Sunrise Secrets Beneath the Bridge

The Blue Heron Bridge—celebrated as America’s best shore dive—has a way of being magical no matter the hour, but this time our divers arrived at dawn, hoping to catch the underwater world as it stirred awake. 

^{Photo by Jean Gruss}

With the first light of morning spilling across the water, the group made the short walk to the West side beach, perfectly timed to hit slack tide. The current was still, the sea calm—though visibility hovered around 20 feet, just enough to keep things mysterious.

^{Photo by Jean Gruss}

Splitting into two buddy groups, the divers navigated the bridge pilings and scattered rubble. In the haze, a quick surface check kept everyone oriented, and soon the life of the bridge began to reveal itself. Mantis shrimp peeked shyly from their burrows, while blennies struck playful poses for photographers. Camouflaged scorpionfish lay in wait like masters of disguise, and eels worked their jaws in their familiar, hypnotic rhythm.

^{Photo by Rudy Lopez}

^{Photo by Rudy Lopez}

The highlight of the dive? A surprising (and very private) moment—a pair of crabs mid-romance, tucked between pilings. Respectfully giving them their space, the group continued on, chasing the glow of the rising sun and searching for whatever critters might be ready to greet the new day.

^{Photo by Rudy Lopez}