How to Dive With Goliath Grouper in Jupiter

Ever catch yourself in the middle of a giant fish mating fest? That’s exactly what happens every year in Jupiter, Florida during the annual Goliath Grouper aggregations. This is your chance to be apart of the action (as a bystander, of course).

What are goliath grouper?

Have you ever seen the pictures of those absolutely massive fish? Some might even say as big as a VW bug? Well, maybe not quite THAT big. But at 800 lbs and 8 feet long, it sure does seem like it!

These fish are called goliath grouper and they’re listed as an endangered species in the United States. Often roaming the depths of dive sites in South Florida and beyond, goliath grouper are a sight to behold when spotted. Particularly if you want to feel small. Like, “I can fit in that thing’s mouth” kind of small.

Are goliath grouper dangerous?

But have no fear – they’re harmless. In fact, they even have the courtesy to give you a warning if you’re getting too close. It sounds like a bark – an intimidating, bone-shaking bark. Still harmless, though.

We promise.

Where can you dive with goliath grouper?

Like we said, goliath grouper are frequently spotted inhabiting the depths off of Florida’s coast. For whatever reason, the massive fish seem to congregate near shipwrecks and other artificial reefs. Although, that’s not exclusive.

But the absolute best place to see goliath grouper? Jupiter, Florida in the months of August and September.

Goliath grouper aggregate by the hundreds in Jupiter

When the calendar strikes August and September, goliath groupers’ instinct kicks in – letting them all know that it’s time to get it on. Seriously.

The result? Hundreds of the them travel great distances to Jupiter for a two month long mating session!

Aggregate

verb

form or group into a class or cluster.

Oxford Dictionary

Fortunately for scuba divers, we become the beneficiaries of such a magnificent moment in nature. It’s actually possible to visit these aggregations while diving in Jupiter!

How to Dive with Goliath Grouper in Jupiter, Florida

It’s easier than you may think. Most dive shops in town craft their daily trips around visiting the grouper hotspots. Truly, the boat would be hard to miss.

What time of year is best to dive with goliath grouper?

Again, this is a seasonal moment. To experience the aggregations in their full force, you must dive in August and September. The mating fest will be non-existent otherwise!

That’s not to say you can’t spot goliath grouper any other time of the year. In fact, we frequently spot them at some of our favorite dive sites in South Florida such as the Fort Lauderdale Wreck Trek.

Which Jupiter Dive Charter should you book with?

We had a magnificent trip with Jupiter Dive Center. The streamlined check-in, laser-focused approach, informative briefings, and knowledgable Captain and crew blew us away.

We’ll be diving with them every time we visit the Jupiter area and we highly recommend you do, as well.

What to expect during your dive trip.

If you’ve never been diving in Jupiter, here’s your head’s up: Jupiter is known for a ripping current. You will fly underwater while diving. Far and fast. So prepare yourself.

As for the day itself, the general structure of the trip consists of two different dive sites. The first, a drift dive on a shipwreck featuring the main event: goliath grouper. The second, a drift dive on a vibrant coral reef serving as home to sea turtles, sharks, and some truly amazing ocean animals.

Dive One: Goliath Grouper on a Shipwreck

The two most common sites for the first dive seem to be MG-111 and the Jupiter Wreck Trek: two shipwrecks that are ripe with goliath grouper during season.

Which site you visit, the Wreck Trek or MG-111, is entirely dependent on the Captain, conditions, and availability (our friends at Emerald Charters and their shark diving operation seem to ruffle some feathers by snatching up sites).

We dove the MG-111, a Mississippi River Barge sunk in 1995. The current was insane, so we actually held onto structures waving like flagpoles in the wind. But boy, was it worth it.

Grouper after grouper approached and a peek under some ledges revealed even more! Not to mention, the largest southern stingray we’ve ever seen!

After drifting through the entire shipwreck we entered an area known as Warrior Reef. It’s essentially a group of pillars that goliath grouper are keen to surround. Some divers reported dozens of grouper at a time!

Our advice: hang onto MG-111 for half of your dive and Warrior Reef for the other half. After leaving Warrior Reef you’ll find yourself in sand for as far as the eye can see.

Dive Two: A Dazzling Ledge Reef

Jupiter’s reef system sits in 60 – 70 feet of water on a north to south axis. Your second dive of the day will likely occur here.

Jupiter Dive Center brought us to Captain Kirle’s – a ledge reef serving as home to the most marine life we’ve ever witnessed in South Florida.

Drifting along the ledge, we encountered reef sharks, rare reef fish, lobster, and yes, those pesky lionfish. Thankfully, I brought my handy pole spear to remove the invasive species.

Our advice: honestly, kick back and relax. This dive is simply stunning. Be sure to brush up on your marine life identification, though. You’re guaranteed to see A LOT.

Diving With Goliath Grouper in Jupiter: Final Thoughts

Visiting with hundreds of some of the biggest fish in the world is a truly awe-inspiring experience. Additionally, Jupiter is a stunning dive destination, regardless of the aggregations. Just keep in mind:

• Visit in August or September to enjoy the goliath grouper aggregations fully.
• That audible bark is meant to deter you from coming any closer. They won’t harm you, but respect the marine life.
• Jupiter Dive Center is a top notch operation that we personally book trips with.
• Prepare yourself for some advanced level diving. The current is ripping in Jupiter.
• Enjoy, take lots of pictures, enjoy, but please protect!

Looking to Travel to Jupiter for the Goliath Grouper Dives?

Take a look at these handy resources to relieve the stress of travel planning. Besides, you should be focusing on what you love most: diving!