WEST PALM BEACH SNORKEL FIELD GUIDE
Under Starlight with Sharks: A Night Drift Aboard the Ghost Drifter
A guided, 4-hour night drift snorkel in West Palm Beach with Captain XELA—this guide explains what to expect on the eco-minded Ghost Drifter and how the expedition unfolds.
Under Starlight with Sharks: A Night Drift Aboard the Ghost Drifter.
Adventure brief
Under Starlight with Sharks: A Night Drift Aboard the Ghost Drifter
Board the Ghost Drifter at dusk for a guided night drift snorkel led by Captain XELA and an elite dive guide. On this small, fuel-efficient 31-foot vessel you'll receive a safety briefing, crew assistance with gearing up, and spend over an hour in the water under torchlight watching local shark species and other nocturnal life before returning to the dock for beverages.
West Palm Beach, Florida, is known for its stunning Atlantic coastline and vibrant marine life, making it a prime destination for underwater adventurers. Among its lesser-known yet thrilling offerings is the Night Shark Dive with XELA Expeditions. This nighttime voyage aboard the eco-friendly Ghost Drifter immerses participants in the mysterious world beneath the waves after sunset. Guided by expert Captain XELA, guests don wetsuits and dive into the inky waters, where the ocean reveals its nocturnal residents—sharks, rays, and countless other marine creatures emerge from the darkness, illuminated only by the glow of their specialized lights. The experience combines eco-conscious practices with intimate encounters, allowing divers to view sharks up close in their natural habitat without disturbing their environment. What's unique about this trip is the focus on sustainable marine tourism; XELA Expeditions emphasizes minimizing environmental impact while providing awe-inspiring marine encounters. The boat itself is designed with sustainability in mind, ensuring your adventure leaves a positive footprint on Florida’s pristine waters. This expedition stands out in South Florida’s outdoor scene by offering night diving tailored specifically to shark sightings, which are typically unseen by day-trippers. The glow of bioluminescent marine life adds to the thrill, creating a surreal, almost otherworldly underwater environment. Whether you're a seasoned diver seeking a new challenge or a marine enthusiast eager for a different perspective, the Night Shark Dive offers an unforgettable canvas of the ocean’s nocturnal side. Participants should prepare for a moderate level of physical activity, and the trip usually lasts several hours—perfect for night owls and adventure-hungry travelers alike. With safety as a priority and guided expertise, XELA Expeditions ensures each journey is both safe and profoundly rewarding, making it a standout activity in the Florida outdoor recreation landscape.
Route Schematic
Route & Itinerary Schematic
Key stops from boarding to return, and what happens at each stage of the night drift.
Dock & Boarding at Dusk
Board the Ghost Drifter at dusk; the crew provides a safety briefing and helps guests gear up for the night snorkel.
Drift Snorkel Under Torchlight
Enter the water and drift for over an hour while guides illuminate and point out local shark species and other nocturnal marine life.
Return Aboard & Dock
Climb back aboard for beverages as the vessel returns to the dock and the evening concludes.
A safety briefing and crew-assisted gearing are part of the trip; participants should be prepared to enter the water and spend extended time afloat from a small 31-foot vessel.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Sharks After Dark
Under torchlight, snorkelers observe the reflective eyes and skins of local shark species and study nighttime behaviors in an intimate, guided setting.
Nocturnal Marine Sightings
Beyond sharks, the expedition offers chances to see other nocturnal species such as flying fish and squid while drifting in open water with guide support.
The Eco-Friendly Ghost Drifter
The experience runs from a small, fuel-efficient 31-foot vessel that emphasizes sustainability and gentle interaction with marine life.
What the day feels like
What the Night Feels Like
At dusk you board the Ghost Drifter, receive a safety briefing, and kit up with the crew's assistance. Then you slip into torchlit water for a guided, drifting snorkel—spending more than an hour observing sharks and the fringe of nocturnal life—before returning to the vessel for drinks and a short run back to the dock.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this night snorkel suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The expedition runs roughly 4 hours from boarding at dusk through return to the dock.
Expect a safety briefing and crew assistance with gearing; come prepared to enter the water and follow guides' instructions.
Boarding takes place at dusk on the Ghost Drifter; the outing concludes with beverages aboard before returning to the dock.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Night Shark Dive?
The full outing is approximately 4 hours.
When and where do we board?
You board the Ghost Drifter at dusk and depart from the dock for the night drift snorkel.
What marine life might we see?
Guides commonly point out local shark species; there is also a chance to see nocturnal animals such as flying fish and squid.
Is the boat eco-friendly?
Yes—the Ghost Drifter is a small, fuel-efficient 31-foot vessel that emphasizes sustainability and low fuel consumption.
Will there be a safety briefing and help with gear?
Yes—crew members provide a safety briefing and assist guests with gearing up and entering the water.
How long will we spend in the water?
The experience includes over an hour in the water during the guided night drift.
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: 2026-08-07T13:07:26.264Z
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.