[dropcap]J[/dropcap]uly, the first full month of summer, and we could not ask for better weather or diving conditions. Air temperature is ranging from 75°F at night to 87°F during the day. Weather is typically calm this time of year. Although the prevailing light southeasterly breeze brings some relief to summer’s heat and humidity, it feels best to spend the sunny days in, on or under the water. Scattered afternoon showers are becoming frequent, but are usually over shortly after they begin. Water temperature is on its way up from an average of 83°F in June to 85°F in July. Shorty wetsuits are being worn more for sun protection rather than thermal. Ocean current is virtually non-existent and visibility is 100-plus-feet. The crystal clear water and spectacular diving conditions are great for underwater photography, as you can see by the photos posted on our Facebook page. 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. The coral heads are alive with underwater activity and brimming with marine life. An assorted array of fish ranging from small, brightly colored tropicals to colorful parrotfish, shy butterfly fish, elusive trumpetfish, inquisitive barracuda, skittish snappers and friendly groupers share the reef with nurse and Caribbean reef sharks. Large schools of blue tang congregate above the reef, while the swim-throughs are filled with summer’s always spectacular surprise – silversides. We’re also seeing a lot of turtles, both hawksbill and green, which is always a thrill, and crawfish (lobsters) sightings are becoming more frequent. Abaco is both fortunate and grateful to have protected marine sanctuaries and national underwater parks, areas designated by the government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The first of two July 2015 full moons occurs on Wednesday, July 1, at 10:19 p.m. The second, also known as a Blue Moon, comes on Friday, July 31, at 6:42 a.m. If you miss the first July ‘Full Moon Party’ at Cracker P’s on Lubber’s Quarters, which will be celebrated on Thursday, July 2, you can catch the second one on Friday, July 31. Either way, it’s an event that should be experienced.
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