PHOTO CREDIT: DIVE Abaco!
[dropcap]J[/dropcap]uly is one of the peak times for visiting Abaco and diving in our crystal clear waters. With Abaco’s diverse reef system and mountainous coral formations nearly reaching the surface, SCUBA divers and snorkelers can stay together, share the same vessel and enjoy the same sites. There is no need for family and friends to be separated by different levels of ability or different water activities.
The southeasterly trade winds have settled into their summer routine, providing typically calm, hot days with welcoming light breezes and scattered afternoon thunderstorms. Fortunately, they are usually over shortly after they begin. Water temperature has reached 85 degrees. Shorty wetsuits are needed more for sun protection rather than thermal. Ocean current is virtually non-existent and visibility is 100-plus feet, which is great for underwater photography.
The reefs are alive with an assorted array of marine life. Colorful parrotfish, blue tang and butterfly fish share the reef with Caribbean reef sharks, turtles and lobster. The swim-throughs are filled with silversides. Our pet Nassau groupers, Gidget and Gulliver, seem to thrive on the attention given them by divers. Abaco is grateful to have protected marine sanctuaries and national underwater parks, areas designated by the government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
July’s full moon occurs on Saturday, July 12 at 7:25 a.m. Moon rise is 8:14 p.m. For those of you lucky enough to be on-island during this time, remember the ‘Full Moon Party’ and place to be is Cracker P’s on Lubber’s Quarters.
Come enjoy Summer… and ‘Layin’ low in Abaco!’