Grand Bahama Dive Forecast – May 2011

Theo’s wreck off of Grand Bahama. Photo credit: Curt Bowen.

The weather forecast for May is lots of sunshine and flat calm seas! The visibility is great and the water temperature in the Northern Bahamas is reaching 80 degrees. It’s time for the shorty wetsuits and lighter weight belt.

May is a great month for taking a look at the wrecks along the south shore of Grand Bahama. Many wrecks are planned artificial reefs but some hold a story of adventure. When on Grand Bahama, check out Theo’s Wreck, a 238 foot cement freighter sunk in 1982 in 100 feet of water and still holding its shape and ground despite ocean storms. This wreck has two easy lines of penetration, is loaded with vertebrates and invertebrates, and is the perfect site for your first wreck dive.

A more recent wreck, but equally loaded with sea life of all measure, is the 180 foot Sea Star wreck. If you wish to do some wreck dives and at the same time want to enjoy some reef diving, do not fail to request the Papa Doc wreck, where there are some lovely reefs. Also in that location is Badger, a cute little tug-boat sunk in 1996.

A personal favorite of mine is La Rose. With its old fashioned three-deck tug-boat look, red and white paint, and a perfect upright position, it looks as if it is still sailing the sea, but just from a different point of view!

Marine life of all kind have made these wrecks home and while diving them, you’ll see grouper, shark, snapper, rays, lobster, eels, jack, Bermuda chub and many more that are abundant in the waters of Grand Bahama Island.

FORECAST BY: Cristina Zenato, Dive Department Supervisor
The International Underwater Explorer’s Society, Ltd. (UNEXSO)
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
(242) 373-1244 or (800) 992-DIVE
http://www.unexso.com/

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