Where the Pros Choose to Dive: Kyalami DMs Weigh in on the Best Local Sites

The Palm Beaches - from Jupiter south to Riveria - offer incredibly diverse options for diving. Visitors often ask: “when is best time to come dive and where will you take us?” While our dive site selection is always up to the captain and based on current conditions, you really can’t go wrong with any of our sites here. From mysterious wrecks to dramatic ledges to scenic reefscapes with vibrant, healthy corals, we have options to suit any diver - all year-long.

Typical reef scene here in the Palm Beach/Jupiter area.

While all our sites are special and unique in their own right, since we are so often asked about the “best” dive sites in the area, we thought we would catch up with those who know these reefs like none other - our head Divemasters for Kyalami and Kyalami Too. Keep on reading as Erick, Kayla and Mike share with us the sites they never tire of diving.

Divemaster Erick patiently awaits Kyalami to swing by for pick-up after another epic drift dive in Jupiter.

Kyalami DM Erick Morgan’s Top Pick: Capt Kirles

When we caught up with Erick and asked him why he selected this popular Jupiter drop he shared: “I love this site because it offers both a ledge drift and a garden style dive on the same site, with creatures to see on either side of you as you drift down the reef.”

He went on to explain: “The unique topography makes for a great nursery for juvenile tropical fish that cover the reef with shades of purples, pinks and yellows. It’s also the perfect depth for both beautiful coral reef and larger fish and even offers a hidden cave with a resident hawksbill. Frequently we hit the ‘Jupiter Superfecta’ at this site, the big 4: sharks, goliath, turtles and eels.”

I know I personally love taking clients here when I have photography assignments. The scenic ledge, the amount of life along scattered along the reef and the consistent occurrence of big animal encounters means this site rarely disappoints. Nice pick, Erick!

Divemaster Mike takes a swim alongside the Kyalami Too during a surface interval - you just can’t keep this guy out of the water!

Kyalami Too DM Mike Healy’s Top Pick: Breakers 4th Window

Next, we went south to Palm Beach to catch up with DM Mike who shared why Breakers is his favorite site: “It’s such a beautiful, well-defined ledge. There is the possibility to see everything there, small to big. When you slow down you can spy small snapping shrimp and arrowhead crabs; then of course there is the iconic resident school of spadefish that playfully rub on your fins if you take the time to rest in the sand. There are also massive schools of grunts/snappers and Breakers becomes turtle paradise during nesting season. Big animal residents like goliath grouper have been spotted in the cave, lemon sharks rest in the sand alongside massive southern stingrays. I’ve also seen a sawfish and hammerheads there.” Wow!

Mike concludes by saying, “Breakers is hands down the best dive in Palm Beach and is always full of life.” And I could not agree more. While Breakers 4th Window is beautiful all year long, my personal favorite time to dive there is at the height of turtle nesting season. I’ve seen up to 2 dozen resting loggerheads nestled on top of this reef, sometimes there are so many it is difficult to decide where to aim your camera!

Divemaster Kayla hanging at her safety stop. You’ll notice her dive socks are for both fashion and function, as she uses them to collect discarded fishing line that she cleans up from the reef. Way to go, Kayla!

DM Kayla Kohutko’s Top Pick: Monkey’s Ledge

Kayla has been a divemaster in the Jupiter area for over 7 years, logging thousands of hours in the water. She explained to us why she selected a less-common Jupiter dive site: “Monkey’s is a beautiful, steep 20 ft ledge that attracts so many fish - both big and small. There are plenty of sharks, turtles, and more recently this past year, it’s been home to Sweetie the Goliath.”

Sweetie is one of our favorite locals here, a resident goliath that is extremely friendly to casual divers but as Kayla put it “not so sweet to hunters.” Like many of us, Sweetie has an appetite for lobster -can you blame her?!

An avid conservationist and ocean steward, Kayla also adds: “It’s a great place to pick up fishing line.”

While this site may not be the 1st spot that comes to mind for most divers in Jupiter, I have to agree with Kayla that the dramatic ledge here is absolutely stunning. And everyone loves a good encounter with Sweetie - just don’t let her spy your lobster bag!

With so many exceptional dive sites to choose from, we know it was hard for our pros to pick just one. Come see for yourself why diving here is so amazing and special. And be sure to report back, because we want to hear from each of you - what’s your favorite dive site and why?

Safe Diving,

Grace