Scuba Diving in Jupiter, Florida offers vast reef lines filled with marine life. Shark encounters, sleepy sea turtles, rare species, and more fish than a diver can count await you in South Florida!
Being based in Fort Lauderdale, we are blessed to have some world-class scuba diving right from shore in our own backyard. But when we’re feeling up for an invigorating scuba adventure, we pack our dive bag and travel 60 miles north to Jupiter, Florida!
The scuba diving in Jupiter is otherworldly. A ripping current (from the nearby Gulf Stream) brings in ocean animals of all sorts: reef fish, giant rays, endangered species, beastly sharks and chilled out sea turtles. You never know what you’ll witness while diving in Jupiter.
The rest of this article will provide you, in detail, with EVERY little thing you need to know to plan a successful, fun, and safe dive trip to South Florida! Welcome to Jupiter!
- Reasons to Scuba Dive in Jupiter, Florida
- Best Dive Sites in Jupiter, FL
- Best Dive Charters and Dive Shops in Jupiter, FL
- Bucket List Dives in Jupiter
- Marine Life in Jupiter
- Dive Conditions in Jupiter
- Weather in Jupiter, FL
- Scuba Diving Resource Book for Jupiter, FL
- Outdoor Activities / Things to Do
- Restaurants and Bars
- Jupiter Facts & Info
- Where to Stay
- Useful Travel Articles
- When is the best time of year for scuba diving in Jupiter, FL?
- How much does scuba diving in Jupiter cost?
- Is Jupiter, FL good for new scuba divers?
- Should you tip the crew on your dive charter?
Best of Scuba Diving in Jupiter, Florida
Reasons to Scuba Dive in Jupiter, Florida
We could go on and on, but let’s boil it down to the most important reasons why you should dive in Jupiter, FL:
- Incredible Visibility. The nearby Gulf Stream unloads crystal blue water along the South Florida coast.
- Thriving marine life. Healthy coral reefs and an abundance of sea creatures.
- Megafauna Sightings. Sharks, goliath grouper, large rays, and even dolphins are commonly encountered.
- Drift Diving. A ripping current makes Jupiter the best drift diving destination in Florida.
- Year-Round Diving. Welcome to the warmest region of the Sunshine State.
☀️ Read the full article: 7 Reasons to Dive in Jupiter
Best Dive Sites in Jupiter, FL
Most of the dive sites in Jupiter are along one continuous deep stretch of coral reefs running parallel to shore. Here are the best sections of that reef + a few awesome shipwrecks:
- Area 51. Most popular and frequently visited reef among the local dive shops.
- Jupiter Wreck Trek. 3 wrecks, one dive. A famous gathering spot for Goliath Grouper in August and September.
- Captain Kirle’s. A long winding stretch of deep coral reef with resident reef sharks and sea turtles.
- Loggerhead. A beautiful coral reef famous for its abundance of loggerhead sea turtles.
🐠 Read the full article: 10 Best Dive Sites in Jupiter, FL
Best Dive Charters and Dive Shops in Jupiter, FL
Jupiter features many dive charters and dive shops suitable for all levels of divers or those just seeking some last-minute pieces of equipment.
You won’t be lacking a choice of charters on your dive trip to Jupiter, FL:
- Jupiter Dive Center. For all non-shark diving excursions, we always dive with this world-class charter company.
- Emerald Charters. Exclusively offering shark diving adventures for advanced divers, this is our top pick when visiting Jupiter.
- Kyalami Dive Charters. Professional crew, clean boat, and epic diving. You can’t go wrong here.
- Salty Divers. Shark diving adventures for all levels of experience.
🤿 Read the full article on the best dive shops in Jupiter
Bucket List Dives in Jupiter
- Shark Diving. Drift along the reefs and wrecks while being swarmed by dozens of hungry sharks.
- Sawfish Exploration. Jupiter Dive Center prides itself on spotting this critically endangered species.
- Goliath Grouper Aggregations. These car-sized fish gather by the hundreds at the wrecks of Jupiter every summer.
- Nearby Shore Diving. The world-famous Blue Heron Bridge isn’t too far away from Jupiter.
Marine Life in Jupiter
- Lemon sharks. the most common shark seen roaming the depths of Jupiter, FL.
- Goliath Grouper. The massive fish has become a favorite among the diving community.
- More Sharks. Including hammerheads, dusky, silky, bull, and even tiger sharks!
- Loggerhead Sea Turtles. The most common marine reptile spotted in South Florida.
Dive Conditions in Jupiter
- Average Water Temperature: 79°F annual
- Low: 73°F in winter
- High: 86°F in summer
- Ocean Conditions. Calm to rough depending on wind direction and speed.
- Visibility. Typically clear, ~70 feet +
- When to Avoid. Excessive easterly winds cause significant wave height.
Weather in Jupiter, FL
- Climate. Subtropical. Hot and moist summers. Warm winters with an occasional cold front in January and February.
- Best Time of Year. The best time for diving in Jupiter is during the summer months due to calm winds and clear waters.
Scuba Diving Resource Book for Jupiter, FL
We recommend purchasing the Reef Smart Guide for Palm Beach County. This is the most thorough resource available for scuba diving in the area!
Palm Beach Scuba Diving (including Jupiter)
Surface Interval
Outdoor Activities / Things to Do
- Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Climbable 19th-century lighthouse nestled in a nature preserve.
- Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Massive outdoor space with hiking and paddling trails, horseback riding, and camping.
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Sea turtle rehabilitation center with interactive exhibits.
- Blowing Rocks Preserve. Scenic nature preserve with unique limestone outcroppings.
Restaurants and Bars
- Square Grouper. Adult-only watering hole for post-dive drinks.
- Guanabanas. Caribbean-style cuisine in an island setting.
- Center Street Nook. Old-time Floridian diner for homestyle eating.
- Civil Society Brewing Co. Rustic brewery in the Abacoa neighborhood with a delectable IPA.
Travel Tips for Jupiter
Jupiter Facts & Info
- Miami. Jupiter is the northernmost municipality in the Miami metro area.
- Gulf Stream. Jupiter is uniquely close to the major ocean current.
- Sea Turtle Nesting. Jupiter and nearby Juno Beach is a busy leatherback and loggerhead sea turtle nesting sites.
- Highest Natural Elevation. Hobe Mound in Jonathan Dickinson State Park is the highest natural elevation in South Florida at a
Where to Stay
- Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa. Best for luxury directly on the beach.
- Tequesta Palms Inn. Quiet and highly rated off the beaten path.
- La Quinta Inn. More budget-friendly near the beach and boat.
Useful Travel Articles
- Best Travel Insurance for Scuba Diving
- How to Find Cheap Stay for Dive Travel
- How to Find Cheap Flights for Scuba Diving
- Best Travel Scuba Gear in 2022
Travel Planning Resources for Jupiter
Book Your Flight: Book cheap flights on Skyscanner, one of the best tools to find good deals.
Rent a Car: Discover Cars compares prices all over the globe – finding you the best deal on a car rental.
Book a Place to Stay: Booking.com is a great resource to compare hotels and guesthouses. Or book a local apartment rental on VRBO!
Protect Your Trip: Protect yourself from theft or gear damage! World Nomads covers all things scuba diving while traveling.
Travel Scuba Gear: Check out the top-rated scuba diving gear designed for travel.
Scuba Diving in Jupiter: Important Terminology
The most common method of diving in Jupiter. Go with the flow – the current will move you from point A to point B. So sit back, relax, and let the water do the work for you!
The formation of a number of things into a cluster. Jupiter serves as home to multiple marine life aggregations including sawfish, Goliath grouper, and lemon sharks.
Nearly all coral reef dive sites in Jupiter are a prominent ledge. Ledge reefs are essentially a wall of coral (almost always facing shore) providing an extensive amount of habitat for marine life.
In reference to coral reef structures – relief is the height of the reef. High relief = tall ledges. Low relief = short ledges.
The stretch of water separates the barrier islands (the beaches) from Florida’s mainland. This waterway extends from Miami all the way into Georgia.
The exit and entry point to the open ocean from the ICW.
In Miami, a Square Grouper refers to a brick of illegal drugs washing ashore in the middle of the night from a failed smuggling attempt. In Jupiter? It’s a popular post-dive watering hole.
The major ocean current passing near Jupiter. This is the lifeblood for all the scuba diving adventures in South Florida.
Tropical vibes, cold drinks, and good times are always being served up at this popular beach bar in town.
FAQs: Scuba Diving in Jupiter, FL
When is the best time of year for scuba diving in Jupiter, FL?
The best time of year for scuba diving in Jupiter is during the spring and summer months when the winds are calm and the water is blue.
However, you can dive in South Florida year-round – the temperature is almost always right, both in and out of the water. At times, though, from November to February, the air temperature can drop. It’s cold by South Floridian standards (50 – 60°F) but still doable.
How much does scuba diving in Jupiter cost?
Scuba diving in Jupiter, Florida is one of the more expensive trips in the United States. A two-tank dive (not including tank rentals) will run you between $100 and $130.
Is Jupiter, FL good for new scuba divers?
Although possible, I don’t recommend new scuba divers visit Jupiter, FL for their first few dives. Jupiter is an advanced dive destination, some beginners may find it challenging and intimidating. We recommend having at least an advanced + nitrox certification to fully enjoy the wrecks and reefs of Jupiter.
Should you tip the crew on your dive charter?
In the United States, it’s customary to tip the crew on a dive charter. Divemasters, Captains, and deckhands all work for minimal wages and depend on the generosity of patrons to support their profession! We recommend tipping between 15 – 20% of the cost of the trip.
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Read More About Jupiter, FL!
We hope you enjoyed our post on scuba diving in Jupiter, Florida. Hopefully, you’ll find it useful on your next adventure! Here are a few more ocean-loving articles we think you should read next:
- 10 Best Dive Sites in Jupiter, FL
- 7 Reasons to Dive in Jupiter, Florida
- 5 Best Dive Shops in Jupiter
- 5 Bucket List Dives in Jupiter
- Your Complete Guide to Jupiter Shark Diving
- 7 Incredible Marine Animals Spotted in Jupiter, FL
- 7 Best Outdoor Activities in Jupiter
- How to Dive With Goliath Grouper in Jupiter
- Your Ultimate Guide to Snorkeling in South Florida
Have you ever been scuba diving in Jupiter, Florida? How was it? What should we add or change in this guide? Let us know in a comment below!