Today's adventure takes me to Pump House Beach on Singer Island in Riviera Beach. This beach is known for being the easternmost point of Florida at the Palm Beach Inlet. It gets its name from the 1958 sand transfer station that was built to bypass sand across the inlet, moving it from the north end of Singer Island to the south end of Palm Beach Island.
Pump House Beach is mostly a locals' spot because there is no parking nearby. To get there, you'll need to park at Riviera Municipal Beach, which is a perfectly nice beach in its own right if you decide not to make the walk. It has restrooms, picnic pavilions, and grills. Even though there's a pay kiosk, I was pleasantly surprised when it told me that parking was complimentary the day I visited. Right across from the municipal beach is a large shopping plaza with plenty of places to grab food and drinks or pick up anything you might need for a beach day.
If you decide to make the trek the adventure begins. Head south along Ocean Drive for about a 10-minute walk. Just after you pass Linda Lane, look to your left for a path known as the Enchanted Walkway, a beautiful tunnel of sea grapes that leads directly to the beach.
The walk is only about half a mile, but with temperatures over 100 degrees that day, it felt longer. By the time I reached the sea grape tunnel, I was heat exhausted. Fortunately, the skies turned overcast for the walk back, making the return trip much more comfortable.
Once you reach Pump House Beach, you're rewarded with an incredible beach experience. Thanks to its close proximity to the Gulf Stream, the water is often crystal clear around high tide. The area next to the pump house drops off quickly and is a popular snorkeling area along with nearby Phil Foster Park and Peanut Island. I saw countless tropical fish but stingrays and sea turtles are also known to frequent the area. For the clearest water and best visibility, plan to arrive about an hour before high tide.
Pump House Beach is perfect for locals or anyone who doesn't mind a bit of a walk. I traveled light with just a towel, snorkel gear, and water. If I wanted to bring a beach chair, cooler, or other gear, I'd probably set up at Riviera Municipal Beach instead.
I'm glad I finally got to experience this special spot. It may take a little extra effort to get here, but the clear water and excellent snorkeling make the journey worth it. read more