I was able to get out this past Saturday and Sunday morning with Pura Vida. Saturday I was on Marin (deep boat) and Sunday on Aurelia (the only boat they took out).
Even though there was a NE swell and the forecast was for 5-6' seas the conditions were not that bad both mornings. We had 3-4' seas with a moderate period of maybe 6-8 seconds. It was very manageable.
Saturday 5/15
1st dive was on North Double Ledges
Moderate south current so we did it in reverse ... north to south
This was the worst dive of the four for the weekend. Water temps were 80-81, viz was a milky 40' or so. I quickly got separated from the group and missed the jump to stay on the best ledge. Easy to do going backwards. It turns out that the main group with the guide missed it too so I didn't feel so bad! Most of the dive was in an area of rubble and patchy reef. Not an awful dive but not the best. I did see a nice hawksbill and bull shark right at the end so that was nice.
2nd dive was on Corridor
Also a moderate south current so we did it in reverse ... north to south
This dive was much better. The viz was better at 50-60', the group stayed together well, water temps were still 80-81. Saw a cute baby reef shark (maybe 2-3'), small hawksbill, LOTS of schooling jack on the Ana C and one lone medium sized goliath grouper.
Sunday 5/16
Only 5 customers on the boat. It was heavenly!
1st dive was on the Princess Anne
Fantastic dive. Trickle of a south current so we could easily explore this large wreck. We were in bull shark heaven! There were at least 6 that hung out and circled around us the entire dive. There were schooling spadefish, schooling barracuda and a school of rainbow parrotfish. Water temp was right at 80 and viz was 50-60'. Awesome dive! We even had a bull follow us up to say goodbye! I'll post a pick of it from our safety stop.
2nd dive was on Governors
Still a slow south current so we did it backwards .... north to south. Viz wasn't as good as on the Princess Anne. Maybe 20-30' with water temp right at 80. Even in the lowish viz the guide did a great just hitting most of the wrecks. With the minimal current we could take our time and just explore. Lots of lionfish were killed by two of our group. A good dive to wrap up the weekend.
I'll post some screen captures shortly.
I think it might about be time to break out my 3mm. I was in my 5mm with my warm water lycra hood. I was incredibly comfortable and maybe a bit warm at times. I'm never warm!
Even though there was a NE swell and the forecast was for 5-6' seas the conditions were not that bad both mornings. We had 3-4' seas with a moderate period of maybe 6-8 seconds. It was very manageable.
Saturday 5/15
1st dive was on North Double Ledges
Moderate south current so we did it in reverse ... north to south
This was the worst dive of the four for the weekend. Water temps were 80-81, viz was a milky 40' or so. I quickly got separated from the group and missed the jump to stay on the best ledge. Easy to do going backwards. It turns out that the main group with the guide missed it too so I didn't feel so bad! Most of the dive was in an area of rubble and patchy reef. Not an awful dive but not the best. I did see a nice hawksbill and bull shark right at the end so that was nice.
2nd dive was on Corridor
Also a moderate south current so we did it in reverse ... north to south
This dive was much better. The viz was better at 50-60', the group stayed together well, water temps were still 80-81. Saw a cute baby reef shark (maybe 2-3'), small hawksbill, LOTS of schooling jack on the Ana C and one lone medium sized goliath grouper.
Sunday 5/16
Only 5 customers on the boat. It was heavenly!
1st dive was on the Princess Anne
Fantastic dive. Trickle of a south current so we could easily explore this large wreck. We were in bull shark heaven! There were at least 6 that hung out and circled around us the entire dive. There were schooling spadefish, schooling barracuda and a school of rainbow parrotfish. Water temp was right at 80 and viz was 50-60'. Awesome dive! We even had a bull follow us up to say goodbye! I'll post a pick of it from our safety stop.
2nd dive was on Governors
Still a slow south current so we did it backwards .... north to south. Viz wasn't as good as on the Princess Anne. Maybe 20-30' with water temp right at 80. Even in the lowish viz the guide did a great just hitting most of the wrecks. With the minimal current we could take our time and just explore. Lots of lionfish were killed by two of our group. A good dive to wrap up the weekend.
I'll post some screen captures shortly.
I think it might about be time to break out my 3mm. I was in my 5mm with my warm water lycra hood. I was incredibly comfortable and maybe a bit warm at times. I'm never warm!
