Any trip to The Palm Beaches should include a few hours of snorkeling in crystal-blue waters. We sometimes hear from visitors or locals about their dives, and in this blog entry we share one local snorkeler’s story written in her own words. Amanda Joy recently spent a morning at Phil Foster Park’s Underwater Snorkel Trail in Riviera Beach. Here are her thoughts about the beautiful sea life she encountered and the video she recorded and posted on YouTube.  

 After getting some GoPro footage of the eel, I continued swimming the trail until I came across an adorable little octopus! It was an active little octopus. Even though it was just starting to regenerate two of its front tentacles, it kind of looked like he had a mustache.  

I swam back out from under the bridge, and was greeted by a small group of Caribbean reef squid. I had my GoPro pole extended while I chased them around the area. Just as I was getting a close-up of those playful squid, my snorkel buddy grabbed by arm, forcing me to look up. When I did, I was excited to see a juvenile manatee heading right towards us! I stayed still so it wouldn’t get spooked. To my delight, the little manatee came in for a closer look, right up to the GoPro!  

It was a phenomenal day in the water! Just about every time that I snorkel at Phil Foster Park, I see something exciting. On previous snorkel trips there, I’ve seen a pufferfish, eagle sting rays, sea turtles — you name it, I’ve seen it there! But this Sunday was my best snorkel out there to date. I can’t wait to jump back in! I love that this incredible dive spot is so close to home, and so healthy with marine life.