RIVIERA BEACH SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
Eight Days Aboard the MV Shear Water: Sharks, Wrecks and Drift Diving off Riviera Beach
An 8-day/7-night liveaboard scuba expedition out of Riviera Beach aboard the MV Shear Water, focused on open-water shark, wreck and reef dives in Gulf Stream-clear waters.
Eight Days Aboard the MV Shear Water: Sharks, Wrecks and Drift Diving off Riviera Beach.
Join Palm Beach Shark Expeditions aboard the MV Shear Water for open-water dives among an unusually rich mix of marine life—sharks, turtles and Goliath groupers—drifting through clear Gulf Stream-fed water that brings tropical and temperate species together along Palm Beach County’s coast.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Sharks, Turtles and Goliath Groupers
Palm Beach County concentrates an exceptional diversity of animals: observers have recorded as many as 10 shark species, five of seven sea turtle species and large aggregations of Goliath groupers (notably during August and early September on shipwrecks).
Drift Diving in the Gulf Stream
The close-in Gulf Stream current makes long, low-effort drift dives possible—the captain follows the dive flag on the surface—while average dive depths (45–100 ft) mean nitrox is highly recommended to maximize bottom time.
A Small Liveaboard Built for Serious Diving
The MV Shear Water is a 72-ft, Coast Guard–certified twin-engine scuba charter that accommodates 10 guests and four crew, with private cabins, hot showers, AC, camera rinse bins and charging stations—set up for multi-day diving and photography trips.
What the day feels like
What the week feels like
Board the MV Shear Water in the late afternoon, settle into compact but private cabins, listen to boat and shark briefings, then spend the next several days drifting over reefs, wrecks and shark sites in clear Gulf Stream water. Dives are open-water (not cage) shark encounters; bait is used to attract animals while crew members monitor divers in the water. Expect multiple day and night dives—guests may choose how much to dive—and a rhythm of briefings, dives, snacks and chef-prepared meals aboard.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring dark/black dive exposure gear (black hood, full-length wetsuit or dive skin, gloves, socks/booties and dark fins and BCD); a dive light and backup light, spare batteries and a snorkel; soft bags rather than rigid suitcases.
Water temperatures range roughly 70–85°F; a 3mm–5mm wetsuit is recommended.
The vessel provides a large rinse bin for photographic gear plus ample 110‑V charging stations for cameras and batteries.
Nitrox is available (nitrox upgrade included free with proof of certification) and every diver is required to carry DAN, PADI or equivalent dive insurance.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What does the trip price include?
Price includes 3–5 dives daily, accommodations aboard MV Shear Water with linens and towels, tanks (large and small) filled with air or nitrox and weights, all meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, nitrox upgrade free with proof of certification, and a fuel surcharge for online bookings.
How many dives will we do each day?
Typically 3 to 5 dives daily; the exact number depends on site depths and staying within no‑decompression limits—deeper reefs may limit you to fewer dives, and nitrox can increase available bottom time.
What certification and insurance do I need?
Divers must be at minimum Open Water certified and confident with their skills; Advanced Open Water is recommended. Every diver must carry DAN, PADI or equivalent dive insurance.
Are the shark dives done from a cage?
No—these are open-water shark encounters, not cage dives. Bait is used to attract sharks and at least one crewmember will be in the water to monitor divers, bait and sharks; extensive safety briefings are given.
Where and when do we board and disembark?
Boarding is at 4pm at Safe Harbor New Port Marina (255 E 22nd St, Riviera Bch, FL 33404) with dinner at 7pm; on return day guests leave the boat between 8 and 9am.
Are gratuities, rentals and alcohol included?
Gratuities are not included (15% of retail charter price recommended); personal dive equipment is not included but rental gear is available at Force E Scuba Center in Riviera Beach. Alcoholic beverages are not included—guests may bring their own in non‑glass containers.