[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ith summer in full swing this month, the diving conditions couldn’t be better. Our mild southeast prevailing winds keep the conditions calm and clear almost all month. Afternoon showers become frequent, but usually blow by as quickly as they appear. Conditions off North Bimini near the construction continue to be a little cloudy, but sites like the Kinks just a little south are still fine, and even Little Caverns can be decent with an incoming tide. North of North Rock, on the Dolphin Grounds, the water begins to clear as well. Sites like Hawksbill, Rockwell Reef, 3 Sisters, and the Road to Atlantis should continue to be avoided until the construction is completed.
Big loggerhead turtles can be seen mating all over the reefs of Bimini, as well as nesting on the beaches in the evenings and early morning. In the summer months these marine reptiles aren’t shy. Often swimming right up to our divers, and spending over a half a dive with us is not uncommon. In addition to loggerheads, we are seeing an increased number of green and hawksbill turtles as well.
July continues to provide ample amounts of reef and blacknose sharks across the reefs, even more at sites like Tuna Alley and Victory Reef off Cat Cay. The star of July is almost always the Atlantic spotted dolphins. They have been amazingly cooperative and playful of late, and we anticipate this to continue into July. With encounters lasting nearly an hour late in the afternoon, this exciting and interactive experience is not to be missed! Whether you boat, fly, or even ride a cruise ship here, get over to Bimini, and enjoy the perfect water and conditions July is sure to provide.