Things to Do in Riviera Beach

Akin to the Batmen of the sea, the divemasters and instructors at The Scuba Club lead underwater adventures from their multi-level seaside mansion, using only the very best toys. After outfitting customers with gear from their Scubapro Platinum Dealer shop, they cart passengers to the many dive-ready sites a mere 20-minute journey away aboard their U.S. Coast Guard-certified boat. Beneath the waves, divers encounter turtles, eels, sharks, and rays in an aquatic parade of regular reef creatures and Atlantic water visitors.

From the New Riviera Beach Marina, Blue Water Powerboat Rentals looks out on three prime boating destinations: Peanut Island, Palm Beach Island and Singer Island. The rental shop also nestles near Lake Worth Inlet, a Gulf Stream-proximate locale ideal for fishing and drift diving.

Renters can jet towards these sites, or simply explore the intracoastal waterways, in whatever vehicle they deem the chosen one from the company’s fleet of Yamaha Waverunners, kayaks, and pontoon boats. The selection also encompasses CraigCats, lightweight motorized catamarans, whose twin bucket seats are ideal for two passengers. For those apprehensive about taking the wheel, the shop’s captains can show the areas most idyllic underwater and above-water sights on boating and snorkeling tours.

Mos'Art Theatre, strives to fortify Palm Beach's cultural scene with "film, art, music, and hope," bolstering a sense of community and inspiring creative expression. Before even entering the theater, audiences pass paintings from local artists and the Art Bar, where they can sip a preshow beer or wine. In the intimate, 150-seat auditorium, the silver screen lights up with indie and foreign films, dazzling eyes and ears with stories that spotlight the human condition and let patrons cry in public without fear of banishment. The management duo, J.R. and Erin Coley, rounds out the commitment to elevating artistic discourse with live children's theater, creative classes, and an ongoing series tracking opera and ballet in the movies.

Sailors navigate the glittering waters of Palm Beach in one of The Boat Fleet's many vessels, which include center consoles, walkarounds, deck boats, cabin cruisers, and bowriders. Seafaring parties may adventure to nearby Peanut Island, cruise up and down the coast to spot sprawling waterfront mansions, or relax while floating in their private patches of ocean. The 21- to 33-foot boats include rigs equipped for fishing trips—including stainless-steel rod holders, game-spotting GPS, and lures that look like Bugs Bunny in a wig—and all ships stow Coast Guard safety gear and lifeboats aboard.

With the Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop for inimitable aquatic adventures, Captain Steve Cienkowski steers participants along crystalline waters for laid-back expeditions or longer jaunts to either the Keys or Bahamas. Participants can glean pertinent sailing or snorkeling tips during lessons or revel in up-close glimpses of manatees swimming and filing taxes in their natural habitat.

Bobby Alcott's love for the nautical life first took shape during college, when he paid his tuition with profits from fishing aboard a 44-foot boat he had reconstructed himself. A trip to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands in 2003 further fueled his passion for sailing and entertaining, as he began leading charter trips. Now, 15 years after attaining his Coast Guard master's license, he seeks to instill passengers with nautical knowledge and show them a new perspective of Palm Beach through his business, Lacuna Tours.

Captain Bobby navigates his hurricane deck boat along smooth intra-coastal waters during tours and charters, adapting the course to his passengers’ chosen sites while politely vetoing their requests to exchange courtesies with the local narwhal. He expounds on nearby sites and local history with a sense of humor, which he developed during 10 years as a ski instructor. During the day or at sunset, Bobby steers the boat during private tours or themed trips such as birthday parties and wedding celebrations.

On extended tours, he runs the vessel onto the shore of one of Palm Beach's uninhabited islands and lets passengers disembark to relax on the beach and explore the nooks and crannies of abandoned sand castles. If children are onboard, he also brings ashore a small treasure chest filled with candy, balloons, and toy jewelry, and buries it in the sand when they aren't looking. Bobby then spins tales of pirate visits to the island, inviting the wee adventurers to search for the treasure. To further the swashbuckling theme, he also provides pirate costumes and props, giving parents ample photo opportunities.