How close have you ever been to a shark? Did the magnificent creature swim away before you had a chance to ready your camera? Or perhaps someone around you gave chase, only to find the shark quickening its pace, fleeing from the disturbance. What if I told you there's a place where you can swim freely with these majestic predators? A place where you can observe their natural behaviors, and spend hours underwater with them? Welcome to the world of private shark diving with Dreaming Sea Divers in Jupiter, Florida.
It's important to debunk some myths here. When most people think about sharks, they envision a dangerous, aggressive beast, thanks to sensationalized media portrayals. But the reality is quite different. Sharks are generally wary of divers. They find our noisy movements, bubble outputs, and tight-fitting black suits less than appealing. They tend to leave us alone, unless of course, we're offering them a tantalizing meal. It's not that they're interested in us, but rather, the delicious food we bring to their territory.
Venturing into federal waters, over three nautical miles offshore, we navigate towards popular dive sites frequented by an array of sharks. Here in Palm Beach, we're fortunate to be surrounded by Silky, Dusky, Lemon, Bulls, Reef, Great Hammerhead, Scalloped Hammerhead, Nurse, Sandbar, and even the occasional Tiger Shark. Each species exhibits unique behaviors towards divers, yet none display aggression. Instead, they are awe-inspiring, majestic creatures worthy of our respect and admiration.
One such remarkable resident of these waters is Snooty, a renowned lemon shark believed to be the most photographed shark in the world! Such is her celebrity status that she even boasts her own Facebook Page. Both Snooty and the occasional Tiger sharks enjoy special attention from the divers.
Ensuring a safe and enjoyable dive experience, John, who has been feeding sharks professionally since 2015, guides us through our underwater adventure. As with all SCUBA diving experiences, shark diving carries inherent risks. However, diving with a trusted operation and an experienced feeder significantly minimizes these risks, without eliminating them entirely. So remember, always pay attention to diving and safety briefings.
But enough about the logistics. Ready your cameras, or simply prepare to make unforgettable memories, and let's dive into the underwater world of sharks!
Beyond the shark diving experience, West Palm Beach offers an extraordinary diversity of marine life, depths, and bottom compositions. Thanks to our close proximity to the Gulf Stream, we are blessed with clear blue water and a bustling marine highway, brimming with life.
From June through July, the waters are a turtle lover's paradise, with Leatherback, Green, and Loggerhead Turtles nesting on the beaches and swimming back to the reefs to rest. August and September bring dozens of Volkswagen Beetle-sized Goliath Groupers to our wrecks, often surrounded by clouds of baitfish.
Florida SCUBA Diving is a world apart. Palm Beach's dive sites are bustling with moray eels, angel fish, butterfly fish, grunts, snappers, and numerous types of turtles. Occasionally, we are graced by the presence of Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, and even Great White Sharks!
Reef diving in Palm Beach offers beautiful reefs starting around 40ft (12m) on top and reaching 60ft (18m) in the sand. Our wrecks, sunk artificially to attract marine life and promote coral growth, start at 65ft (20m) and provide thrilling exploration opportunities.
The game fish variety on our reefs is fantastic, including Hogfish, many species of snapper and grouper, and cobia. And if you fancy hunting for your own dinner, the lobster hunting season from early August to the end of March offers an exciting venture!
Finally, the world-renowned Blue Heron Bridge at Phil Foster Park beckons. For decades, divers have flocked here to spot and photograph rare creatures hard to find anywhere else, all within a maximum depth of 23ft (7m).
So, are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Grab your gear, take the plunge, and join us at Dreaming Sea Divers. Dive deep into the world of sharks, and who knows what else we may find together in the mesmerizing waters of Palm Beach.