It’s a bit of a local lie. Honestly, if you look at a map, Singer Island West Palm Beach isn't a true island at all. It’s a peninsula. But "Singer Peninsula" just doesn't have that same ring to it, does it? People come here expecting a sleepy, disconnected rock in the ocean, and what they find instead is this weirdly perfect blend of high-end condo living and some of the grittiest, most beautiful raw nature left in Florida.
Most folks get it wrong. They think it’s just another part of West Palm. It’s not. It’s technically part of Riviera Beach, mostly, though the southern tip feels like its own planet.
You’ve got the Atlantic on one side and the Lake Worth Lagoon on the other. It’s skinny. In some spots, you could practically throw a baseball from the salt water of the ocean to the brackish water of the Intracoastal. That proximity to the Gulf Stream is the real secret sauce here. Because the current swings so close to the shore—closer here than almost anywhere else in the U.S.—the water is clearer, bluer, and warmer. It’s why the diving is world-class and why the fish are always biting.
The Paris Singer Connection and the Ghost of a Dream
Ever wonder why it’s called Singer Island? It’s not because of a famous vocalist. It’s named after Paris Singer. He was the heir to the Singer Sewing Machine fortune and, frankly, a bit of a dreamer. In the 1920s, he had this massive vision to turn this stretch of sand into a luxury resort called the Blue Heron.
He spent a fortune. He built roads. He started on a hotel that was supposed to rival anything in Palm Beach. Then the 1928 hurricane hit, followed by the Great Depression. The dream died. For decades, the island just sat there, growing wild. You can still feel that history if you know where to look. While the north end is now home to the Ritz-Carlton and massive glass towers, the ghosts of that "Old Florida" ambition are baked into the soil.
The island is roughly seven miles long. It’s narrow. It’s vulnerable. Yet, it has some of the most stable real estate in the county because people just can't quit that view.
Where to Actually Go: John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
If you go to Singer Island West Palm Beach and stay only at your hotel pool, you’ve failed. Seriously. You have to head north to John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. This is the only state park in Palm Beach County, and it’s a massive 438-acre reminder of what Florida looked like before the concrete took over.
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There’s a long bridge—a boardwalk, really—that stretches over the Lake Worth Lagoon to the beach. Walk it. You’ll see ospreys. You might see a manatee if the tide is right.
The reef here is incredible. It’s a rock reef, just a few hundred feet off the shore. You don’t need a boat. You just need a mask, some fins, and the ability to hold your breath for thirty seconds. You’ll see parrotfish that look like they’ve been spray-painted neon colors. You might see a nurse shark tucked under a ledge. They’re basically the labradors of the sea; don't poke them, and they won't bother you.
Why the Snorkeling at Phil Foster Park is Better (Usually)
Just over the Blue Heron Bridge is Phil Foster Park. It’s famous. Like, "internationally famous among macro-photographers" famous.
Why? Because of the "Snorkel Trail."
The county sunk a bunch of concrete reef balls and statues here. It sounds tacky. It isn't. It’s a magnet for life. You can find seahorses here. Seahorses! In like, six feet of water. You can find octopus, squid, and the occasional manta ray gliding under the bridge spans.
- Pro Tip: You have to time this with high tide.
- If you go at low tide, the visibility is garbage.
- Check the tide charts. Arrive an hour before "high slack" tide.
- The water turns crystal clear as the ocean rushes in.
- Then, as soon as the tide turns, it gets murky again.
The High-Rise Lifestyle vs. The Beach Hut Vibe
Living on Singer Island is a study in contrasts. On the south end, near the Palm Beach Inlet, you have these towering condos. Places like Tiara and the Ritz. The views are insane. You can watch the cruise ships and the massive sportfishing boats navigate the inlet. It’s high-velocity luxury.
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But then you walk a block over to Sailfish Marina.
Sailfish is the heart of the island’s soul. It’s a working marina. It’s where the big boats dock. Every Thursday night, they do a sunset celebration with local artists and food. Get the conch fritters. Or the grouper dog. It’s messy, it’s expensive for what it is, but it’s the most "Singer Island" experience you can have. You sit there, smell the diesel and the salt air, and watch the sun dip behind the West Palm Beach skyline.
It’s worth noting that the island isn't all glitz. There are pockets that feel a little dated. Some of the older motels from the 60s and 70s are still hanging on. Some people hate that; I think it adds character. It keeps the place from becoming a sterile, gated community where everything looks the same.
The Sea Turtle Factor
Singer Island West Palm Beach is a literal highway for sea turtles. From March to October, the beach belongs to them. Leatherbacks, Loggerheads, and Greens. They crawl up, dig a hole, drop a hundred eggs, and head back out.
The locals take this seriously.
Lights out.
No flashlights on the beach.
No white lights from the condos.
If you’ve never seen a leatherback turtle in person, it’s hard to describe the scale. They are the size of a small car. Seeing one emerge from the dark surf under a moonlit sky is a religious experience for some. It reminds you that despite the Marriott and the Hilton and the Starbucks down the street, this is still a wild place.
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Logistics: How to Not Get Annoyed
Getting on and off the island can be a pain. There are two ways: the Blue Heron Bridge to the north and the Jerry Thomas Bridge (PGA Blvd) further up.
If the Blue Heron Bridge opens for a boat, traffic backs up fast. Don't be in a rush. If you’re trying to catch a flight at PBI (Palm Beach International), give yourself an extra twenty minutes.
Parking is another beast. Phil Foster fills up by 9:00 AM on weekends. The public beach access points have limited spots. If you aren't staying on the island, get there early or prepare to circle the block like a vulture.
Real Talk on Dining
Look, the food on the island is... okay.
There are some gems like Guakamole's or the aforementioned Sailfish Marina. But for a "real" foodie experience, most locals hop over the bridge to West Palm or North Palm Beach.
- Two Drunken Goats: Good for a margarita and people watching.
- Johnny Longboats: A classic. It’s been there forever. It’s loud, crowded, and the seafood is solid.
- The Ocean Reef Park: Great for a picnic, but watch the seagulls. They are aggressive. They will steal a sandwich right out of your hand.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you want to actually see Singer Island, follow this sequence:
- Check the Tide: Download a tide app. Find out when high tide is at the Blue Heron Bridge. Plan your snorkeling or diving exactly around that window.
- Rent a Kayak at MacArthur: Go to the North end. Rent a kayak and paddle over to Munyon Island. It’s a small island inside the lagoon. There’s a trail there. It’s quiet. It’s where the locals go to escape the tourists.
- Walk the Inlet: Go to the very southern tip of the island at sunset. There’s a jetty. Walk out on the rocks. You can watch the water rush through the inlet. It’s a powerful spot.
- Visit Loggerhead Marinelife Center: It’s actually just a few minutes north in Juno Beach, but it’s where all the injured turtles from Singer Island go. It’s free (though you should donate). It gives you a much deeper appreciation for the ecosystem you’re standing on.
Singer Island isn't trying to be South Beach. It’s not trying to be the Hamptons. It’s just a skinny stretch of sand that refused to wash away, filled with people who really, really like the water. Whether you're there for the $5 million penthouse or a $20 parking spot at the state park, the ocean looks the same. Blue, deep, and right there.