Swim with Sharks Right off Jupiter’s Coast to Appreciate these Misunderstood Creatures
Article by Randy Jordan
We are blessed. The warm Gulfstream waters come closer to Jupiter than anywhere else. This massive ecological highway brings an abundance of underwater life to our waters. Turtles, whales, and yes, sharks!
With the warm water and good visibility, divers and snorkelers come from around the world to meet and greet our sharks. This pelagic population can be witnessed only a few miles and a short boat ride out of the Jupiter Inlet. Shark dive tours are available and designed to allow divers to look at sharks in their natural environment. Divers get an opportunity to dispel the myths of aggressive sharks attacking people.
Unfortunately, our knowledge and misunderstanding of sharks comes from their portrayal in the movie Jaws. Sharks are not the bad guys as portrayed. They are shy and really don’t want much to do with people. You don’t survive this long as a species by taking chances. They wander about and look for fish that “didn’t feel like going to school today” and eat them. Sharks are an integral part of our ecosystem. They eat the weak or diseased fis. This ensures the growth of strong, healthy fish for the future. Once, sharks were hunted and killed to a nearly endangered category. They required protection by a variety of agencies. Thanks to population control and ceaseless public education, the population is beginning to come back and the oceans are healthier.
One dive charter operation, Emerald Charters, has been doing Shark Eco Tours in Jupiter for more than 20 years. Scuba divers can see as many as eight species of sharks within a couple dives. Tiger, hammerhead, bulls and lemons are usually around and seem to be the favorites. Divers board the Emerald and are taken to various sites that the captain has scoped out for shark activity. Once on site, the guide will give a safety briefing so divers know what to expect. The divers are escorted underwater where the guide will attract sharks to the group. Divers are often amazed at the peaceful, slow reaction the sharks have towards divers. At first, sharks are very wary and cautious. After a few minutes the sharks and divers mingle and the divers get to see the sharks up close and personal. It’s a thrilling adventure and creates memories for a lifetime. Cameras are encouraged. Sharks are very photogenic!
Not a diver? Not a problem. Several boats in Jupiter take snorkelers and free divers out to swim with sharks. In this situation, the sharks are attracted to the surface as the boat drifts with the gentle current. Snorkelers are allowed to exit the boat on a safety line and observe the sharks. Again, a guide is provided to attract the sharks and keep everyone safe in the water. No certification is required. It is required that you should be a “decent” swimmer. These snorkel boats typically include the gear needed to do these trips. If the kids are down from college and get bored, you can easily arrange a snorkel tour for them and their buds. They get a little exercise and some sun. You get a little break from the hubbub and it’s all they will be talking about.
If you are a local. Give it a try. There must be a reason people spend thousands to travel to Jupiter to dive with these magnificent creatures. Sea you soon!
For more information on Shark Diving or to book a tour, go to EmeraldCharters.com or follow the action on Facebook @EmeraldCharters.
