Dive & Snorkel Blue Heron Bridge

One of the most renowned dive and snorkel sites in The Palm Beaches can be found under Blue Heron Bridge in Riviera Beach. Its famously clear water is full of exotic sea creatures and even statues.

Blue Heron snorkel trail
Courtesy of Pura Vida Divers

The waterway under Blue Heron Bridge is, in a word, legendary. This locale has a world-wide following among divers and snorkelers. The accolades could go on forever, Blue Heron Bridge has been called the Best Shore Diving in The Americas, Florida’s Exotic Critter Capital and the Muck Diving Capital of the World. Best of all, it’s true. Explore the adventures that await you at this popular diving and snorkeling spot in Palm Beach County.

underwater boat
Courtesy of Pura Vida Divers

Diving and Snorkeling Map

A detailed aerial map of a coastal area showing navigation channels, submerged structures, and safety zones for water activities

Marine Life You Can Expect To See

Never mind an aquarium,  aquatic life at Blue Heron Bridge is the real thing. Spot seahorses, pipefish and octopus, including the Atlantic longarm, also known as the mimic octopus, along with sea robins, flying gurnards, batfish, frogfish and stargazers.

And of course, bridge pilings, small boat wrecks and rocks provide surprises along the way. Visitors and locals alike can even spy manatees grazing and on occasion, sea turtles and dolphins cruising in from Palm Beach Inlet.

A woman in a blue bikini holds a large starfish underwater while snorkeling
Courtesy of Jessica Pierce

Diving at Blue Heron Bridge

The jumping-off point for diving is Phil Foster Park, located under Blue Heron Bridge. Divers can walk in from the shoreline and start exploring. Snorkelers can take off from the swimming area to do the Snorkel Trail. The depth around Blue Heron Bridge goes from 4 feet at the entry point out to 20 feet near the boat wrecks. The Snorkel Trail ranges from 10 to 15 feet.

For those looking to elevate their experience, nearby Pura Vida Divers on Singer Island, an acclaimed operator and recipient of 7 Scuba Diving Magazine Readers Choice Awards, offers guided scuba dives, training, and expert support tailored specifically to exploring this iconic site.

For the best visibility and calmest conditions, plan your dive around slack high tide. Phil Foster Park is also a great spot for watersports including paddle, kayak or relax on the small beach between dives.

Star fish
Courtesy of Pura Vida Divers

Snorkeling at Blue Heron Bridge

Snorkelers can take off from the swimming area to do the Snorkel Trail. The depth around Blue Heron Bridge goes from 4 feet at the entry point out to 20 feet near the boat wrecks. The Snorkel Trail ranges from 10 to 15 feet. Phil Foster is also a terrific spot to do watersports in The Palm Beaches or relax on the small beach.

A couple swims underwater, holding hands, with sunlight filtering through the water's surface above them

Local Dive Shops for Rentals and Equipment

Several local dive shops make it easy to gear up before heading to Blue Heron Bridge. Pura Vida Divers, located just minutes from Phil Foster Park, offers rentals, air and nitrox fills, guided dives and expert local insight on conditions. Force-E Scuba Centers also has nearby locations with a full range of rental equipment and training options. These shops are ideal for last-minute needs and first-time visitors looking for local expertise.

Plan Your Stay

Browse lodging options in the one, the only, the Palm Beaches and discover America's First Resort Destination in sunny South Florida.

Unlock Inspiring Adventures

Get the best ideas for things to do in The Palm Beaches right to your inbox!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Check out our visitor guide and start planning your ultimate getaway!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.