Join Blue Planet on Florida’s Palm Beach and Singer Island for fantastic wreck and reef dives plus several dives at one of our favorite shore dive sites -- the Blue Heron Bridge. Just a 2.5 hour flight from DC, you can fly down Saturday and be back by Wednesday and still get up to 11 dives in. Plus it's the beginning of Goliath Grouper spawning season!
West Palm Beach
The mighty Gulf Stream makes its closest pass to Florida here. The strong current brings crystal-clear, warm waters and large marine life to the region. It also gives rise to the area’s special forte — drift diving! The reefs of West Palm Beach are a mere two miles offshore and covered with colorful sponges and corals. Divers who dive regularly on the reefs and wrecks of West Palm Beach routinely spot hawksbill and loggerhead turtles, different species of sharks and more.
For those who love wrecks, Palm Beach County has a well-developed artificial reef program. Several barges and ships have been scuttled to make interesting dive spots. Plus these wrecks are where Goliath Grouper start gathering at the end of July as they wait to spawn. This is the perfect time to see these massive fish!
The Diving
Minimum dive certification/experience: As these dives routinely reach depths of greater than 60 feet, Advanced Open Water Certification is required at a minimum. Enriched Air/Nitrox also strongly recommended. We can conduct both of these certifications on the trip.
We’ll do at least 6 dives with our friends at Pura Vida Divers (2-tank morning boat dives Sunday, Monday and Tuesday morning) as well as 3 afternoon shore dives at the famous Blue Heron Bridge. This shallow dive site reveals a surprisingly diverse world of macro diving — watch for octopus, tons of juvenile fish and more. We’ll be done in time for you to fly home Wednesday afternoon OR you can stick around and join us for more diving the rest of the week!
You can also squeeze in a Blackwater night drift dive if you meet the minimum qualifications (Advanced Open Water Diver or Night Diver certification plus be comfortable hovering in open water without a visual reference).
Accommodations
We’ll be staying at the Hilton Singer Island, right on the beach and a quick drive to the marina and the Blue Heron Bridge. Each room comes with 2 queen beds, a desk, TV, mini-fridge, coffeemaker and more. There’s also free WiFi, fitness center and outdoor pool. Free parking included.
Travel
Fly into the West Palm Beach airport (PBI) early on Saturday, July 31st. If you get in before noon, you can get in an afternoon dive at the Bridge! Rent a car if you'd like to explore on your own, or we can coordinate shared rentals. Hotel check-in is at 4:00 PM. You can fly back on Wednesday, August 4th — just be sure you give yourself 18-24 hours after your last dive!
Please check in with Blue Planet staff before booking flights. If you need assistance with flights, just let us know!
Upon cancellation of a reservation for any reason, the refund of the deposit and payments made or due will be contingent upon Blue Planet reselling the participant's reservation. Any refund may also be subject to a cancellation fee of $200 and payment of any non-refundable fees imposed by the tour company, dive operator or any other contractor associated with the trip.
Dive accident insurance is required for all divers on this trip. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your vacation investment. Contact us if you need more information.
Double occupancy in a Standard room with two queen beds, bathroom, television, mini fridge.
Bringing a non-diving companion? Contact us for pricing!
Single occupancy in a Standard room with two double beds, bathroom, television, mini fridge.
Bringing a non-diving companion? Contact us for pricing!
Fly into PBI airport and check in at the dive shop. If you arrive before noon, you may be able to get in a 2:30 PM shore dive at the Blue Heron Bridge! Experienced divers can join Pura Vida for one of their famous Black Water dives at 7:30 PM.