Phil Foster Park / Singer Island

Riviera Beach, Florida · Palm Beach County

Phil Foster Park sits on the Lake Worth Lagoon under the Blue Heron Bridge, where paddlers launch onto flats and paddle out to an 800-foot artificial-reef snorkel trail. Current picks up outside slack tide, better suited to intermediate paddlers than first-timers. Rays, octopus, sea turtles and manatees turn up in the shallows, and an on-site outfitter rents boards.

DifficultyIntermediate
RentalsOn site
ParkingFree

The Paddle

Paddle out from the park and you're on open, unusually clear flats in the Lake Worth Lagoon, right under the Blue Heron Bridge. The draw for paddlers is reaching the 800-foot artificial-reef snorkel trail straight from the board, no boat needed, with rays, octopus, sea turtles and manatees showing up in the shallows on a good day. Time it for slack or high tide, when the water is clearest and the current eases off.

Launch & Parking

Launch from the sandy shoreline at the park; it's a short carry from the free parking lot to the water. The separate boat ramp requires its own $10 daily permit, but you won't need that if you're hand-carrying a board in from the lot.

Rentals

Singer Island Outdoor Center runs the on-site rental concession, renting both kayaks and paddleboards if you'd rather not haul your own gear out.

Rules & Safety

Current under the bridge runs strong outside slack tide, and you're sharing the water with boat traffic and divers working the snorkel trail below, so keep a lookout in both directions. Statewide paddleboard rules apply on this water too; the summary below covers them.

Before You Go

Island Water Sports in Delray Beach is 22.3 miles from Phil Foster Park. Pick up a paddleboard, paddle, leash and dry bag if you'd rather bring your own gear than rent on-site, or book a lesson before paddling current near a bridge.

Florida paddleboard rules

Outside designated swimming, surfing, and bathing areas, Florida and the U.S. Coast Guard treat a stand-up paddleboard as a vessel, which means basic boating rules apply. Carry one Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board, and children under 6 must wear theirs while the board is underway. You also need a whistle or other sound device audible for at least half a nautical mile, and after sunset or in poor visibility, a flashlight or lantern with a white light to signal your position. Inside a marked swimming or surfing area these vessel rules do not apply. Non-motorized paddleboards under 16 feet do not need Florida registration. Rules can change, so check current FWC guidance before you paddle.

Summarized from FWC and U.S. Coast Guard guidance, verified 2026-08-12. Rules can change; check current FWC guidance.

FAQ

Where do paddlers launch at Phil Foster Park?

From the sandy shoreline near the free parking lot; it's a short carry to the water and separate from the boat ramp.

Can I rent a paddleboard at Phil Foster Park?

Yes, Singer Island Outdoor Center runs an on-site concession renting both paddleboards and kayaks.

When is the best time to paddle at Phil Foster Park?

Slack or high tide, when the water is clearest and the current under the Blue Heron Bridge eases off; it suits intermediate paddlers more than first-timers.

Nearby paddle spots

Nearest shop: IWS Delray Beach · 22.3 miles South Florida's surf shop since 1978 · 954-427-4929