South Eleuthera Scuba Diving Conditions and Forecast: December 2015

Shark Beach, Eleuthera, Bahamas. PHOTO CREDIT: Ocean Fox Cotton Bay Scuba Diving and Deep Sea Fishing.
Shark Beach, Eleuthera, Bahamas. PHOTO CREDIT: Ocean Fox Cotton Bay Scuba Diving and Deep Sea Fishing.

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]ecember diving is outstanding as the visibility continues to improve with the cooler water temperatures, typically in the mid to upper 70s with visibility better than pool water. The cooling waters bring explosively clear water as the temperature drops below the warmth required for algae to grow. With the water temperature continuing to drop, it is time to bring out the 3mm wetsuits, especially as we approach New Year’s. The cooler water brings various species of grouper like black, cag, Nassau, tiger and goliath, up over the wall seeking warmer water. Since they are not subject to spear fishing, they are quite curious and will allow you to get very close and do some great photography. Marlin have arrived, along with sailfish, and they tend to cruise the wall and with any luck you might just get to see a few along with the spotted eagle rays. Of course the sharks are always around to make sure “you take only pictures and leave only bubbles.”

Safety tip for December: There is no hospital or emergency (after hours) medical facility or hyperbaric chamber on Eleuthera, so get trip insurance with medical evacuation just in case you have a problem in the water or on land. Divers Alert Network (DAN) is an excellent choice, very affordable and can be accessed through our website.

Fun tip for December: Don’t forget your underwater camera, the photography opportunities are limitless.

Diver tip for December: The majority of heat loss is through your head. A 3mm hood will go a long way to making your dives more comfortable. Endless visibility awaits the adventuresome divers, who treasure uncrowded diving, uncrowded beaches and endless dive sites on South Eleuthera.

From all the friendly folks on Eleuthera we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.