Need advice, shore diving in Jupiter, FL

[jwalko]

Hey all:

I need some advice from locals who dive in Florida.

I am coming to the Stuart area in late July. I'd like to do some shore diving with my daughter. Looking for some easier dives that we can access from the shore. We would like to dive someplace where we could see any wrecks closer to shore or nice reef formations. Any recommendations?

I'm also looking for recommendations for dive operations in case we decide to go on a morning trip (not sure yet...depends on cost and affordability). As she is only 14, I'd be looking for shallower (less than 60') dives. I can call around and talk to the dive ops, but would like recommendations from people who've used them or are familiar with them.

I'll also need a place to rent tanks and weights (we're flying down). We'll have our own wet suit, BCs, fins, etc.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks;

John Walko

 

[jupitermermaid]

Hi John,
There really is no shore diving in Jupiter. The best place for that is the Blue Heron Bridge in Riviera Beach (10 min south of Jupiter). The cool thing about the bridge is that there are several small wrecks along with a plethora of marine life to be seen there. It's best to dive it slack high tide. The depth will be 11'-20'.

As far as dive ops, Jupiter has several, but they all are deeper than 60' dives due to the location of the reef system. The top of the reefs are at about 65', so to swim along the ledges you'd be around 70-80' for the most part, some deeper. If you decide to go with a Jupiter op, I would highly recommend Jupiter Dive Center. All Jupiter is drift diving, and the current could get strong at times, so I would suggest you only go drift diving in Jupiter if you and your daughter are strong, experienced divers.

If you prefer something shallower, I would head to West Palm Beach, where the reefs tend to be a little shallower. Some good ops there are Little Deeper, Pura Vida, Jim Abernethy, and others.

If you don't mind driving a little farther south, down to Boynton Beach, Underwater Explorers, with SB's own Scubakevdm is a great choice.

 

[Jupiter31]

John, if you want a shore dive, as Sandy, er, Jupiter Mermaid, mentioned, you cannot do better than Blue Heron Bridge - its fantastic - in fact, do it - you will be very happy, really excellent dive - go in 1 hour before high tide - you MUST have a dive flag and float.

When you are standing on the beach, looking at the water, I like the side to the right - you will see when you get there.

There are dives you can do from shore in the West Palm area, but its a swim - the bridge is soooo easy.

Bag Jupiter for your daughter - not the diving you want to do if you are unsure of anything - look into Boynton and Underwater Explorers - Boynton has the best reefs in FL, BTW.


And Sandy - hope you're going to KW - John mentioned you might go - I'm going and Sharon might - come w/ us!

 

[Shcubasteve]

Since you are staying in Stuart, you might check out some of our local shore diving/snorkling- BathTub Reef and House of Refuge are great places for beginners. If you are up for a swim, there is an old scooner wreck 150 yards offshore from the House of Refuge... You will be able to see it from shore if the visibility is good. Call my shop when your in the area for a vis report.

Steve

 

[Orlando Eric]

John, if you want a shore dive, as Sandy, er, Jupiter Mermaid, mentioned, you cannot do better than Blue Heron Bridge - its fantastic - in fact, do it - you will be very happy, really excellent dive - go in 1 hour before high tide - you MUST have a dive flag and float.

When you are standing on the beach, looking at the water, I like the side to the right - you will see when you get there.

There are dives you can do from shore in the West Palm area, but its a swim - the bridge is soooo easy.

Bag Jupiter for your daughter - not the diving you want to do if you are unsure of anything - look into Boynton and Underwater Explorers - Boynton has the best reefs in FL, BTW.


And Sandy - hope you're going to KW - John mentioned you might go - I'm going and Sharon might - come w/ us!

That pretty much sums it up...

 

[Orlando Eric]

JUST noticed the Stuart reference-- It is kinda a dice roll shore diving this area but if the winds, waves and current is right our sealife beats anything to the south on shore dives. There is a reason all the major offshore angling tournments are held here.. we got the large predatory game fishes!

I am off the Last week of July27th through August 5th. Word of caution July 29th and 30th is Mini Season!! You will not be able to rent a snorkel in this area from the 28th to the 31st. The TWO shops in this area will have their parking lots full of around 400 tanks waiting for fills the 28th, 29th, and 30th. They stay open all night running the compressors wide open until sun up all three days. Every tank will be rented for those not wanting to be 356th in the tank fill line every night.

If the conditions are right I'd be happy to show you Pepper Park diving and the National US Navy Seal UDT museum. Actually coming from Ohio we could dive Pepper Park no matter the conditions which vary in visibilty from 6" to 25' --

 

[jwalko]

Thanks for the advice.

Looks like I'll have to try Blue Heron Bridge. I wasn't sure if there was shore diving in the Jupiter area or not...I was going from memory (thought I heard Jupiter was good)...but I guess the memory isn't what it used to be. I am definitely going to take her there (Blue Heron). Driving is not a problem...last couple of times we ended up going to Ft. Lauderdale for the dive ops there...but I thought I would like to try a shore dive or two.

Just FYI, regarding diving in Stuart, my brother lives in Stuart and we dive Pecks Lake quite regularly...unfortunately, he will be in the Bahama's the week I am there...so no access to his boat (poor me...actually bad timing on my part...I set up this vacation a while ago and we didn't check each others schedules).

I know about Mini Season coming up that Wednesday and Thursday...something tells me I don't want to be anywhere near the water those two days (lol)...at least with my daughter.

I am arriving on Tuesday...not sure if I'll have time to get tanks when I get there. I may wait until either Friday or Saturday...we'll see.

Orlando Eric...where is Pepper Park...sounds like something I should check out. I appreciate the offer to show me around...I'd like to take you up on that when I am in the area.

Shcubasteve...I've been to bathtub reef before, but only to snorkel. I've never dove House of Refuge...is that the place just N of the Stuart Inlet named after the building on land?? I think we used to catch greenies there for bait...not sure.

I'm not sure where we are staying yet...it will either be Ocean Village on Hutchinson Island or Indian River. If I am not mistaken, Indian River is close to House of Refuge...isn't it???

Regarding drift diving...she has been drift diving w/ me before...in fact, she did her checkout dives a couple of years ago on drift dives out of Ft. Lauderdale.

Thanks again;

John