Phil Foster Park Snorkel at Blue Heron Blvd. Bridge

Meet us Wednesday morning at the Phil Foster Park Snorkel Trail around 10:30 under the Blue Heron Blvd Bridge for an 11:51 high tide. Best snorkeling is withing a half hour before and after high tide. Get there early, though, to find a parking place as they fill up fast.

Look for a blue Conch Republic Flag to the west of the lifeguard, in the usual place. This is at the far southwest end of the park, near the old broken-off fishing bridge.

Bring a chair, beverages, lunch, and sunscreen. If you plan to snorkel off the trail under the fishing pier (old bridge), bring a dive flag and float, although I will bring mine and you can use it if you don't have one.

Expect to see a variety of tropical fish including sergeant majors, angelfish, starfish, butterfly fish, parrot fish, and others, as well as colorful coral varieties. You can pick up fish id charts for a fee at any dive shop (there are 2 shops on Riviera Beach Blvd. near our site).

After a refreshing look at this impressive snorkel trail, we take out our packed lunches or snacks and enjoy the shade and breeze, both of which always make this a comfortable place to relax and socialize after snorkeling.

Here's some information on the snorkel trail from the county:
"Completed in August of 2013, the 800-foot-long tract of artificial reef incorporates more than 600 tons of Anastasia rock boulders. Loosely strung together in easily accessible depths ranging from six to ten feet. Part of Palm Beach County’s Environmental Resources Management’s Artificial Reef Program, the snorkel trail has added to one of the most prolific dive spots in the entire county..."