How close have you ever been to a shark? What emotions filled you when you saw it? Perhaps a surge of adrenaline, an awe-inspiring fascination, or a thrill as you hurriedly reached for your underwater camera. And by the time you adjusted your focus, did you catch only a fleeting glimpse of the shark's tail as it rapidly disappeared into the vast blue yonder? If these questions ignite your adventurous spirit, then let me introduce you to my finned friends at Jupiter, where you can spend a breathtaking 2-3 hours with them underwater, courtesy of Dreaming Sea Divers.
Based in West Palm Beach, Florida, Dreaming Sea Divers offers a unique diving experience in one of the most diverse marine environments. It's a world enriched by our fortunate proximity to the Gulf Stream, a marine highway that brings us close to clear blue water and an astonishing variety of marine life. If you plan your dive during the nesting months of June and July, you might even enjoy the graceful company of Leatherback, Green, and Loggerhead Turtles.
However, the stars of our underwater show are undoubtedly the sharks. When we go diving in Federal Waters, just over 3 nautical miles offshore, we often encounter an impressive roster of shark species. Here you can marvel at the elegant Silky, Dusky, Lemon, Bulls, Reef, Great Hammerhead, Scalloped Hammerhead, Nurse, Sandbar, and even the awe-inspiring Tiger Sharks. Each of these species has its unique behavior and interactions with divers, none of which are aggressive towards us.
Take, for instance, Snooty, a famed lemon shark in Jupiter. With her own Facebook Page, she is probably the most photographed shark in the world, a testament to the unforgettable encounters divers have had with her.
At Dreaming Sea Divers, safety is paramount. Our experienced guides, like John, who has been feeding sharks professionally since 2015, ensure that all divers are well-informed and prepared. Listening to diving and safety briefings before any dive is essential, and while there are inherent risks in Florida scuba diving and shark diving, having a trusted operation and an experienced feeder can minimize these risks.
The local diving environment offers an array of experiences. You can explore beautiful reefs starting at 40ft (12m) on top and 60ft (18m) in the sand. The deeper reefs begin at 65ft (20m) and drop to 90ft (28m) in the sand. We also have several wrecks to explore, artificially sunk to promote coral growth and attract marine life.
One of our region's hidden gems is the world-famous Blue Heron Bridge at Phil Foster Park. The deepest spot here is 23ft (7m), teeming with rare creatures such as batfish, frogfish, flying gurnards, bumblebee shrimp, and an array of tropical fish and eels.
Whether you're capturing memories through a camera lens or simply absorbing the underwater serenity, the ocean around West Palm Beach offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The opportunity to see a variety of shark species, to appreciate their beauty and grace, is something few places can offer.
So are you ready to create unforgettable memories? To meet Snooty and her shark friends? Are you prepared to dive into an underwater world that promises not just adventure and thrill but a newfound respect and admiration for these remarkable marine creatures? If so, don't hesitate.
The sharks are waiting for you.