Some things to know about the FBG in the spring... It is my favorite time to dive there, and I dare say I have made more spring trips than anyone else. However, 90% of the scheduled trips cancel. DO NOT fly on a purchased ticket. Fly on miles and ensure your dates of travel are easily changed. I know folks who have tried to get out 13 or more times and can't get a trip to make. The boats go in anything forcast less than 6 foot seas, so watch the weather reports, including the reports on the noaa 42019 buoy (closest to Stetson bank) and the 42038 buoy (closest to the Flower Gardens). The boats also use a paid weather service, and have access to the Navy reports for forcasted wave height. If any are over 6', the trip is called. If the trip is a go, plan on taking your seasickness medicine starting in the morning. The Flower Gardens boats are retired crewboats, built for speed not comfort. They run 110 miles in 8 hours, regardless of wave direction. Be prepared for a long boat briefing when the boat leaves the dock. First dive is at 7 AM on the West Bank. Wake up is at 6, and the line for the heads starts at 6:01. Water temp will be about 70 F, vis should be in excess of 200', and I have seen video of over 50 schooling hammers followed closely by 60 schooling tigers. I know, tiger sharks don't school. Tell that to the tiger sharks that day. OBTW, if tigers are seen during the day, there is no night time tiger shark feeding allowed. (no night dive). 4 to 5 dives will be offered on the first day, depending on the night dive, on two dive sites. The boat moves after the second dive. The next day is on Stetson bank, which is unlike anything you have ever dived. Water temp is 65 F. Two dives will be offered, then the boat starts for home. You will be most comfortable in your drysuit, as you will not have to put on a cold nasty wetsuit for the rest of the dives. Oh, yeah. No commercial dive boat has made it to the Flower Gardens since October due to weather and scheduling. Good Luck.
