Advice on diving West Palm Beach and/or Boynton Beach

[sheeper]

The Kyalami (Captain SL8R Dive Charters) and Scubaworks (www.scubaworks.com) runs out of Jupiter. Awesome boat and crew. One of our divers has a similar back issue and the crew handles her well with water entry and exits. They won't likely get to Breakers but the Jupiter diving is almost a guarantee of BIG sealife. Great world-class dives.

 

[Dr. Doug Ebersole]

I'd put a vote in for Jim Abernethy's Scuba Adventures in West Palm -- Bahamas & Palm Beach, Florida Scuba Diving :: Jim Abernethy's Scuba Adventures. They dive the sites you mentioned (Flower Garden, Breakers) very frequently, have 1-2 dive guides in the water, and have a swim platform to help you with your back issues.

 

[SOMD Diver]

I vote for Jim Abernathy's also. I have dove with them on several occasions and the crew was great and very accommodating.

 

[iluvtheocean]

i would say no matter who you end up going with (i'm going out on Ocean Quest Scuba on Sunday for Lemon Sharks so will see how they are) -- just let whoever you choose know of any issues you might have regards to your back so they can try to help -- and make sure to tip well

 

[tsunami7]

I've been out on Walkers charter, good choice, very accomodating and helpful crew. Anyone ever have any experince with little deeper charters? Home | Little Deeper Charters

 

[Lotty]

i would say no matter who you end up going with (i'm going out on Ocean Quest Scuba on Sunday for Lemon Sharks so will see how they are) -- just let whoever you choose know of any issues you might have regards to your back so they can try to help -- and make sure to tip well

Did you enjoy your trip with Ocean Quest Scuba?

Thanks everybody, for you answers! I'll be making my final choices today. I've contacted a few operations by e-mail, this afternoon (Dutch time, it's morning right now) I'll check all their timetables and book.

 

[deek8525]

Always used Jim Abernethy since I started diving in West Palm Beach Florida, nothing but good things to say about them, been on both Deep Obsession and Shear Water with Jim Abernethy as captain for the day, awesome outfit

 

[iluvtheocean]

Did you enjoy your trip with Ocean Quest Scuba?

Thanks everybody, for you answers! I'll be making my final choices today. I've contacted a few operations by e-mail, this afternoon (Dutch time, it's morning right now) I'll check all their timetables and book.

I loved the trip -- they are in the same marina as Narcosis. They were very friendly and helpful -- had carts to carry all the gear to the boat and the guys then either helped or put it on the boat for you. Vicky was great as the DM in the water (and no you didn't have to stick with her at all -- she pointed stuff out and carried the flag float. They prefer you to be back on the boat with about 700 left. And about those that worry about your valves -- they do ask but don't necessarily touch. they do require computers and smb's for their deep drifts. only saw 1 shark -- but there were 3 other boats on site when we initially got there so we went to the reef 1st and came back later. (governor's riverwalk reef & north double ledges)
very efficient friendly service -- i'd definitely dive with them again!

it's a small boat -- 11 divers max.
1 good plus too is the Tikibar restaurant right in the marina -- get your diving in and then eat. and depending on the tide tables afterwards you can go hit Blue Heron Bridge

 

[Lotty]

Hi guys,
I'm at the airport right now, after a wonderful week in Florida.
I did two 2-tank dives, one with Underwater Explorers at Boynton and one with JASA at West Palm Beach.
Thanks again for your replies, I had a great time with both operators. At Boynton we saw a loggerhead the size of a coffeetable and a nurse shark. It was amazing how close we could get to the turtle, he was so relaxed with us. The shark-viewing was just a few seconds, then he went of. We also saw a big Hawksbill. In my opinion Lynns reef was the most beautiful of the two we saw thay day. Bit shallow and lot's of colorfull, healthy coral.

The dive with JASA was something else in a very good way. I got super lucky, we went to the two reefs I requested for. Breakers and Flower Gardens. At the first sight we saw a nurse shark. First cruising, then sleeping a bit and then cruising again. It was so cool, he was also pretty big After that we saw a big hawksbill with a beautiful shell (is that the right word in English?) it was very pretty, hardly any scratches.
At Flower gardens we saw lot's of smaller life, but also a big green morray eel out of his house! We saw lionfish and some squid. We also went to fishbowl. Wow, just wow. So cool!
The JASA boat was the best for my back, they had a very big platform so putting gear on while sitting went very well. Kathy did a great job helping me, I trusted her 100%. DM/guide George was also wonderful. He escorted me while going up and pointed out a lot of small life. Captain Jim was also lot's of fun! JASA is about safety first, very professional.

If I ever return to West Palm Beach, I'm certainly returning to these people, I had the best time.
When I get home, I can try and place some pictures of the dives if you'd like to see them.
Best wishes,
Lotty

 

[uncfnp]

Thanks for giving us an update on your trip and I am thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful experience.