Your Complete Guide to Jupiter Shark Diving (Updated 2022)

Jupiter Shark Diving is a thrilling adventure for adrenaline seekers, ocean lovers, freedivers, non-divers, and scuba divers!

An item on many bucket lists: shark diving. Only so many places in the world exist where you can have such an awe-inspiring interaction with nature. Just imagine: your next ocean adventure could be shark diving in Jupiter, Florida!

Shark Diving in Jupiter, Florida FAQs

What exactly is “Shark Diving”?

Is shark diving safe?

Yes! Of course, it is! Sharks are NOT interested in humans. In fact, in 2019 there were only 64 unprovoked shark attacks on humans worldwide. Of these, two were fatal. Again, that is worldwide.

By comparison, in the United States alone, it is estimated that humans bite one another roughly 250,000 times per year. Which one are you more likely to be bitten by? Shark or human? You do the math…

How are sharks attracted to the scuba divers?

The dives are led by a team of trained professionals (shark handlers) who chum (chop up fish) in the water to attract the sharks. The sharks smell the scent of blood from the chum and investigate the situation.

Additionally, noise, vibrations, and other fish are actively speared in the water to cause a ruckus. The combination drives the shark into a frenzy. Who knows what species of shark will make an appearance!

Is shark diving safe for the sharks?

We’ve certainly heard of environmental concerns when it comes to shark diving. Essentially, the argument is humans are introducing food to the sharks in an unnatural way which may alter the sharks’ behavior. A valid point.

However, we found this not to be the case in Jupiter. Why? To alter a shark’s behavior you need to feed them multiple times over an extended period. Whereas in Jupiter, due to its position near the Gulf Stream (a major ocean current), the sharks are only in the area for a brief moment before they leave on a greater journey.

Sharks are not physically provoked, poked at, or annoyed in any way during the dive. In fact, many times hooks, pieces of plastic, or fishing lines are removed from the sharks when they get close enough to the handlers.

So why are sharks so prevalent in Jupiter?

As stated earlier, the sharks come into the waters near Jupiter via the Gulf Stream. The Gulf Stream is a major ocean current that brings warm, blue water from the Caribbean Sea all the way to western Europe. Jupiter just so happens to be the closest piece of land to this great ocean current.

Essentially, the Gulf Stream serves as a highway for marine life as they migrate across the oceans for food or reproduction. Sea turtles, whale sharks, manta rays, and sharks all use this highway.

Just as we take an exit on the highway for a pit stop while we’re driving, sharks will hop off the Gulf Stream for a snack in Jupiter before making their way to their final destination.

Sharks in Jupiter, FL: What species of sharks you might see

Some of the most prevalent sharks you might see while shark diving in Jupiter:

Shark diving charters in Jupiter, FL

Many shops and charter boats between Jupiter and West Palm Beach take eager divers out for shark dives. Time spent in the water and level of experience is well represented. A few of the most popular are:

Jupiter, Florida Shark Cage Diving

Swim with Sharks – Jupiter, FL

Advanced Shark Diving in Jupiter, FL

The rest of this overview will be specifically in reference to our dive with Emerald Charters.

Shark Diving Jupiter, FL with Emerald Charters

Emerald Charters runs a three-tank drift dive just outside of the Jupiter Inlet. They’re a small operation where you need to be a good diver and self-sufficient. They will not hold your hand.

The tanks are easiest rented from nearby Scuba Works. They recommend renting three, EAN steel 100 CF tanks at $21.50 each (as of this writing). This ensures maximum bottom time, shortened surface intervals, and longer repetitive dives due to minimal nitrogen build-up in your bloodstream.

Keep in mind: shark diving requires you to be fully covered in black. This helps sharks distinguish between you and their food. Dark hoods to cover blonde hair, black gloves, booties, dark fins, and black wetsuits are all required.

You’ll meet the boat + crew under the bridge on Indiantown Road. They will help you cart tanks and gear from your car to the boat. However, once on the boat, you’re on your own. Some people are turned off by the lack of “resort treatment”. But for us, being self-sufficient, competent, and able is where the adventure really begins.

Dive One: Deep Drift Dive

The first dive we were dropped off into a strong current and descended to nearly 80 feet. Now, you’re truly along for the ride.

The shark handler starts chumming the water and before you know it, all sorts of sharks come to the area for a snack. Each time we’ve been diving with Emerald Charters the results of sharks varied. The first was mainly lemon sharks with a glimpse at a bull shark and a great hammerhead.

Our second included a stock of various sharks including lemon, dusky, sand, sandbar, reef, and silky sharks. Some of them look so similar so it can be difficult to identify each one.

The dive itself is timed out wonderfully and if you stay at the shark handler’s level, you shouldn’t have a problem with low on-air situations.

Dives Two & Three: Shipwrecks, Sharks, and Goliath Grouper

Surrounded by sharks in the midst of a graveyard of ships is when this experience truly became magical.

As far as we could tell, this seems to be their regular routine. First dive: in the current. Dives two and three: along the Jupiter wreck trek or other shipwrecks in the area. These two dives take you down to approximately 70 – 90 feet.

You’re dropped off on top of one wreck where you follow the current to the bow of another. The shark handlers will ask you to kneel on the bow of the boat as they prepare the waters for the upcoming barrage of sharks. Once the area is sufficiently full of sharks, you will drop down from the bow into the sand where you’ll be completely surrounded by the ocean’s apex predator.

Given the time of year, you’ll be joined by a resident tiger shark named Patrick. Consider yourself lucky when he does because he absolutely steals the show. He’s massive. And seeing the powerful, yet graceful beauty of his movements instills a sense of awe within you.

Joining the party down below were a few goliath grouper trying to steal a bite to eat. The combination of goliath grouper and various species of sharks whizzing around your head is enough to take your breath away (figuratively speaking, of course)!

The remainder of the dive is spent slowly ascending to the surface. The sharks follow you, circle you, and examine you as you drift along with the strong current of the Gulf Stream.

All in all, dives two and three are identical

Shark Diving in Jupiter: Final Thoughts

Shark diving in Jupiter is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The combination of drift diving, shipwrecks, and sharks can’t be found anywhere else. So next time you’re in South Florida on a dive vacation, be sure to link up with one of the shops above!