Jupiter Scuba Diving / Kyalami Charters

“Captain Mike’s” dive site is one of the most spectacular local reefs Jupiter Dive Center has to offer. It is a high ledge averaging between 15 and 20 feet in height from the sand. Divers start the dive on top of the ledge at about 75 feet over a fish-filled aquarium. As the current carries divers north to a bend in the ledge, they are often met by curious Reef sharks. Around the bend and on to the north cruising along the ledge divers may encounter Spotted Eagle rays flying south, enormous Southern rays hiding in the sand, or, in January and February, Lemon Sharks on top of the ledge for their annual visit. A little further north along the ledge, after a sandy patch about 150 feet long, a point juts out to the west indicating the deep home of “Tug” (or “Tuggle”) the GOLIATH Goliath grouper. This enormous animal is always there, but approach slowly and keep some distance because it is shy and will move away from divers. In late summer, up to ten more Goliath groupers can be seen at this spot as the Goliath groupers aggregate to spawn. On along the ledge Loggerhead, Green, and Hawksbill turtles are common. The little Hawksbills will let you get quite close for a really good look as they munch away on sponges. Large Green moray eels are residents usually found below the ledge in the crevices, frequently free-swimming. Toward the end of the dive, nitrox divers with longer bottom times will be treated to the second Reef shark neighborhood of the dive site. There are usually four to six reef sharks here who want to see who is passing through. With an amazing abundance of marine life, “Captain Mike’s” is a world-class dive site.

The Zion Train dive site is a series of three wrecks that are home to some fantastic big animals. As divers approach the Zion Train, a small freighter listing to its port side with its bow broken off by a hurricane, the resident Goliath groupers slowly try to find an out-of-the-way corner in which to hide. The wreck, being wide open, allows divers to get a good up-close look at the Goliaths even as they try to hide. In late summer, when Goliath groupers aggregate; there may be as many as six or seven of these giant fish on the Zion Train alone. Just to the east of the Zion Train is a pile of concrete beams. In January and February these beams become the spectator area at 80 feet to view the Lemon sharks. There may be as many as two dozen of these large, impressive sharks circling out into the sand and returning again for another go-around. They make the reef sharks appear very small. Drifting north from the Zion Train, divers come across the Miss Jenny, an upside-down barge that is also home to Goliath groupers as well as Gag groupers and Black groupers. On a 340 degree course from the Miss Jenny (a course clearly marked by rebar stuck in the ground every thirty feet or so) is the Esso Bonaire, the largest of the three wrecks. She sits upright in 90 feet of water with her deck being at about 75 feet. Her holds are wide open and easily investigated. The cabin area at the stern is safely penetrated as long as the diver does not go into the lower areas. Goliath groupers of enormous size can be seen here peeking out of the darkness at the bubble-blowers. Occasionally, Spotted Eagle ray and Cobia visit the wrecks presenting the divers with an encore after the Goliath groupers. Drifting away from the wrecks on the ascent, divers can only be amazed at the incredible spectacle they have just experienced, all here in Southern Florida.

One of the most popular dive sites in South Florida, Blue Heron Bridge is an easily accessible shore dive sitting just under the Blue Heron Bridge in Riviera Beach. SPECIAL NOTE: check the tide schedule as this dive can only be made during slack tide otherwise currents will be too strong through the bay.

The Corridor Wreck Trek is a drift divers paradise This area is full of amazing animal encounters including Goliath Groupers, sea turtles, stingrays, and in the distance a lurking reef shark. Some of the wrecks in this line up were sunk some time ago so they are covered in corals and sponges.

South Double Ledges consists of a twin reef running North/South. One of the ledges rises five feet from 85 feet deep while the other is about 8 feet high from 65 feet. The end of the reef resembles a large circular bowl that is populated with fish and corals. A very good drift dive.

This is a very popular dive site in Palm Beach County and consists of the remains of an old pier in front of the famous Breakers Hotel. Ranging in depth from just a few feet to 18 feet this site is great for divers and snorkelers alike.