[dropcap]A[/dropcap]lthough the official end of summer is Tuesday, September 23, Abaco is already experiencing a slowdown in tourism. With schools starting, the off season has begun. Diving, however, remains excellent. The weather is warm, okay, hot, but we have the remedy to stay cool.
If you prefer going on vacation when others aren’t, September is the perfect time to enjoy the tranquility of our beautiful and diverse out-island, and take advantage of reduced seasonal rates offered by hotels. Keep in mind, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance. Many businesses close to allow their staff to take much needed vacations, and also for annual maintenance to prepare for the winter season, which starts in November.
We are happy to report great weather conditions, all while keeping an eye on the tropics as we approach the height of hurricane season. Both air and water temperatures peak this month, air temperature is averaging 88°F and water temperature is 84-86°F. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoon, but are over almost as quickly as they begin. Diving conditions are near perfect. Winds are generally light, less than 10 knots, out of the southeast. The sea is often glassy calm and current is non-existent. Visibility remains outstanding with no evidence of algae bloom, which is caused by higher water temps and climate change. This is a concern since a huge bloom recently has been spotted off the west coast of Florida. It can be devastating to corals and marine life.
Abaco offers a wide range of diving opportunities. Marine life is abundant along the world’s third longest barrier reef and offers great photo opportunities for the underwater photographer. We continue to enjoy the presence of silversides and copper sweepers in the tunnels and swim throughs. Their sheer volume attracts a variety of predators, including grouper, snapper and jacks – and is an ideal opportunity for divers to observe a lot of marine life in a localized area.
Crawfish (lobster) season opened on August 1. It is recommended you contact or check in with the Department of Marine Resources in Marsh Harbour (telephone 242-367-3482) for rules and regulations and to familiarize yourself with the boundaries of the protected areas. A couple of the most well-known protected areas encompass the Fowl Cay National Underwater Park and the Sandy Cay National Land and Sea Park. Keep in mind it is unlawful to spear fish, including crawfish, while on SCUBA or within 200 yards of any shoreline in the Out Islands. It is also illegal to remove anything from the ocean floor while on SCUBA within the Islands of the Bahamas.
The Full Harvest Moon occurs on Monday, September 8, 9:38 p.m., so be sure and look up. In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for you!