Do I need to be scuba certified?

Yes. All divers must hold a recognized scuba certification and be comfortable managing their equipment and neutral buoyancy in currents.

What's included in the trip price?

Trips include two dives, tanks (large and small), weights, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages; specifics are confirmed at booking.

What is the minimum age to participate?

Minimum age is 12; minors must meet certification and guardian requirements.

Do you provide rental gear?

Tanks and weights are provided; check with the operator for full rental sets—bringing your own mask and regulators is recommended.

How likely are shark encounters?

High—this area is known for regular sightings of tiger, hammerhead, and nurse sharks, but species presence depends on season and conditions.

What safety measures are in place for shark interactions?

The crew conducts a detailed safety briefing, monitors divers in the water, enforces distancing policies, and requires dive insurance such as DAN or PADI-equivalent.

Jupiter Shark Dive: Two-Tank Scuba Aboard the MV Shear Water

Jupiter’s offshore shark grounds lie a short run from Riviera Beach, Florida, and the two-tank shark dives aboard the MV Shear Water deliver an adrenaline-soaked window into that blue world. Departing from New Port Cove Safe Harbor Marina, 255 East 22nd Ct, Riviera Beach, Florida. Our vessel is at the end of the dock on the right., the 72-foot MV Shear Water runs drift dives to deep nearshore limestone ledges and sand channels where tiger, hammerhead, and nurse sharks patrol. The trip is ideal for certified divers who want high-energy encounters without a long liveaboard commitment. Once aboard you'll get a thorough safety briefing, be fitted with tanks and weights, and enjoy fresh fruit, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks before the first drop. Each two-tank itinerary is designed around local currents and visibility; the crew stages you for controlled drift profiles while at least one crew member remains in the water to monitor divers. Expect classic South Florida visibility—sometimes glassy and clear, other days mottled with plankton that draws big predators closer to the drop-off. The shark species here reflect the unique marine topography: broad continental shelf edges, limestone outcrops, and sand flats create hunting corridors where tiger sharks forage and hammerheads move in schools when conditions align. You’ll also see dense reef life on pinnacles and gorgonian fields—small reef fish, rays, and the occasional loggerhead turtle—making the dives as biologically rich as they are thrilling. Practicalities matter here: be an experienced, certified diver who can manage neutral buoyancy in currents, carry DAN/PADI-equivalent insurance, and bring or rent a reliable dive computer. The crew recommends a dive computer and backup battery; they provide tanks and weights and supply snacks and beverages. Boarding begins one hour prior to departure at the marina address; the captain and crew will confirm logistics and safety protocols. Operator contact is provided in the trip description: Jim Abernethy +1-561-718-6355 Call/Text/WhatsApp. That direct line cuts through uncertainty if you need last-minute advice about tides, suit thickness, or travel time from West Palm Beach. Why book this trip? It’s the combination of proximity, experienced crew, and species variety that makes the MV Shear Water trips standout: high-probability shark encounters, two full dives per outing, and a compact boat that feels personal rather than commercial. For divers chasing large predators, this is one of the most reliable, operator-forward shark experiences off Florida’s east coast. Plan for sun protection on deck, bring motion-sickness remedies if you are prone, and allow extra travel time through Palm Beach traffic. The MV Shear Water’s smaller group size (about 10 divers) means personalized briefings and more consistent monitoring—that attention to safety and species-focused routing is why repeat guests return season after season and bring your certification.

About Jim Abernethy's Shear Water Expeditions

Jim Abernethy's Shear Water Expeditions is a coastal expedition operator based in Riviera Beach, Florida. The company offers guided ocean trips focused on marine wildlife observation and offshore exploration. Trips listed include OnTrip and the 7 day Baja Ocean Safari, a liveaboard-style voyage that sails in the Sea of Cortez from La Ventana, Baja Mexico. The Baja itinerary features daily at-sea searching for diverse cetaceans, meals served on board, and shared evenings with fellow adventurers preparing for the next day of exploration.

The operation emphasizes small-group experiences and hands-on time at sea to maximize wildlife encounters and onboard camaraderie. Vessels and itineraries concentrate on long days at sea for species viewing and coastal exploration. Trip descriptions note onboard meals and nightly gatherings that support communal trip planning and storytelling.

Booking information, dates, pricing, and detailed vessel specifications are provided directly by the operator and should be confirmed before travel. Travelers interested in the Baja Ocean Safari can expect extended days on the water centered on marine life observation near La Ventana and the Sea of Cortez.

Contact details and trip availability are maintained by Jim Abernethy's Shear Water Expeditions. Prospective guests are encouraged to consult the operator for current schedules, specific departure information, health and safety requirements, and pre-trip preparations relevant to offshore expeditions. Safety briefings, gear recommendations, and local logistics are coordinated by the operator; participants should verify required documentation, insurance, and any travel advisories before booking to ensure compliance with international and regional regulations and vessel readiness updates.

Jupiter Shark Dive: Two-Tank Scuba Aboard the MV Shear Water

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