Phil Foster Park Blue Heron Bridge
Premier shore-diving and snorkeling site under Blue Heron Bridge, teeming with marine life and unique underwater features.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best visibility & calmest currents
Phil Foster Park Blue Heron Bridge
Best Time
Best visibility & calmest currents
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Premier shore-diving and snorkeling site under Blue Heron Bridge, teeming with marine life and unique underwater features.
"Feels like snorkeling in an aquarium with incredible marine life and great shade from the bridge."
Check Tide Charts First! :chart_with_upwards_trend:
Visibility and currents are tide-dependent. Aim for high tide for the best snorkeling experience.
Arrive Early for Parking :car:
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for before 9 AM to guarantee a spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Blue Heron Bridge Snorkel Trail
Under the Blue Heron Bridge
An internationally acclaimed shallow-water snorkel and dive site teeming with diverse marine life.
Underwater Sculptures & Reefs
Snorkel Trail
Discover artificial reefs and intriguing underwater sculptures that attract a vibrant community of sea creatures.
Shaded Beach Area
Adjacent to the bridge
Enjoy a unique beach experience with natural shade provided by the bridge, perfect for relaxing between water activities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Snorkeling
Beat the Crowds for Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Charts First! :chart_with_upwards_trend:
Visibility and currents are tide-dependent. Aim for high tide for the best snorkeling experience.
Arrive Early for Parking :car:
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for before 9 AM to guarantee a spot. +1
Bring Your Own Gear :mask:
While some dive shops are nearby, bringing your own mask, fins, and snorkel is recommended.
Watch for Currents :ocean:
Currents can be strong at times. Be aware of your surroundings and stay close to shore if unsure.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Charts First! :chart_with_upwards_trend:
Visibility and currents are tide-dependent. Aim for high tide for the best snorkeling experience.
Arrive Early for Parking :car:
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim for before 9 AM to guarantee a spot. +1
Bring Your Own Gear :mask:
While some dive shops are nearby, bringing your own mask, fins, and snorkel is recommended.
Watch for Currents :ocean:
Currents can be strong at times. Be aware of your surroundings and stay close to shore if unsure.
Secure Valuables :lock:
Be cautious of leaving valuables visible in your car, as break-ins have been reported.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Phil Foster Park's Blue Heron Bridge for its exceptional snorkeling and diving, often comparing it to swimming in an aquarium. The abundance of marine life, the unique shaded beach area, and free amenities like parking and showers are major highlights. However, the park can get very crowded, and securing parking requires an early arrival, especially on weekends.
"Me and my husband went here for our anniversary and searching for the best snorkeling spot in Florida and this place absolutely exceeded every expectation. We went 2 days in a row and didn't want to get out of the water. The bridge was also very nice as it gave shade to sit out of the water for a bit. We saw an eel with his grouper buddy, sting rays, a manta ray, angel fish and tons and tons of other fish! This place is a must if you enjoy snorkeling!"
Rebecca Kraus
"One of my favorite beaches in Florida. The Snorkel Trail is beyond amazing. Feels like snorkeling in an aquarium. The cover from the bridge is great and having lifeguards is perfect. Can't recommend enough! And parking is free! Showers to rinse off and bathrooms are here as well."
Kaitlin Hubbard
"Gets very crowded. I would suggest going early to secure a spot, especially for parking. Overall, a great place to swim and snorkel… very pretty when the conditions are right, be careful of currents, they will wash you away from shore. Currents aren’t always bad, usually pretty calm."
Connie Zheng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Phil Foster Park is located at 900 Blue Heron Blvd, Riviera Beach, FL 33404. If you're coming from I-95, take Blue Heron Boulevard east until you see the large Blue Heron Bridge. Make a left at the light at the bottom of the bridge, and you've arrived.
While direct public transport options might be limited, ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are a good alternative if you prefer not to drive and worry about parking.
Yes, Phil Foster Park offers free admission and free parking, making it an accessible destination for a beach day.
Yes, if you are staying in the immediate vicinity, it is possible to walk to Phil Foster Park.
Phil Foster Park is generally open from 7 AM to 7 PM, but it's always a good idea to check for any seasonal or special event hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Phil Foster Park is a public park and does not require tickets for entry. Admission and parking are free.
The park typically opens at 7 AM and closes at 7 PM.
Parking at Phil Foster Park is free, but it is limited and fills up very quickly, especially on weekends. +1
Yes, lifeguards are typically on duty at Phil Foster Park, adding an extra layer of safety for swimmers and beachgoers.
Phil Foster Park has a boat ramp, allowing visitors to launch their own boats into the water.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
The best time for snorkeling is an hour before and an hour after high tide, as this is when the currents are weakest and visibility is best.
You can expect to see a wide variety of marine life, including turtles, eels, starfish, octopuses, nudibranchs, tropical fish, stingrays, and even goliath groupers.
Yes, the snorkel trail at Phil Foster Park is considered excellent for beginners due to its shallow depth and easy access from shore.
The park is equipped with restrooms and showers, which are very convenient for rinsing off after a day in the water.
Besides snorkeling and diving, you can also enjoy swimming, fishing, relaxing on the beach, and there's a playground for children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Phil Foster Park itself does not have on-site restaurants or food vendors. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks or dine at nearby establishments in Riviera Beach.
Yes, the park has plenty of picnic tables available, making it a great spot for a picnic lunch.
Riviera Beach offers various dining options, from casual seafood shacks to more upscale restaurants, a short drive from the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The area under the Blue Heron Bridge offers unique perspectives, especially during high tide when the water is clear. Drone shots can capture the snorkel trail and the bridge from above.
Yes, with the clear waters and abundant marine life, Phil Foster Park is an excellent location for underwater photography and videography.
Morning light can be beautiful, but the clarity of the water is most important for underwater shots, which is best around high tide.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐠 Snorkelers & Divers
+1 Timing your visit around high tide is crucial for the best visibility and calmest conditions. 🚗 Budget Travelers
You can enjoy world-class snorkeling, beach time, and picnicking all at no cost. Just remember to pack your own food and drinks to keep expenses down. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Blue Heron Bridge Snorkel Trail
+1 The snorkel trail, a 230-foot artificial reef, is strategically placed to attract a remarkable diversity of marine life. Visitors can expect to encounter everything from colorful tropical fish and graceful stingrays to curious sea turtles, octopuses, and even the occasional goliath grouper. +1 The underwater sculptures add an element of discovery, making each visit a unique adventure. The key to experiencing the best of the snorkel trail lies in understanding the tides. The water clarity and current strength are significantly influenced by the tidal cycle. For optimal viewing conditions, plan your visit for an hour before or an hour after high tide. This is when the water is typically calmest and clearest, transforming the area into a vibrant, natural aquarium.
This accessible site is perfect for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced divers. The shallow depth and easy entry from the shore make it an ideal spot for families and those new to underwater exploration.
Navigating Phil Foster Park: Parking and Amenities
Beyond the snorkeling and diving, the park offers a range of amenities to enhance your visit. You'll find clean restrooms and outdoor showers, which are incredibly convenient for rinsing off sand and saltwater after your aquatic adventures.
Additionally, the park features picnic tables, making it an excellent spot for a leisurely lunch or snack while enjoying the coastal scenery. For those interested in other water activities, Phil Foster Park also includes a boat ramp for launching watercraft and designated areas for fishing.
This makes it a versatile destination catering to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. Remember to keep an eye on your belongings, as there have been occasional reports of break-ins in the parking lot, so it's wise not to leave valuables visible in your car. 
Social
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