Exploring Blue Heron Bridge: Voted #1 Shore Dive in the USA

Blue Heron Bridge, nestled within Phil Foster Park, is a world-renowned dive site celebrated for its rich biodiversity. Underwater photographers are particularly drawn to this site due to the vast array of small critters that inhabit its waters. From the tiniest seahorses, octopuses, and nudibranchs to larger marine inhabitants like spade fish, barracuda, and even the occasional hammerhead shark, the site offers a captivating array of marine life. Manatees also make occasional appearances, adding to the allure of this underwater paradise.

Located on the Lake Worth Inlet, Blue Heron Bridge benefits from protection against most adverse weather conditions, making it an ideal diving spot even when the Atlantic Ocean experiences rough seas and gusty winds. Despite turbulent conditions elsewhere, the waters beneath the bridge typically remain calm, with minimal waves.

Planning your dive at Blue Heron Bridge requires careful consideration of the tides. Diving during slack high tide is crucial to avoid strong currents. It's recommended to enter the water about an hour before high tide and exit approximately an hour afterward, as visibility tends to decrease, and currents intensify post-high tide. If the current is still a bit strong when you enter the water, it's advisable to refrain from venturing east or west and instead stay just in front of the beach, where you will find the calmest conditions. Once the current declines, you can start venturing further afield to explore the diverse marine life that thrives beneath the surface. Consulting tide tables beforehand is important for dive planning. It's worth noting that some visitors, unaware of the tide restrictions, have experienced disappointment upon arriving at Blue Heron Bridge, as their planned trip coincided with high tide times outside of the park's diving hours.

Getting There

Phil Foster Park, the gateway to the underwater marvels of Blue Heron Bridge, is conveniently situated at 900 Blue Heron Boulevard, Riviera Beach, FL 33404. To reach the park, simply head East on Blue Heron Boulevard from I-95, Florida’s Turnpike, or Hwy 1. As you traverse the Blue Heron Bridge, keep an eye out for the traffic signal marking the entrance to Phil Foster Park, located just before exiting the bridge onto Singer Island.

Parking, Setup and Entering the Water

Upon entering Phil Foster Park, parking is available along the road adjacent to the beach and bridge. It's essential to avoid parking in areas designated for boat trailers, as fines may be incurred. Showers are available just at the entry to the beach to rinse off post dive and restrooms can be found a little further north in the parking lot.

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends, with limited space available. Arriving a couple of hours before high tide is advisable, and opting for weekday dives can offer a nicer experience with fewer divers and better parking. Beachgoers and snorkelers also vie for parking spots on weekends, further emphasizing the importance of early arrival. Setting up equipment along the beach area is a breeze, with picnic tables and grassy spots available in the South parking section of Phil Foster Park. Many divers including myself prefer to setup in the back of their vehicles and simply don their gear there and walk down the beach into the water.

Divers can explore three main diving areas, each teeming with diverse marine life: the East Bridge, the Snorkel Trail/Artificial Reef, and the West Bridge. Depending on the time of year, diving experiences may vary between the east and west sides of the bridge. The locals are very friendly, and most will be willing to offer insights into current sightings and where you might find them.

It's important to note that the area in front of the lifeguard stand, is often designated as a guarded swim area (marked by blue and white buoys), where diving is strictly prohibited. While surface swimming is permitted in this zone, the use of regulators for breathing is not allowed; snorkels are the only apparatus permitted. Blue and white signs along the beach near the swim area further delineate areas where diving is off-limits.

Water entries are typically made from one of three areas along the beach: the southeastern corner of the park (east of the guarded swim area), the vicinity of the children’s playground (west of the guarded swim area), or the southwest corner of the park near the kayak launch ramp. Once submerged, divers can choose to head east toward the smaller east bridge, venture south to intersect the Snorkel Trail, or explore the area around and under the main/larger span of the Blue Heron Bridge, referred to as the West Side.

Safety

Ensuring safety while diving at Blue Heron Bridge is important. Remember to always carry a dive flag—it's a must at all Florida dive sites. Additionally, be mindful of the boat channel, which runs parallel to the beach about 100 feet (30 meters) offshore. Straying too far risks encountering the channel, though you'll find most of the captivating marine life in the shallows. Astonishingly, treasures like hairy frogfish and seahorses can be spotted in waters as shallow as 3 feet.

Dive Shops and Local Guides

When diving at Blue Heron Bridge, having access to dive shops and local guides can greatly enhance your experience. Fortunately, there are a couple of dive shops conveniently located near Phil Foster Park. Force-E, situated at the north end of the bridge, and Pura Vida Divers, found on the south end, both offer rental gear, including tanks and weights, to meet your diving needs. Additionally, they provide valuable diving tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable excursion.

For those seeking a more personalized diving experience, especially underwater photographers, local guide Matthew Sullivan offers guided dives. As an experienced underwater photographer himself, Matt possesses a keen eye for spotting well-camouflaged critters and can provide invaluable photography tips and tricks during the dive. Whether you're looking to capture stunning underwater images or simply want expert guidance, Matt can be reached via email at [email protected] or found on Instagram: @formerlyhomelessphotographer.

Night Diving

Night diving at Blue Heron Bridge offers a thrilling opportunity to explore its underwater wonders after sunset, and the best part? It's absolutely free! Thanks to Force-E, which secures a permit specifically for this event, divers can park and dive at Phil Foster Park past sunset. Look for bobbit worms, stargazers, octopuses, and other nocturnal critters. Force-E provides a schedule for night diving on their website; be sure to check it out before planning a visit. One important note when night diving the bridge is that all divers must be out of the park by 10 pm or face a fine so plan accordingly.

Conclusion

Blue Heron Bridge stands as a testament to the diversity of marine life found within Florida's waters. With its rich biodiversity, calm conditions, and accessible amenities, it's no wonder that this site continues to captivate divers and underwater photographers from around the world. Whether you're a seasoned underwater photographer or a novice explorer, Blue Heron Bridge offers an unforgettable diving experience that will leave you in awe.