Yes, indeed, the currents and wave action can be very docile and the diving is absolutely stunning. That's the good news. The bad news is we call such perfect diving conditions "3% days"...they're like that three percent of the time. Also in the "bad news" colums...those three percent days are rarely in June. Usually they're in late July and August. That said, more good news...everything should be just fine as long as you are ready.
I love the Flower Gardens. That's why I'm a volunteer for the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and I love getting out there every chance I can. Experience has taught me to "be ready".
1) Be ready for less than perfect conditions and, like someone else said, be grateful if conditions are better than you expect. Be ready to get the dreaded "we're sorry..." call on the day of departure. If wave height is unforgiving, then the trip is off. If the trip makes, then still be ready for sea-sickness by taking meds or using the patch. Don't arrive without them, and you should start taking them well before you board.
2) Be ready to call a dive if conditions stretch your skill or training envelope. The FG is not a place to "test" yourself. Flunking can be really unpleasant, if not disasterous. What was said before is right on. Captain Ken and his crew will brief you well...listen to them. However, ultimately, the decision to make a dive usually rests with the diver. Don't hesitate to stay aboard if you're uncomfortable.
3) Be ready for conditions to change at the drop of a hat. I mean that literally. Current and wave action can change in a matter of minutes. On my last trip, we watched the Fling swing 180 degrees on its mooring line in less than two minutes. And we were 65 feet UNDER it at the time! Getting aboard in wave action can be exciting and challenging, too.
4) Finally, be ready for some really pristine marine ecosystems. Since you're 110 miles out, many of the harmful effects that are wreaking havoc on many coral environments are absent from the FG. Therefore, you will be seeing something that is growing increasingly unique...a very healthy marine environment that features great species diversity, spectacular geological formations, and visits of "megafawna" such as mantas and whale sharks.
Have a great trip, and welcome to the FGBNMS! Say hi to Captain Ken for me!
