Blue Heron Bridge Dive Site: A Local Treasure

The 1st frogfish of the 2025 season.

Blue Heron Bridge has earned a reputation for being one of the best shore dives in the world - and for good reason. Not only is this an easy shore-entry in shallow water - maximum depth is a mere 20ft - it is also a safe haven for many juvenile aquatic species. Animals such as seahorses, frogfish and octopus all come here to find mates, spawn and take refuge from the larger predators cruising along the gulf stream.

A Shallow Water Paradise

Maximum depth at Blue Heron Bridge is only around 20ft. While you can certainly snorkel or freedive this sight, I prefer to explore with a tank in order to maximize my bottom time.

Blue Heron Bridge, or BHB as the locals refer to it, is truly a site with something for everyone. At times I have seen the bridge be dismissed as a “training site,” getting passed up by visitors in the area that come to dive our deeper reefs and wrecks offshore. But rest assured, there is so much to see and explore at this special place, and it is suitable for all levels of experience.

View upon Entry:

BHB is always ripe for exploration!

Sometimes I am asked if it is necessary to bring a tank here. “Why not just snorkel since it’s so shallow?” I will oftentimes get asked this on the boat. Well, after completing hundreds of dives in this spot, I can attest that exploring the bridge on scuba gives you the greatest opportunity to really slow down and search for critters. While it does take time, experience and a bit of good luck to locate the “good stuff,” both amateur and pro benefit from a slow and cautious approach.

Hidden in Plain Sight.

Tiny seahorses are masters at blending in with the surrounding seagrass.

In addition to going slow, it is important to note that many of the more interesting species that divers look for are primarily seasonal. Octopus mate and build their dens in the summer, seahorses come in with the chill of winter and frogfish start to pop-up in the springtime. Be mindful of the season in which you are diving, and it will increase your odds of successfully locating some very exciting animals that we rarely see out on the reefs.

Another fantastic aspect of the bridge is that if off-shore conditions are too rough for you to go out on the boat, chances are you can still dive here. This makes it especially appealing during the winter months when high winds and rough seas are a variable we unfortunately have to contend with. Perfect for anyone who may be prone to sea sickness or if you’re anything like me, adverse to chilly topside surface intervals, this a great option to still get wet. Best part is as soon as you get out you can head straight for your car and blast the heat.

Easy entry and exit

It is super easy to gear up in the back of your car and walk to this sight. No long trek along a sandy beach - just make sure you give yourself ample time to find parking, especially on the weekends.

Whichever way you choose to explore BHB, one thing is for sure - it is not a dive to be missed on a visit to south Florida. With the ease of access, abundance of critters and the ability to dive it year-round, there is really no excuse to not come out here and explore.

One thing I will always recommend for anyone coming here for the 1st time: hire a guide. You will enjoy your 1st experience here far more if you have someone showing you the lay of the land (or shall I say, sea), ensuring you safely stay out of the way of the adjacent boat channel and pulling around the dive flag. They will help you time and plan your dive appropriately, since this site is very tidal dependent. They also know where to find the cool critters and can help you improve your spotting skills. Reach out to us at the shop and any of your favorite Kyalami guides would be happy to show you one of our treasured local spots.

Hope to see you gearing up for a shore dive here soon!

Grace

Adventure awaits! The Blue Heron Bridge dive site is accessed from Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach, FL, less than a 5 minute drive from our shop on Northlake.

A stunning pale yellow seahorse, perched on a piling under the east bridge. One of my all-time favorite shots from BHB taken 3 years ago. This site is always full of wonderful suprises!