The Four Seasons of Jupiter - Diving

Jupiter, Florida is the perfect location for year-round diving—and you don’t need a passport to visit the nation’s only coral reef that runs just offshore! An abundance of vibrant reef fish and large marine animals call the area home, and the Gulf Stream and nesting beaches bring in a wide variety of seasonal marine visitors.

Want to dive a wreck? How about three—in one dive on our Wreck Trek? Every season offers a new adventure when diving with Jupiter Dive Center. 

Shark Season

January – March

Seeing a shark is often the highlight of any dive and during January through March. Lemon sharks visit Jupiter! About the time they leave, they’re replaced by migrating aggregations of black tip reef sharks that stay through March. It’s a great way to start your new year!

Sea Turtle Season

March – September

The beaches along Jupiter, Florida host one of the densest sea turtle nesting populations in the nation. That means chances are good that divers will encounter sea turtles whenever they dive, but from March through September, the likelihood of seeing one or more of these fabulous marine creatures skyrockets!

Lobster Season

Sport Season July Open Season August – March

Lobsters are here year-round, but for divers, lobsters definitely have a season…or in this case two of them. Sport season (locally known as mini-season) is always the last Wednesday and Thursday in July. All you need is a fishing license and lobster tag!

Goliath Season

August – September

Ready for something truly spectacular? 

Goliath groupers aggregate to spawn from August through September. Divers can see upwards of 60 of these gentle giants on our local wrecks!

Ready to book a dive?

Check out our dive schedule here!

Seasonal Marine life Timeline

Year-Round Favorites

What makes Jupiter exceptional year-round? Let’s start with the reef. A portion of the third largest barrier reef in the world runs parallel to the coast just a few miles from shore, providing a home to colorful tropical fish as well as a tremendous diversity of other marine life. 

The proximity of the Gulf Stream also contributes to a greater ecosystem that draws in larger pelagic animals. Rays migrate throughout the year, but in Jupiter, spotted eagle rays—identifiable by their impressive pectoral wingspan—are most often seen in the autumn months. Their smaller cousins, southern stingrays, are abundant in Florida, and are frequently sighted during the winter months through February. While not a common occurrence, Jupiter divers have encountered manta rays (whose numbers are slowly growing in our area!), whale sharks, and sawfishes. Truly bucket-list experiences!

Logistics

Jupiter Dive Center is located in Palm Beach County, an area easily accessible by car or plane. Palm Beach International Airport is a mere 20 miles south of the shop, and an easy drive along the 95 freeway. There are oodles of places to stay in Palm Beach County from familiar chains to cozy boutique accommodations—and even more restaurants with outdoor seating or takeout options.

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Ready to book a dive?

Check out our dive schedule here!