Abaco Scuba Diving Conditions and Forecast: April 2015

Dive Abaco!'s homeport, the Conch Inn, Marsh Harbour, Abaco. PHOTO CREDIT: Keith Rogers.
Dive Abaco!’s homeport, the Conch Inn, Marsh Harbour, Abaco. PHOTO CREDIT: Keith Rogers.

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]pril is one of the best months to visit Abaco and enjoy its amazing underwater landscape. 

With a serious warming trend of the water, it is likely the water temperature could rise 3° to 4°F, getting up to 78° or 79°F by the end of the month.  Along with the warmer currents and crystal clear water, comes the perfect opportunity for more frequent sighting of diving favorites—sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, sharks and schools of blue tang as they cruise along the reef.  You may even catch a glimpse of a manta ray or two on their migration north. For macro photo enthusiasts, the abundance of arrow crabs, flamingo tongue and blue-violet Pedersen cleaner shrimp, provide the perfect subjects. Unannounced encounters with a variety of marine life may await just around the next coral head. The water continues to keep its beautiful shades of blue. Visibility has remained constant through the winter. With the mild winter and calmer than normal sea conditions, the transition to spring had been almost unnoticeable. Daylight savings time and spring weather patterns also mean we have more days to be on the water, and with the busy season upon us, that is a good thing. April air temperature continues to rise, ranging from a cool 69°F at night to a comfortable 81° during the day, skies are sunny and there is a relatively low chance of precipitation. This is the time of year we recommend divers take a refresher course prior to taking an open ocean plunge. 

Wednesday, April 1 marks the closure of crawfish (lobster) season in the Bahamas, so remember to retire your lobster bags until August. Easter is on Sunday, April 5. The Full ‘Pink’ Moon will occur on Saturday, April 4 at 8:06 a.m.  

No excuses, with additional flights serving Marsh Harbour from Ft Lauderdale, Miami, New Smyrna Beach, Orlando, Tampa and West Palm Beach in Florida, and Nassau, Bahamas, we look forward to seeing you in soon!