Goliath Grouper Spawning Event

The Atlantic goliath grouper reaches lengths of 4-8 feet and can weigh from 400 to over 700 pounds when mature. One of, if not the, largest members of the grouper/sea bass family, goliaths were fished to the point of near extinction, but have made a comeback under protection from harvest. They are still considered a critically endangered species and protected by law. The peak time of their spawning season is late August through mid September. During this time they aggregate to spawn off the Atlantic coast of Florida, near Jupiter. On dives during this time they can be seen in groups that number from 20 to well over 50. These numbers are conservative, with some published accounts placing their group sizes at 70 to 100 fish. We are going to dive with them! If you are old enough, you may remember that the Atlantic goliath grouper was referred to in the past as the jewfish, but in 2001, the American Fisheries Society stopped using that term because they felt that it was "culturally insensitive". Once mature, the goliath's only predators are large sharks and humans. Our friend and former staff instructor, Adam Wendt, lives in Florida and spearfishes for food. Adam recently told me that goliaths are more of a nuisance than sharks are about going after his speared fish! 

I first experienced the diving off Jupiter five years ago and then again last month. On both trips I saw individual goliath groupers, sharks (every dive), large rays, eels and turtles. The large animal diving really has to be seen to be believed. Last month was nesting season for loggerhead sea turtles and there were multiple sightings on every dive. After dragging themselves up the beach and back to lay eggs all these enormous female loggerheads wanted to do was rest and close-up photography did not bother them at all. We also saw a very large manta with a cobia swimming above her which even impressed our guide who has worked in the area for five years. Jupiter Florida is situated at the confluence of the Gulf Stream flowing up from the south and the counter current flowing down from the north. This results in an abundance of nutrients from the bottom of the food chain to the top and spectacular large marine life. The diving is drift diving like Cozumel's, but one sees more large life. Jupiter Dive Center's boats, crew and store staff are great - I would not use anyone else.



Sharon and I are doing a quick trip from 26-29 August with two days of diving, but anyone can go earlier or stay later and the owners and staff of Jupiter Dive Center will take great care of you as they have done for us. We are staying at the Marriott Palm Beach Gardens where we have stayed and their rates include hot breakfast, 20% off food and beverage (excludes alcohol), wireless internet and complimentary parking.

We are finalizing details as I write this, but wanted to make you aware of the trip as it will be a small one. You will need to arrange your own air fare and probably split a rental vehicle. We fly into Fort Lauderdale (FLL) as it is a larger airport and fares seem to be less expensive (less than $300 at the time this is written), but you can also fly into West Palm Beach (PBI) which is closer to Jupiter. The diving is $75 per day plus tank rentals for a two tank trip and we are diving two days (27-28 August), but remember that you are free to arrive earlier or stay longer. For those that want to get more diving in there is a 1:30 pm 2-tank departure that can be added to the 9:00 am departure for a third and fourth dive each day. The reason the diving does not include tanks is that most of their divers are locals and own their own tanks. Nitrox is available and highly recommended and larger steel 100 cf and 120 cf cylinders are available to rent.

If you have interest in this adventure please email me at manny@lonestarscuba.com. 
Sharon and I already have tickets on hold for ourselves. This is an inexpensive trip to see a spectacular aggregation of these huge goliath groupers. Join us!

Check out the following Youtube links to learn what this diving is like:

https://youtu.be/Fme7ORq_SSE

https://youtu.be/No52BLcBtHA

https://youtu.be/5HwocoFr_ZU

https://youtu.be/BHWDbUJluxo