[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he cooling trends of November herald a different diving experience than what the summer months offer. Water temperatures begin at very low 80s, and by the end of the month can easily be in the high 70s. Air temperatures are still pretty perfect, with highs in the 80s during the day, and lows in the 70s at night. The southeastern movement of cold fronts from the eastern seaboard of the U.S. towards and past Bimini can bring some stronger winds from a more northerly direction than is typical in the summer. The dip in water temperature this month heralds the slow but steady return of Bimini’s winter water residents. Big grouper, lionfish, and lobster begin moving up over the wall into shallower and more approachable depths. Large and smaller schooling wahoo can be seen on drift dives now, patrolling the edge of the wall. Large sharks like hammerheads, Caribbean reef, and bull sharks begin migrating to their winter home in November as well. They become almost common sights on a majority of dive site throughout the winter. As for the free diving spear fishers, November is a GREAT month. Grouper and lobster are in season, the cooling water brings bigger fish shallower, and the water is still relatively warm. You really don’t want to miss out on possibly the last month of the season you can wear a shorty in the water. Also don’t forget that the cool water also brings more sharks into the area, so be more mindful than in the summer. Be safe, catch some big ones, and always have a buddy in the water with you.
