RIVIERA BEACH SNORKEL FIELD GUIDE
Face to Face with the Ocean’s Apex: A Two‑Tank Shark Dive off Riviera Beach
A guided, two‑tank scuba expedition from Riviera Beach that takes certified divers beyond 60 ft in search of Lemon, Tiger and Hammerhead sharks; this guide lays out what to expect and how to prepare.
Face to Face with the Ocean’s Apex: A Two‑Tank Shark Dive off Riviera Beach.
Adventure brief
Face to Face with the Ocean’s Apex: A Two‑Tank Shark Dive off Riviera Beach
Calypso Dive Charters runs a daily two‑tank shark dive from Riviera Beach that brings certified divers into deeper offshore waters where encounters with Lemon, Tiger, Hammerhead and other shark species are possible; the trip is structured for experienced divers and offers rental equipment if needed.
Off the coast of Riviera Beach, Florida, Calypso Dive Charters offers certified divers an adrenaline-charged opportunity: the 2 Tank Shark Dive Expedition. This five-hour experience dives into some of the Atlantic’s most alluring shark habitats, where encounters with species like Lemon, Tiger, Hammerhead, Sandbar, and Silky sharks are more than just possible—they’re the draw. Departing from 200 E 13th St, Riviera Beach, this charter holds a respected place in South Florida’s dive community, known for its reliable scheduling and expert local guides who understand the dynamics of the region’s underwater ecosystem.
Riviera Beach itself commands attention with crystal-clear blue water and a series of reefs and wrecks that create complex habitats attracting marine life. The dive routes descend beyond 60 feet, challenging divers with currents and visibility that can fluctuate but reward with dramatic encounters. The presence of graceful scalloped hammerheads and powerful tiger sharks adds a thrilling edge, making this more than a casual dive—it's a purposeful quest into the apex predator realm.
What sets Calypso apart is their commitment to both adventure and safety. With daily trips requiring a minimum of three divers, the charters are intimate yet well-supported. Divers bring their own gear or rent from a full inventory including tanks, BCDs, regulators, and nitrox dive computers, ensuring readiness for the demanding depths. Guides emphasize conservation and respect for the marine environment, fostering encounters that are both memorable and mindful.
Whether you’re targeting the sleek nurse sharks or hoping for a glimpse of the elusive great hammerhead, this expedition offers a combination of technical challenge and raw marine spectacle. It’s a destination dive for those wanting to connect deeply with Florida’s underwater frontier and come face-to-face with some of the ocean’s most iconic predators.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Schematic
Key sequence of the two‑tank shark dive and what occurs at each stage.
Departure & Start Time
Trips are offered daily with weekend departures at 8:00 am and weekday departures at 9:00 am; departures originate from Riviera Beach with the operator Calypso Dive Charters.
First Tank — Offshore Deep Dive
The first dive is into offshore sites classified as advanced dives (depths beyond 60 ft), where shark sightings are possible.
Surface Interval & Second Tank
After a surface interval aboard the charter, the second tank dive returns to productive offshore locations for additional shark encounter opportunities before heading back.
These are advanced dives (depths beyond 60 ft); divers must hold appropriate certification and the operator requires a minimum of three divers to run the trip — trips may be canceled or rescheduled if quorum is not met.
What the day feels like
What the Expedition Feels Like
You board with Calypso Dive Charters for a focused five‑hour window of offshore diving: two separate tank dives into deeper habitat where visibility and current can conspire with the movements of large sharks. The trip is aimed at certified divers who bring or rent full scuba rigs and come prepared for deeper, advanced dives where the pacing of surface intervals and the choreography of preparing gear are part of the rhythm.
THE FAUNA
A Roster of Large Sharks
Seasonal and resident species you may see include Lemon, Bull, Hammerhead, Tiger, Sandbar, Silky, Dusky and Nurse sharks — the primary reason divers sign on for this two‑tank outing.
THE DIVES
Two Advanced Tanks Beyond 60 ft
This is a two‑tank itinerary that visits dive sites considered advanced (depths beyond 60 ft), designed for certified divers prepared for deeper offshore conditions.
THE LOGISTICS
Daily Departures, Minimum Quorum
Trips run daily, with scheduled weekend and weekday start times; the operator requires a minimum of three divers to run a trip and will contact you if the trip cannot be confirmed.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Trips run daily with weekend departures at 8:00 am and weekday departures at 9:00 am; the full outing spans about 5 hours.
Bring your scuba gear (BCD, tanks, regulator, nitrox dive computer), gloves, hood, safety sausage, towel and dive certification card (Scuba Diver, Nitrox or Advanced). Rentals are available from the operator if you lack equipment.
Dive sites are considered advanced (depths beyond 60 ft); come prepared for deeper offshore conditions and ensure your certification and experience match the planned depths.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the 2 Tank Shark Dive trip?
The complete outing lasts about 5 hours.
When do the trips depart?
Shark dives are offered daily, departing at 8:00 am on weekends and 9:00 am on weekdays.
Do I need to be certified to join?
Yes — divers must present dive certification (Scuba Diver, Nitrox or Advanced) to participate.
What gear must I bring and can I rent equipment?
Bring your scuba gear including BCD, tanks, regulator, nitrox dive computer, gloves, hood and safety sausage; if you don't have gear you can rent it from the operator.
What is the minimum number of divers required to run a trip?
The operator requires a minimum of three divers to make a trip; if quorum is not reached they will contact you about changes.
What kinds of sharks might I see?
Possible encounters include Lemon Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Scalloped and Great Hammerhead Sharks, Sandbar and Silky Sharks.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-28T02:25:14.558Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.