Join Blue Planet on Florida’s Palm Beach and Singer Island for the annual spawning aggregation of Goliath groupers. Just a 2.5 hour flight from DC, you can fly down Saturday and be back in town by Wednesday and still get up to 12 dives in!
Are you ready to mingle with some amazingly huge fish? While there are often sightings of massive Goliath groupers in this area of Florida, it’s only once a year you can see dozens together. These inquisitive and fearless fish were hunted so frequently they were listed as Critically Endangered. However a harvest ban enacted in 1990 has enabled their numbers to rebound.
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. Green turtles and giant leatherbacks have also been spotted.
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. With warm waters, sea turtles, treasure ships, reefs and wrecks, divers will be able to find dive spots to enjoy in West Palm Beach!
The Diving
Minimum dive certification/experience: As these dives routinely reach depths of greater than 60 feet, an Advanced Open Water Certification is required at a minimum. Enriched Air/Nitrox also strongly recommended.
We’ll do at least 6 dives with our friends at Pura Vida Divers: 2-tank boat dives Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Want to add more? You can do Sunday or Monday afternoon boat dives. Plus you’ll have multiple chances to dive 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 early Wednesday morning if you need to get back to work…or not.
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) any time on Saturday, October 5th. If you arrive early enough, we can get an afternoon shore dive in. 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, October 9th — 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 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. Check into hotel (4:00 PM) and dive shop. Dinner with the group.
If you arrive early enough, we can get a shore dive in at the bridge that afternoon!