Hillsboro Inlet is a coastal saltwater inlet connecting the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean near Pompano Beach and Lighthouse Point. The primary paddling route involves traveling north along the Intracoastal Waterway from launch points like the Alsdorf Park/14th Street Boat Ramp. This concrete ramp offers hourly or daily paid parking, trailer spaces, and public restrooms, though no on-site kayak rentals. Another public access is the Hillsboro Inlet Boat Ramp on the canal, a free, single-lane facility with roughly eight trailer parking spaces, restrooms, and a picnic area, operating from dawn to dusk. Paddlers often make the trip to the historic Hillsboro Lighthouse, located at the inlet's ocean entrance, where kayaks can be beached for a rest.

The inlet itself presents significant considerations for paddlers. The channel is narrow and sees considerable commercial boat traffic, requiring constant vigilance and comfort sharing the waterway with larger vessels. Tidal currents are a major factor, with the inlet flowing strongly either in or out depending on the tide stage; paddlers must plan to either fight or utilize this current. The tidal range in the area is approximately 2.5 to 3 feet. Crossing the active inlet to reach the ocean side involves navigating a defined channel with depths around 7 feet at mean low tide, surrounded by shallower, shoaling areas that can create erratic wave patterns. The ocean entrance can frequently be too rough for safe passage, and a surf zone is often present. Local advice strongly recommends checking wind and tide conditions via NOAA resources before attempting to navigate the inlet or venture outside. A specific regulation prohibits the operation or launching of any boat within the designated public swim area of Hillsboro Inlet Park. The surrounding area is developed, with industrial views noted near some launch sites, but the lighthouse serves as a prominent landmark. On calm ocean days, the north side of the inlet's ocean jetties is noted for snorkeling access.