Riviera Beach: Deep Sea Fishing Trip & Blue Heron Fleet

Summary

Family-run boats, dolphins nearby, reels in hand at Riviera Beach

You’ll board with strangers but end up swapping stories as you fish off Riviera Beach with Blue Heron Fleet. Expect laughter from both seasoned anglers and beginners, help from a patient local crew, maybe even dolphins swimming by your line. Gear and license are sorted for you — just show up ready for salt air and surprises.

What’s the experience like?

The morning didn’t start as planned — I spilled coffee on my shorts right before the Blue Heron Fleet check-in at Riviera Beach. Not a great look for my first real deep sea fishing trip. But nobody seemed to care; the crew just grinned and pointed out where to stash my bag. The boat itself was bigger than I expected, all aluminum and a bit scuffed up in a way that felt honest. Our guide, Mike (who’s apparently third-generation), handed me a rod and said, “You’ll get the hang of it.” I wasn’t so sure.

We drifted out past the docks while gulls screamed overhead — louder than I thought they’d be. There was this salty tang in the air that stuck to my skin, and someone behind me tried (and failed) to tie a knot while their kid giggled. Mike showed us how to bait the hook without losing a finger. He told stories about his grandfather’s first catch out here in 1955 — you could tell he’d done this forever but still liked it. About twenty minutes later, someone shouted and suddenly everyone was scrambling for their rods.

I caught nothing for ages — just watched lines bobbing and listened to water slap against the hull. Then, out of nowhere, a dolphin surfaced near us, close enough that you could see its eye flick up like it was judging our technique (probably fair). The crew filleted legal catches right at the dock when we got back; it smelled like fresh fish and sunscreen and salt. I didn’t expect to care about that part but honestly? It felt like summer camp for grownups — minus any pressure to be good at fishing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half-day deep-sea fishing excursion

• Arrive at Blue Heron Fleet dock
• Board custom aluminum drift fishing vessel
• Receive fishing rod, reel, bait, tackle
• Depart for prime fishing grounds
• Fish and enjoy wildlife sightings
• Return to dock
• Have legal fish filleted at dock

Top questions

How long does the deep sea fishing trip last?

The half-day trip typically lasts around 4 hours from departure to return.

Is equipment included on the Blue Heron Fleet tour?

Yes, rod, reel, bait, tackle, and fishing license are all included in your fare.

Are there restrooms on board?

Yes, there are clean separate restrooms for men and women on each vessel.

Can beginners join this Riviera Beach deep sea fishing trip?

Absolutely—the crew helps everyone from novices to experts throughout the trip.

Are private charters available?

Yes, Blue Heron Fleet offers private charters for groups or special events.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, vessels are wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to make a reservation?

No reservations are necessary; you can join one of two daily departures.

What wildlife might we see during the trip?

You may spot birds, sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins—and sometimes even whale sharks.

What’s included

Your day includes all fishing gear—rod, reel, bait—as well as tackle and your fishing license taken care of by Blue Heron Fleet’s experienced local crew before you even step aboard.