Hey Everybody,
Well, I did what I said I wasn't doing and left WPB without diving but I did do some investigating. I got caught up with family and friends and had such a wonderful time, that I didn't make it diving.
About the area: I (trolled) around up under BHB and it looked a little scary for someone who hasn't done it before. There is a roped off swimming area, then some areas around the structures that hold up the bridge (I don't know what you call them). Then in the middle of the bridge, there is a channel that the boats go thru. So, I'm wondering exactly where divers can safely dive? There were A LOT of boats going everywhere! I think a new person should definitely find someone who knows where to go. Maybe another diver or possibly a guide from one of the shops? I chatted with a few divers who were off-loading their equipment, but didn't want to disturb them from their diving. One fellow said, "Well, there's the swimming area, so you just jump in over to the side." Me: So, where do you go after that? Him: Anywhere you want
I then decided that I would probably need a guide so I scouted out the hangs outs around the beach so you others who might go down wouldn't have to suffer that experience
Here's the scoop: Over the BHB is Ocean Mall (in Riviera Beach) versus across the street which is another town called Palm Beach Shores. At the mall, there are two very cool restaurant/bars called Two Drunken Goats and Johnny Longboats. They looked like a good place for divers to hang out afterwards, chat, and maybe look at dive pics. Both are open to the outside and there were cool breezes blowing thru. Fun atmosphere at both.
Across the street in Palm Beach Shores are some of the beachside hotels and resorts. We never made it down the Riviera Beach way, which is where the Hilton is, but we did hit the Palm Beach Shores resort (big, pink, old florida style) which has an awesome Tiki Hut behind it. You can park your car or valet park, walk thru to the Tiki Bar and chill. Good drinks and bar food. Locals and tourists alike hang out there and it is a very friendly place. Spacious and clean.
I met a lady who is familiar with the Sea Sray Hotel, which is only a few hotels down the strip. It is an old florida style resort but I found out it has good prices (about $79 thru $150 per night right now) depending if the a/c is working. It looks like it would be an excellent Dive Resort. I put a bug in her ear that if the owners wanted to start a dive resort that they would probably get a lot of business. You know, room, shuttle, all inclusive food and beverage, etc. I explained to her that divers usually aren't all that picky about rooms as long as the a/c is working and the rooms are clean. She said that she would speak to the owners who have asked her about some marketing ideas.
Another place to hang out that I didn't go to but heard about was the Tiki Hut at the Riviera Marina. Rumor has it that they have a Sunday brunch to die for.
It's good to know the locals - that's how I found all the good spots, some of them just hole's in the wall but those are usually the best ones.
I hope the locals aren't upset with me, but these spots are the best that I found. Maybe they could use a few tourists.
BHB overlooks a little island called Peanut Island. You can only get there by boat, but a ferry shuttles you over from the Sailfish Marina. Looks like a good spot to go, swim, snorkel, and they have some camping spots.
If you couldn't tell, I fell in love with this area. Hoping to move there in a few years and I'd love to get to know some of you who would like to meet up. My first idea was the Keys but I really appreciate the sense of community in this small area that is removed from the larger part of the city, but close enought to get there if you need to.
If any of this looks a little hinky, I'm not wearing my glasses, so just fill in the blanks.
Hope some of you find this helpful.
Sheila (P.S. There were two dive shops very near to bridge, one at each end. Force-E and Pura Vida. Both looked nice. My friend who was with me got OW certified at Scuba Club which is right down the street and she loved it). Also checked out the Jupiter area....VERY nice and heard there was good diving there. Never made it to the Boynton Beach area but plan to next trip.
