11 Things to Do on Singer Island That Start on the Water

Singer Island sits just north of Palm Beach on Florida's southeast coast. It offers seven miles of beach, crystal clear Atlantic water, and some of the best water activities in the state. The Gulf Stream runs closer to shore here than almost anywhere else on the mainland. That single geographic fact changes everything about what visitors can do on the water.

So what are the best things to do on Singer Island if the ocean is the starting point? Here is a quick answer: snorkel the Phil Foster Park trail, kayak to Peanut Island, book a fishing charter, take a sunset boat cruise, go scuba diving, try parasailing, rent a jet ski, paddleboard through MacArthur State Park, hop on an eco tour, party at the Peanut Island sandbar, or rent a boat and build an entire custom day on the water.

Now, here is the full breakdown.

1. Snorkel the Phil Foster Park Underwater Trail

This one tops the list for a reason. Phil Foster Park has an 800 foot artificial reef and snorkel trail that attracts visitors from all over the world. Sea turtles, stingrays, tropical fish, and even the occasional octopus show up here regularly. The trail sits in shallow water, which makes it perfect for families and beginners. And it is free to enter. That is a combination hard to beat anywhere in South Florida.

Best time to go: During high tide, when the Gulf Stream pushes fresh, clear Caribbean water through the inlet.

2. Kayak or Paddleboard to Peanut Island

Peanut Island is an 80-acre tropical park sitting right in the Lake Worth Lagoon. Getting there by kayak or paddleboard is half the fun. The Singer Island Outdoor Center at Phil Foster Park rents gear and runs guided tours. Once on the island, visitors can snorkel a small reef, explore mangrove trails, or check out the JFK nuclear bunker from 1962. Because yes, that is a real thing.

Rentals for a double kayak with snorkel gear typically run around $99 for two people.

3. Book a Deep Sea Fishing Charter

Here is the thing about Singer Island fishing. The Gulf Stream sits just a 15-minute boat ride from shore. That puts anglers within striking distance of wahoo, mahi mahi, sailfish, and even swordfish. Inshore options are excellent too, with snook, tarpon, and redfish in the Intracoastal. Multiple charter operators run out of Sailfish Marina and Riviera Beach Marina.

4. Take a Sunset Cruise Along the Intracoastal

Few things to do on Singer Island beat watching the sun drop behind the Palm Beach skyline from a boat. Sunset cruises leave from Sailfish Marina and Riviera Beach Marina most evenings.

Some operators include drinks, snacks, and narrated local history. The colors over the Intracoastal Waterway during golden hour are something else entirely. This is one of those experiences visitors keep talking about long after the trip ends.

Visitors staying in Delray Beach or Boca Raton can browse available Palm Beach boat rentals and book a captained sunset cruise without needing to arrange anything locally.

5. Go Scuba Diving on World-Class Reefs

Singer Island is considered the drift diving capital of Florida. That is not marketing fluff. The Gulf Stream creates a mild one knot current that carries divers along reef lines and shipwrecks with barely any effort. The Blue Heron Bridge dive site has been voted one of the top 50 dive sites on the planet. Divers regularly spot frogfish, flying gurnards, and barracuda here. Pura Vida Divers on Singer Island offers everything from beginner certification courses to advanced wreck dives.

6. Try Parasailing for a Bird's Eye View

Want to see Singer Island from 200 feet up? Parasailing gives visitors a perspective that is impossible to get from the beach. Several operators launch from the Riviera Beach Marina area. Flights typically last around 10 to 15 minutes. On a clear day, the views stretch across the Atlantic, Peanut Island, and even the West Palm Beach skyline. It is surprisingly peaceful up there, which catches most first-timers off guard.

7. Rent a Jet Ski and Explore the Coastline

Jet skiing around Singer Island is one of those high-energy activities that never disappoints. The warm, calm waters of the Intracoastal make it accessible even for beginners. Riders can cruise past waterfront mansions, zip toward the inlet, or loop around Peanut Island. Rental operators near Riviera Beach Marina and Sailfish Marina offer hourly options. Just watch for manatee zones and no-wake areas.

8. Paddleboard Through MacArthur Beach State Park

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park covers the northern end of Singer Island. It is the only state park in all of Palm Beach County, which makes it special. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available inside the park. The estuary here is home to fiddler crabs, pufferfish, and juvenile sea turtles. Paddling through the mangrove channels feels worlds away from the nearby resort towers. The park also offers guided nature walks and moonlight concerts throughout the year.

9. Party at the Peanut Island Sandbar

This is where Singer Island's boating culture really comes alive. On weekends, the shallow sandbar on the north side of Peanut Island fills up with boats anchored in knee-deep water. People swim, float, play music, and socialize. It is basically a floating beach party. The easiest way to get there is by renting a boat from a South Florida charter company and having a captain take the group directly to the sandbar.

Pro tip: Bring food and drinks. There are no concession stands on Peanut Island.

Checking out the full fleet of boats and yachts ahead of time helps groups pick the right size vessel for their sandbar plans.

10. Hop on a Guided Eco or Wildlife Boat Tour

Singer Island sits at the intersection of the Atlantic, the Intracoastal, and the Lake Worth Lagoon. That convergence creates a hotspot for marine wildlife. Guided eco tours take visitors past manatee habitats, nesting bird colonies, and dolphin feeding areas. Several tour operators offer narrated trips that cover local history and ecology. For families with kids, these tours are educational and genuinely fun.

Common wildlife sightings on Singer Island tours:

• Bottlenose dolphins
• West Indian manatees
• Sea turtles (loggerhead, green, hawksbill)
• Brown pelicans and ospreys
• Tropical reef fish along the shoreline

11. Rent a Boat and Create a Full Custom Day

This is the one that ties everything together. Instead of booking individual activities, renting a private boat opens up the entire Singer Island coastline in a single day. Visit Peanut Island in the morning, anchor at the sandbar for lunch, cruise the Intracoastal in the afternoon, and watch the sunset from the water. A captained charter handles navigation, bridge timing, and local knowledge so everyone else just enjoys the ride.

Companies like Delray Beach Boat Rentals offer luxury boats and yachts with USCG-licensed captains. Their fleet covers everything from sporty day boats to large catamarans. The convenience of having snorkel gear, paddleboards, and water toys already onboard means less planning and more time on the water.

Why Start on the Water?

Most guides list things to do on Singer Island and fill half the list with restaurants and shopping. Nothing wrong with that. But Singer Island's real personality lives on the water. The reefs, the islands, the wildlife, the sunsets. All of it is best experienced from a boat, a board, or below the surface.

For visitors staying anywhere in Palm Beach County, Singer Island is an easy day trip that punches well above its weight.

FAQs

What are the best free things to do on Singer Island?

Snorkeling the Phil Foster Park underwater trail and swimming at Riviera Beach Municipal Beach are both free. MacArthur Beach State Park charges a small vehicle entry fee but offers free nature walks.

How do you get to Peanut Island from Singer Island?

Water taxis run every 25 minutes from Riviera Beach Marina. Visitors can also kayak, paddleboard, or arrive by private or rented boat.

Is Singer Island good for families with kids?

Absolutely. The snorkel trail at Phil Foster Park sits in shallow water. Guided kayak tours welcome children as young as four. And Peanut Island has calm beaches with a playground area.

Can you rent a boat to explore Singer Island if you are staying in Delray Beach?

Yes. Charter companies like Delray Beach Boat Rentals serve all of South Florida, including Palm Beach. Their captained boats can take groups directly to Singer Island, Peanut Island, and surrounding waters for a full day of activities.