North Eleuthera SCUBA Conditions and Forecast: February 2014

A lemon shark spotted while snorkeling in Eleuthera waters. PHOTO CREDIT: George Gross.
A lemon shark spotted while snorkeling in Eleuthera waters. PHOTO CREDIT: George Gross.

Well, well January came in with a few cold fronts and the mixed weather meant more diving on the west end near Current Island but diving here is rewarding with beautiful reefs, fast drift dives with big animals, and some nice shallow wrecks. February will bring cooler water temperatures averaging 72 to75 degrees and 3mm wetsuits are recommended for all except yours truly—I enjoy the cooler water as my home in Canada provided my dive roots a colder start that I continue to enjoy. North Eleuthera and Harbour Island are still offering large animal opportunities daily with sightings/interaction with bottlenose dolphin, sharks, eagle rays, and turtles (hawksbill and green). Paddle boarding and kayaking on the calmer west side of Harbour Island is another fun activity for most or consider chartering a boat for various activities with just your guests. Plenty of lobster, octopus, eels, reef fish and crabs along with sting rays and barracuda are being encountered on most snorkeling and diving trips. Ask about land tours at Valentines Dive Center as well. The three miles of pink sand beach are looking great and restaurants should be uncrowded in February, so come down for some relaxation and adventure soon and maybe sign up your kids for some fun camps/swim lessons at the new PADI Swim School starting February 1 at Valentines Dive Center.