[dropcap]N[/dropcap]ovember definitely heralds some changes in the waters around Bimini. Water temperatures begin to cool dramatically, and wind patterns begin to change to our winter patterns. Cold fronts can roll in, and blow hard out of the north and northwest causing big seas. Average water temperatures range from 77 to 79 degrees F, and air temps in the mid to low 80s F.
The best part about November is with cooling water temperatures come many migratory species back to Bimini. Wahoo season starts in November, and seeing them cruise by while doing a safety stop isn’t uncommon at all, especially after drifting along a wall dive. Our bigger sharks begin showing up in November, along with more of our usual suspects like Caribbean reef sharks and blacknose. It just starts to get ‘sharkier’ in general. The bull sharks already began arriving in October, and a small number of great hammerhead sharks will most likely have arrived by the end of the month.
This season for the first time, all three of Bimini’s dive operators will be offering hammerhead dives of some kind. Season has traditionally been from January through March, however, December and April can also prove fruitful for the willing and adventurous diver.
As far as the island experience goes this month, it is pretty still, with very little tourism. November is arguably the slowest month of the year for visitors, and it can feel very quiet on land this month. If you prefer peace and quiet, private guides, and uncrowded dive sites, November might just be the best month for you to visit Bimini!
Thanks for reading, and enjoy your dives this and every month!