The Atlantic reefs from Jupiter through Stuart are generally continuations of the rock ledges that parallel the West Palm coastline. Reefs following the contour of the land are abandoned by the Gulf Stream’s clear water as it continues its northerly flow. Murky outflow from the rivers and water periodically released from Lake Okeechobee also limit visibility. Summer diving is considered best. Then, calm and clearer waters usually prevail. Diving during winter months is more demanding but offers a greater variety of fish and more lobster. Because they are dived less, the rock reefs of the area are not as easily identified as those to the south. They are, however, quite large and extensive, sometimes running continuously for miles.

 Click on any of the diving locations below!

REEF DIVES

  • +North Jetty Reef / St. Lucie Inlet

    This is a good drift dive over rock ledges in 4 to 20 feet of water. Be sure to look for large snook hiding under the reefs. Early in the season, many lobster of legal size and a few nice size stone crabs are in residence. Make sure they are in season, though, as the Florida Marine Patrol diligently protects this area.

  • +Blowing Rocks

    A very craggy, rocky shoreline (footwear is recommended) extends below the surface of the water in the form of holes and ledges that are favorite haunts of snook and other schooling fish. This area can be rough to dive when the surf is up, but on calm days it is an excellent spot.

  • +The Cave

    This dive provides just about the most awesome underwater sights available. The top of the reef is in 128 feet of water, its sides plunging to 160 feet. The cave, actually better described as a tunnel, buts into a corner of the drop-off and elbows to the right and back out into open water. The great tunnel is large enough to drive two semis, side by side, all the way through. It is 140 feet to the cave floor. The inside of the tunnel is full of ledges where jewfish, snappers and grouper park themselves. The lobsters are big enough to scare you. No lights are necessary. Once you enter the tunnel, you can immediately see the huge exit. The length of the tunnel is approximately 60 to 80 feet. Schools of open water fish whisk past the opening. This dive is for experienced divers only. Strong currents can be expected.

 WRECK DIVES

  • +House of Refuge - Old Schooner Wreck

    The house of refuge is an old lifesaving station, the last of its kind. Now a museum, it is well worth a visit to see the displays and the turtles that are raised there. The turtles are kept until they are big enough to have an increased chance of survival; then released to the oceans. The ribs of an old schooner can be found by swimming 100 yards straight off the south end of the concrete block wall in front of the museum. Sand dollars are sometimes found on sandy flats that lead to the schooner.

  • +David T

    A 200 foot landing craft repair ship and sand dredge were sunk in this artificial site known as the Captain Al Sirotkin Reef in 1982. The LST rests in an upright position in 100 feet of water. It was stripped before being sunk.

  • +USS Rankin

    The Rankin is the largest ship intentionally sunk as an artificial reef on the east coast. The huge 459 foot amphibious assault ship was put down during the summer of 1988. She rests on her side in 120 feet of water. Her upper side is 65 feet below the surface. The main deck is 85 feet down. What a dive!

  • +Gulf Pride

    A victim of a collision during WWII, the Gulfland tanker burned and split into two sections. Today, the wreckage supports a huge variety of marine life, ranging from swarming schools of baitfish to large barracuda and grouper. Because of its close proximity to the beach (about one mile offshore), it should only be dived during periods of calm seas when there is clear water. She rests in 40 feet of water.