For over a decade, Shana Phelan has fought for the protection of Goliath Grouper. In 2022, SCUBA Diving Magazine named her the November Sea Hero and in 2025 the Florida Wildlife Federation nominated her as a Conservation Champion for her advocacy efforts. Now, you can join Shana and the PVD Pro team in the fight to defend Goliath Grouper by becoming a Goliath Grouper Diver! This exclusive specialty was created by Shana and is only available at Pura Vida Divers.
Goliath Grouper are giant fish. They weigh up to 800 pounds and grow up to 8 feet long. Every fall, Goliath Grouper flock to the Palm Beaches to aggregate. Their populations, though dwindling from historic numbers, seem staggering when drifting through an aggregation.
Diving alongside these gentle giants requires special knowledge and skills.
BE A GOLIATH GROUPER DIVER
Practice and perfect habits to dive safely alongside Goliath Grouper. Learn how to identify Goliaths from other Grouper species. Understand their basic biology, reproductive behaviors, and unique features. Gain perspective on how Goliath populations have changed over time. Find out why the FWC recently ruled to lift a decades-long moratorium on the Goliath Grouper fishery, and how this species remains a controversial topic between divers, fishermen, environmentalists, and lawmakers. Find out firsthand how Pura Vida Divers continues to rally the diving community to advocate for Goliath Grouper, and how you can help!
THE GOLIATH GROUPER DIVER EXPERIENCE
After an interactive classroom session, go diving! Join your Instructor aboard a 2-tank charter to dive with Goliath Grouper in the wild. Practice passive observation as you explore Goliath Grouper habitat.
While Goliaths can be found year round on reefs and wrecks throughout the Palm Beaches, their aggregations most often occur on deep dive (70′ – 90′) sites. For your safety and to ensure the wellbeing of Goliath Grouper, divers must be PADI Advanced Open Water and Enriched Air Nitrox (or other agency equivalent) to join this course. Kids as young as 12 years old can earn their Goliath Grouper Diver specialty certification.
Students must carry a DSMB, a dive slate, and a pencil. Bring along a camera to capture photos of these stunning animals! Not yet comfortable launching a DSMB from depth? Pair your class with a PADI DSMB Diver specialty.
Make the most of your PADI Goliath Grouper Diver specialty course! Learn from our conservation experts What You Need To Know To Dive With Goliath Grouper.
YOUR CHOICE MATTERS
Our conservation efforts don’t end with Goliath Grouper! In 2019, Shana and Dean, alongside other key stakeholders, worked with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to prohibit in-water collection of marine life at the world-renowned Blue Heron Bridge.
Learn why Your Choice Matters, and how Shana, Dean, and the PVD Pro team are working hard to ensure a brighter future for Florida’s reefs.
DIVE LIKE A LOCAL
Learn to dive like a local! Join us for these exclusive PADI specialty courses, only offered at Pura Vida Divers:
