Get Outside with FWF: Phil Foster Park Snorkel Trail

by Casey Darling Kniffin, Conservation Policy Director

To me, nothing says Florida summer quite like putting on my mask, fins, and snorkel and venturing into the crystal-clear water to explore our marine treasures. On the morning of my most recent adventure, my family woke up early to greet the high tide at one of our favorite shore-accessible snorkeling spots: the Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach.

The park is nestled within the Lake Worth Lagoon, and like much of the lagoon, it’s teeming with biodiversity. At high tide, clear Atlantic Ocean water flows in the inlet and provides this protected spot with ideal conditions. The marine ecosystem has always felt like home to me, and this morning was no exception.

We got to the park just before high tide and successfully secured a parking spot, always the first hurdle to overcome. We were welcomed by clear water, good visibility, and gentle current to drift along.

The moment I glide into the water, that familiar meditative state takes hold. Only my breathing and the clicking of the marine life fills my ears and the whole world slows down. A short swim brings me to the snorkel trail where large Anastasia rock boulders have been deployed in shallow water, making it easy to dive down and explore the habitat they provide up close.

We meander from one structure to another, making sure to look under every ledge and in every crevice to spot a hiding eel or lobster and catch passing glimpses of countless tropical fish.

As we turn the corner and pass under the Blue Heron Bridge, the juxtaposition of the infrastructure comes into view. The smooth gray concrete above the surface turns into sharp oysters, colorful sponges, swaying anemones, and lumpy tunicates just below. The highlight of this trip was schools of shimmering baitfish that enveloped each of us until we were part of the school, moving in unison, then scattering in a flash.

I’ve always loved photographing wildlife underwater and this trip offered abundant opportunities to observe and record various species. Equipped with just an iPhone in waterproof housing, my goal is to simply satisfy my deep appreciation for the marine environment by cataloging the diversity of life, the health of the habitat, and to later relive those relaxing moments underwater.

Looking back at the videos captured, I’m thankful that local protections and a vision for Lake Worth Lagoon have prevailed to make this place a favorite among both seasoned and beginner snorkelers. And now of course, I’m already looking at the tide charts and planning my next adventure.