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- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS -
When is the best time to dive?
That question has several answers. During the spring, the water temperature
is around the mid 70's and the amount of marine life is well worth the plunge.
Turtles are mating, there are schooling sharks jumping out of the water near
shore and the chance to see eagle rays, manta rays and other wonderful animals.
The amount of fish life is incredible. Air temperatures range from the low
70's to the low 80's. During the summer, the water gets as warm as 86 degrees,
air temperatures rise to the low 90's and seas are mostly calm. The visibility
in Palm Beach averages 60 feet, however is can get up to 100 feet. In the
fall and winter, the water temperature starts to drop slowly, with the coldest
water around 70-72 degrees in January and February. The water is generally
clearer in the winter partly due to less rainfall. With the cooler water also
comes more fish life. The larger fish start to move in, including groupers,
jacks and many others. At Shark Canyon, we usually see more sharks in the
winter than the summer. The fall and winter are considered our "slow
season" so you can expect the boats to be less crowded than in the summer.
Should I bring all of my dive gear?
If you are planning to dive for just a day or two, it might be more convenient to rent your equipment from us so you don’t have to pack and carry it. We can outfit you from head to toe. You can also bring just your snorkeling gear and rent a BCD and regulator. If you are diving with us in the Bahamas, you can rent equipment for your trip as well.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear?
In the summer, when the water temperature is between 80 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, a 0.5 mm or dive skin should be fine. In the winter, when the water temperature is between 70 and 75, we recommend a 3-5mm suit and a hood if you get really cold. We have 3mm one piece and two-piece suits available for rental. We do not rent dive skins or hoods.
Do I need to wear gloves?
We do not recommend wearing gloves unless you are diving a wreck or the water is cold. If you don’t wear gloves, there are less chances of you touching something that you could damage or that could cause you harm.
What time should I arrive for a dive charter?
We ask that you check in at the office at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
45 minutes if you need to rent dive equipment or if you need to get your tanks
filled. If you are going to the Bahamas, we ask that you try and arrive at the
boarding time listed on your contract. Please do not arrive too early as we
will be unable to accomodate you until the boat is ready.
Are there snacks or refreshments on board?
Yes, there is fresh water, soda and fresh fruit or crackers and cookies provided on all charters.
Is there a bathroom on the boat?
Yes.
Is there fresh water for showers and rinsing gear?
Yes, we have a fresh water shower hose as well as shampoo and there is a fresh
water rinse bin at the dock for equipment rinsing.
Do you have a place for cameras?
Yes, we have a fresh water rinse bin on board, if there are many cameras on
board, we will add another cooler of fresh water to accommodate cameras. There
is also the fresh water hose on board that can be used to rinse cameras. You
can store camera boxes in the bow of the boat so they will be out of the way
of other divers.
Do I need a car?
We are located 20 minutes from the Palm Beach International Airport and about 5-10 minutes from most hotels nearby. Some hotels have shuttles, but we definitely recommend a car as taxi rides can add up, especially if you are spending more than a day or two in town. From the Ft. Lauderdale airport we are about 45-50 minutes north and one and a half hours north of the Miami airport. Malls and most restaurants are not within walking distance so that is another reason to have a car.
Can I park my car for a week if I’m going to the Bahamas?
Yes, you can leave your car in our parking lot while you are on board the Shear
Water.
Where should we stay?
There are many hotels within 10 minutes of our office and boats. If you want
to stay on the beach, there are several hotels on Singer Island:
Hilton Ocean Front Resort
561-848-3888
3700 North Ocean Drive
Singer Island, Florida
Crowne Plaza
561-842-6171
3200 North Ocean Drive
Singer Island, Florida
Best Western Seaspray Inn
561-844-0233
123 Ocean Avenue
Singer Island, FL 33404
Marriott Ocean Point
561-882-3000
71 Ocean Avenue
Palm Beach Shores, Florida33404
For the more budget conscious:
Super 8 Motel
412 Blue Heron Blvd.
W. Riviera Beach, Florida
Super 8 Motel
757 U.S. Highway
North Palm Beach, Florida
33408
Day's Inn
561-848-1188
2300 45'th Street
I 95 & 45'th Street Exit
Are there any campgrounds or RV Parks nearby?
Yes, there are several campgrounds and RV Parks in the area, although most will
be at least 25 minutes away, some closer to 1 hour. For camping you will want
to visit either the Lion Country Safari KOA Campground (561) 793-9797
also at www.lioncountrysafari.com, the Pine Lake Camp Resort
(561) 686-0714 or one of our favorites, Jonathan Dickinson
State Park in Hobe Sound at (772) 546-2771 www.floridastateparks.org/jonathandickinson.
For RV Parks try the Juno Beach RV Park (561) 622-7500 or the
Palm Beach Gardens RV Park (561) 622-8212.
Is there any shore diving in Palm Beach?
The Rutledge Inn has a small reef that actually sticks out of the water at low
tide that you can snorkel and the John D. Macarthur state park also has some
nice snorkeling. There is a $3.00 entrance fee into the park and it is well
worth it. JASA also offers high-tide guided tours at the Blue Heron Bridge,
which is an amazing place for macro life. Call us for more information.
Where should we eat in Palm Beach?
Here are a few of our favorites: For a quick hamburger or Lunch try The Brass Ring on US 1, a local bar/restaurant. For Bar BQ right down the road on US 1 and Northlake there is Park Avenue Grill. For lunch you may want to grab a great sub, try Fireman's sub on Northlake and US1. "Out to Lunch" on US 1 has a huge varity of sandwiches. For seafood we highly recommend The
Reef Grill aka Captain Charlies Reef Grill on US1 in Juno Beach (561) 624-9924,
the Sailfish Marina 842-8449 and Buccaneer Restaurant 844-3477 on Singer Island
are great for seafood and steaks, and they are both on the intracoastal waterway.
Mondo's on US1 in North Palm Beach is great for everything. For casual and great
BBQ, try Park Ave BBQ on US1 in North Palm Beach 842-7427 for lunch or dinner.
For the best Italian food, try Max & Eddie's Cucina on Singer Island 842-5200.
Other favorites include the Waterway Cafe and Panama Hatties, on PGA Blvd.
If you are headed downtown, try City Cellar, Legal Seafood or the Cheesecake
Factory, all located at City Place.
Where can we go for shopping and nightlife?
The Gardens Mall on PGA Blvd. is one of the nicest malls in the state.
There are several large departments stores, specialty shops and restaurants.
City Place on Okeechobee Blvd. and Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach
both offer restaurants, bars, dance clubs and shopping. There is a large parking
garage by City Place where you can park for both locations. You can take a trolley
to Clematis Street from City Place. There is also a movie theatre located at
City Place.
What is there to do when we are not diving?
Marine Life Center of Juno Beach
627-8280
14200 U.S. Highway 1
Juno Beach, Florida
Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park
561-547-9453
1301 Summit Blvd.
West Palm Beach, Florida
Butterfly World
954-977-4400
Tradewinds Park
3600 W. Sample Road
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
Lion Country Safari
561-793-1084
2003 Lion Country Safari Rd.
Florida 33470
