Palm Beach Dive Thread

Divin'Papaw · Jul 20, 2025

Two dives this morning with Pura Vida. We were on Aurelia with Capt Dean and crew Quinn, Luka and Ethan. As usual they did a fantastic job. The boat was full so they split us into two groups, which is always helpful.

It was sunny, hot, and calm with 1’ seas. Very nice topside conditions!

We did Juno Ledge & Corridor Wreck Trek. Juno Ledge on dive 1 had a moderate north current, 84 F with 40-50’ viz. Corridor was also 84 F with a moderate to strong current and maybe 30’ viz.

Highlight for me was finding my first Regal Sea Goddess. It was on a rock just past the Mizpah.

Divin'Papaw · Jul 20, 2025

Two videos from today

NothingClever · Jul 20, 2025

Divin'Papaw:
Two dives this morning with Pura Vida. We were on Aurelia with Capt Dean and crew Quinn, Luka and Ethan. As usual they did a fantastic job. The boat was full so they split us into two groups, which is always helpful.

It was sunny, hot, and calm with 1’ seas. Very nice topside conditions!

We did Juno Ledge & Corridor Wreck Trek. Juno Ledge on dive 1 had a moderate north current, 84 F with 40-50’ viz. Corridor was also 84 F with a moderate to strong current and maybe 30’ viz.

Highlight for me was finding my first Regal Sea Goddess. It was on a rock just past the Mizpah.

View attachment 909837 View attachment 909838

Juno Ledge is one of my favorite dives.

Sure wanted to join you and @MrChen but prep for our next race at Virginia International Raceway took precedence this weekend.

Craine · Aug 7, 2025

How’s the weather been holding up for the charter boats the last few days? I’m seeing lots of “rain, chance of thunderstorms mid-afternoon” in the forecast this weekend, the NWS marine forecast is calling for 2 ft seas and 6-10kts from the SE, and I’m trying to decide if the drive over from St Pete will be worth it or if I’d just get scrubbed from the boat dives.

PBcatfish · Aug 8, 2025

Craine:
How’s the weather been holding up for the charter boats the last few days? I’m seeing lots of “rain, chance of thunderstorms mid-afternoon” in the forecast this weekend, the NWS marine forecast is calling for 2 ft seas and 6-10kts from the SE, and I’m trying to decide if the drive over from St Pete will be worth it or if I’d just get scrubbed from the boat dives.

It's been spotty. Most of the time it's been OK, but you can hit a bad patch here & there. We haven't had particularly steady long term weather patterns lately.

The bottom line is - if I was hot to do some diving in the area, it would be worth a couple of hours drive for me to give it a shot, but I would also have a plan B, and know of another thing to do in the area in case the weather turns against me.

Several days ago, I had plans to do something in Stuart. I ended up going to Pompano instead, due to weather.

It's summer, in south Florida.

NothingClever · Aug 8, 2025

Craine:
How’s the weather been holding up for the charter boats the last few days? I’m seeing lots of “rain, chance of thunderstorms mid-afternoon” in the forecast this weekend, the NWS marine forecast is calling for 2 ft seas and 6-10kts from the SE, and I’m trying to decide if the drive over from St Pete will be worth it or if I’d just get scrubbed from the boat dives.

I’ve been out in pouring rain. The Captain definitely watches (or should watch) the proximity of lightning strikes but rain shouldn’t alter your dive plans.

Take a good primary so you can continue enjoying your dive if the skies suddenly go dark.

Also, 2ft seas are pretty mild unless you’ve got physical challenges.

johndiver999 · Aug 14, 2025

50-80 ft vis today, low to moderate current, flat calm, warm with slightly cooler below 100 ft. Pretty much perfect conditions.

Divin'Papaw · Aug 16, 2025

I went out this morning with Pura Vida on Aurelia for their shallow 2-tank trip. I had the pleasure of finally meeting @Pipehorse at the dock. He was on Marin for their deep 2-tank trip. Always good to meet other regulars!!

On Aurelia we had Capt Jason and crew Quinn and Ethan. We only had 9 divers on the boat which was just awesome! The crew did a great job as usual.

Topside it was sunny, hot and very calm. Seas were maybe 1'. It was a beautiful morning!

We did Flower Garden first dive. Current was north and pretty light, viz was in the 40-50' range with a good bit of particulate.

We did Elevator Shaft to Fourth Window second dive. Current was still north and had picked up a bit. Viz improved too to around 60-70'.

Water is the warmest I recall in Palm Beach. I had a low of 86 with an average of 87-87.5 F.

I will post some stills and video below here in a bit. At the end of Fourth Window by the Cave I ran into Shadow the resident small Goliath Grouper. Literally ... he about ran right into me! He acted like a dog who runs up to say HI to a stranger walking past his yard. He loves divers!!