8. In less than three
metres of water, a
seahorse attempts
to blend in with the
seagrass surrounding it
PRACTICALITIES
WHEN
Diving occurs year round but
checking local tides is a must; one
hour before high tide and one hour
after is the best time to dive the
bridge. As tides move in, they bring
clear water, good visibility and
minimal current.
USA
Blue Heron Bridge, Florida
By BRANDI MUELLER
The Blue Heron Bridge is often referred to as North America’s
best location for muck diving. Calm, shallow waters just
minutes away from a bustling major US highway boast an
incredible amount of life in a very small area. Popular critters
include batfish, jawfish (often with eggs), stargazers, flying
gurnards, sharptail eels, seahorses, and octopus, all within six
metres or shallower. Diving in such shallow water can lead to
dives up to two hours long – which is needed to see all the life
under the bridge.
Diving under the bridge is great for all levels of divers and
the site is a popular place for local dive shops to teach Open
Water classes. Divers must keep to a certain area though, as
continuing west away from the beach park will take you into a
busy boat channel. Diving the bridge depends on the tides, so
check with locals for information on when is best to dive.
HOW
International flights arrive from
major cities worldwide to both
Miami International and Fort
Lauderdale airports. From there,
it’s a reasonable drive to Phil Foster
Park, where divers enter the water
from shore under the bridge.
STAY/DIVE
Stay at one of the many hotels in
West Palm Beach. Dive with:
• Pura Vida Divers
(www.puravidadivers.com)
• Force E (www.force-e.com)
TOPSIDE
The Everglades National Park is
nearby for hiking, bird and animal
watching.
ENTRY
Eligible non-US citizens can
visit the USA as part of the Visa
Waiver Program for up to 90 days
without obtaining a visa. Prior to
travelling, obtain authorisation
via the Electronic System for
Travel Authorization (ESTA) at
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.