoot Mailman" walked during Florida's pioneer days, delivering mail on foot along the coast. Today, the vibe is much more relaxed than historical. Think morning walks, a quick swim before the sun gets aggressive, and beachcombing without fighting for towel space.

Quick details:

• Location: East Ocean Avenue, Lantana
• Parking: Metered, paid via app
• Facilities: Restrooms, showers, nearby cafes
• Best for: Early morning before 10 a.m. when it stays quiet

2. Kayak or Paddleboard From Lyman Kayak Park

Lyman Kayak Park is a dedicated launch point right on the Intracoastal Waterway. It is surprisingly easy to miss if you are not looking for it, which keeps it from feeling crowded.

The park sits at 106 N. Lake Drive and gives direct access to the Intracoastal. From here, paddlers can head north toward Lake Worth Lagoon or south toward the Boynton Beach Inlet. The water is calm on most mornings, and the mangrove-lined shoreline along the route is packed with birdlife. Herons, ospreys, pelicans. Sometimes manatees drift by, especially during cooler months when they move into shallow warm water.

Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available from local outfitters near the launch. No experience needed for most routes, though going with a guided eco-tour does add a layer of context that solo paddling cannot match.

The Intracoastal stretch near Lantana connects directly to the Delray Beach section of the waterway, which is also a great route for beginners on a boat.

3. Walk the Waterside Trail at Lantana Nature Preserve

Not every water activity needs to involve getting wet. Lantana Nature Preserve is a 4.6-acre coastal hammock and mangrove ecosystem tucked between East Ocean Avenue and the Intracoastal Waterway. The whole loop takes about 15 to 20 minutes on the paved path, but most people slow down once they see what is living there.

Red and white mangroves line the lagoon side. Sea grapes and gumbo limbo trees form a canopy overhead. During migration season (roughly September through May), the preserve fills with warblers, redstarts, kingfishers, and other species that birders travel for. And this spot was once the town dump. Hard to believe standing in it now.

It is free to enter, open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and sits just one block from the beach. A solid stop between morning beach time and the next activity.

4. Snorkel the Rock Piles at Ocean Inlet Park

Ocean Inlet Park sits right at the mouth of the Boynton Beach Inlet, where the Intracoastal Waterway opens into the Atlantic. The snorkeling here happens around natural rock piles near the jetty, and the marine life is surprisingly good for a shore entry spot.

Expect to see tropical fish, sea fans, and the occasional sea turtle or nurse shark drifting past. Visibility is best at slack high tide, when the ocean water floods in clean and clear. Avoid the outgoing tide entirely. That is when the current pulls toward the inlet channel and conditions get tricky fast.

Snorkeling tips for Ocean Inlet Park:

• Enter from the ocean side, not the inlet channel
• Bring a dive flag; boat traffic is constant here
• Reef-safe sunscreen only
• Mornings with light wind give the best visibility
• Buddy system always

5. Charter a Boat on the Intracoastal Waterway

Here is where a Lantana water day really opens up. The Intracoastal Waterway runs right through town, and chartering a private boat or yacht turns a local beach day into something much bigger. Cruise north past the mega-mansions along Palm Beach. Head south through the Boynton Inlet and out to the open ocean. Or just anchor up in a quiet cove on the lagoon and float.

Private charters out of the nearby Delray Beach and Boynton Beach marinas offer everything from 22-foot center consoles to full luxury yachts over 100 feet. Some operators even run specialty boats, think pink-themed party boats or multi-deck yachts with full catering. The point is that Lantana's location makes it easy to access all of it without a long drive.

For groups celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just a solid Saturday, a private charter on the Intracoastal is hard to top. The scenery between Lantana and Palm Beach alone is worth the ride.

For a closer look at what a northbound evening cruise looks like, check out this guide to what to expect on a sunset cruise in West Palm Beach.

6. Go Scuba Diving Off the Boynton Beach Inlet

Lantana sits right next to some of the best drift diving on Florida's east coast. Dive charters leave from Boynton Beach Marina, just minutes south, and head to reef systems that rival the Keys for color and variety.

The Gulf Stream runs close to shore here, which brings warm, clear water and a surprising amount of marine life. Snappers, angelfish, barracuda, moray eels, and seasonal pelagics all show up on the local reefs. Several artificial reef sites sit about 1.5 miles offshore at depths between 45 and 70 feet, and a few operators even run coral restoration dives where divers can help plant reef fragments.

Multiple PADI-certified dive shops operate out of the area. Total beginners can book discovery dives, and certified divers can jump straight into guided reef or wreck trips.

7. Fish the Seawall at Bicentennial Park

Bicentennial Park is a shaded waterfront park on the west side of the Ocean Avenue drawbridge. It has a long seawall that faces the Intracoastal, a playground, picnic tables, and a gazebo with a view that stretches north up the lagoon for miles.

The seawall is the main draw for anglers. People cast lines from the wall day and night, pulling in snook, snapper, and whatever else is running through the channel. It is free, it is easy, and kids love watching the drawbridge open for passing boats. Bring a picnic, set up at one of the shaded tables, and make an afternoon of it.

8. End the Day With Waterfront Dining on Ocean Avenue

A full day on the water deserves a proper ending. Lantana's Ocean Avenue corridor has some of the most iconic waterfront restaurants in Palm Beach County, and a few of them have been around for decades.

1. Old Key Lime House is the headliner. Founded in 1889, it is the oldest waterfront restaurant in Florida and also happens to have the largest tiki bar in the state. It sits right on the Intracoastal with views of the water and passing boats. The key lime pie is as legendary as the name suggests. Happy hour runs weekdays from 4 to 7, which lines up perfectly with sunset.
2. Dune Deck Cafe overlooks the public beach in Lantana and is a go-to for casual oceanfront breakfast and brunch. Benny's on the Beach, located on the nearby Lake Worth Beach Pier, is another local institution that has been pulling in crowds since 1986.

All three spots put diners right on the water. No need to rush.

FAQs

What are the best water activities among things to do in Lantana, Florida?

Kayaking from Lyman Kayak Park, snorkeling at Ocean Inlet Park, and chartering a boat on the Intracoastal Waterway are three of the most popular water activities. Lantana's location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal gives visitors access to both calm lagoon paddling and open-ocean adventures within a short distance.

Is Lantana Public Beach good for swimming?

Yes. Lantana Public Beach has roughly 800 feet of Atlantic shoreline with clean sand and clear water. It is less crowded than nearby Delray or Palm Beach beaches, especially on weekday mornings. Restrooms and showers are available on site.

Can you rent a kayak or paddleboard in Lantana?

Local outfitters near Lyman Kayak Park offer kayak and paddleboard rentals with life jackets and paddles included. Guided eco-tours along the Intracoastal are also available, including sunset and moonlight paddle options.

Where is the best waterfront restaurant in Lantana?

Old Key Lime House at 300 East Ocean Avenue is widely considered the top pick. It is Florida's oldest waterfront restaurant and sits directly on the Intracoastal Waterway. Dune Deck Cafe and Benny's on the Beach are also strong choices, both offering ocean views and fresh seafood.