[dropcap]S[/dropcap]pring has arrived and April is upon us. As the air and sea temperatures continue to rise, so do the number of divers and snorkelers. Now is the time to locate your ‘C’ card and confirm your passport is still valid. Many well-traveled divers have told us that Abaco offers some of the best diving in the world. The diversity of diving along the world’s third longest barrier reef is very apparent during April and May. The crystal clear waters are teeming with fish and the coral reefs are alive with marine life. It is always a thrill to spot a green or spotted moray eel peeking out from a crevice within the coral. It is also mating season for many fish and crawfish (lobster) and you may even catch a glimpse of a manta ray or two on their migration north. Water temperature is on the way up, averaging 78°F. Visibility seems endless and there is little, if any, current. Along with the warmer currents come more frequent sighting of diving favorites—sea turtles, spotted eagle rays and sharks. An abundance of arrow crabs, flamingo tongue and blue-violet Pedersen cleaner shrimp provide the perfect subjects for macro-photo enthusiasts. The warm daily temperatures are moderated at night by cool breezes off the ocean. Air temperatures range from 81°F during the day to 69°F at night, skies are sunny and there is a relatively low chance of precipitation. Flowers are in full bloom. The smallest full moon of 2016 occurs on Friday, April 22, 1:23 a.m. The moonlit skies will subdue the Lyrid meteor showers, but it won’t affect Cracker P’s Full Moon party, an Abaco ‘bucket list’ event, http://www.crackerps.com/for-items/item/77-full-moon.html. As a reminder, April 1 marks the end of crawfish (lobster) season in the Bahamas until it begins again in August. Whether you are a novice, experienced, sport or adventurous diver, Abaco has something to offer.
