The Waters Around Us

Here in Palm Beach  we enjoy many waters suitable for boating. From the Intracoastal (ICW) with easy access north and south to the wide open Atlantic if you are so inclined.

Not only that, we have easy access with a trailer-able boat or rental to access the fresh waters of Lake Okeechobee and the western side of our state and the Gulf of Mexico.

Here’s some information to help make your boating safer and more pleasurable in our area.

image of Jupiter lighthouse across the Jupiter Inlet

Local Area Charts

Notice: NOAA has changed to an all-electronic navigation charts system. Please go to the NOAA Electronic Navigation Charts page for more information.

Currently, the older navigation charts remain available as historic downloadable PDF files.  However, NOAA will NOT be updating them.

DO NOT USE THE CHARTS LISTED BELOW FOR NAVIGATIONAL PURPOSES; THEY ARE FOR INFORMATION ONLY.

Click the chart listing to view/download the chart.

2022 Drawbridge Opening Schedule

Need to know the opening schedules for drawbridges on the Florida Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway?

Note that bridge tenders use Marine VHF Channel 9.

Also note that this document is a few years old and may not be accurate.  We have not located a more recent copy.

Click here

See additional bridge opening information below.

Special Security Zones

These special security zones are in effect whenever the President is at Mar-A-Lago

When the security zone is active, law enforcement vessels in the area will display flashing blue lights and USCG Sector Miami will have a broadcast notice to mariners on VHF channel 16.

West Zone: All vessels transiting the west zone shall maintain a steady speed and shall not slow or stop in the zone.

Center Zone: No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the center zone without obtaining permission from the Coast Guard or a designated representative.

East Zone: All vessels transiting the west zone shall maintain a steady speed and shall not slow or stop in the zone.

2025 – May 6 Drawbridge Schedule Change:

Drawbridge opening schedules have been permanently changed for the three bridges going across the Intracoastal Waterway from West Palm Beach to Palm Beach.  The schedules are also affected when the security zone is enforced (when the President is at Mar a Lago).

Flagler Memorial Bridge

(“north” bridge)

  • Will open on the quarter hour and three-quarter hour except for peak rush-hour times.
  • During rush hour times, the bridge will open Monday through Friday, with the exception of federal holidays, on the quarter hour from 7:30 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 6 pm.
  • When the security zone is enforced:
    • On the quarter hour, from 7:30 – 9 am.
    • On the quarter hour and three-quarter hour, from 9 am to 2:15 pm.
    • On the quarter hour from 2:15 – 6 pm
    • On the quarter hour and three-quarter hour 6 pm – 7:30 am.
  • On Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays, the bridge will open on the quarter hour and three-quarter hour.

Royal Park Bridge

(“middle” bridge)

  • Will open on the hour and half-hour except for peak rush-hour times.
  • During rush hour times, the bridge will open Monday through Friday, with the exception of federal holidays, on the half-hour from 7:30 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 6 pm.
  • When the security zone is enforced:
    • On the half-hour, from 7:30 – 9 am.
    • On the hour and half-hour from 9 am to 2:15 pm.
    • On the half-hour from 2:15 – 6 pm
    • On the hour and half-quarter hour 6 pm – 7:30 am.
  • On Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays, the bridge will open on the hour and half-hour.

Southern Boulevard Bridge

(“south” bridge)

  • Will open on the quarter hour and three-quarter hour except for peak rush-hour times.
  • During rush hour times, the bridge will open Monday through Friday, with the exception of federal holidays, on the quarter-hour from 7:30 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 6 pm.
  • When the security zone is enforced, the bridge may be closed without advanced notice to permit uninterrupted transit of dignitaries across the bridge.  At all other times, the bridge will open on the quarter and three-quarter hour, or as directed b the on-scene designated representative.

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Image of a sailboat with a copper-colored sunset behind it