Rough seas - north side v. south side

[adjuster-jd]

I just returned from a week at Fantasy Island (trip report posted in a different thread). It seemed that the seas were a little rough compared to my visit in late March last year to ILR. The only day last year that we had the boat rocking around was one night dive. Otherwise was pretty calm. This year, the morning dives seemed to rock the boat pretty well - generally more calm later in the day.

I wonder, are the seas typically more choppy on the South Side va. North Side or was it just the time I was there that made the difference?

 

[gypsyjim]

We just returned from Puerto Rico, and it was tough getting in any diving this trip! Every day the seas were up, and the only diving we got in was in the early morning. By the end of the second dive the boat was bucking hard!
I tried Humacao in the east, then Guanica in the southwest with the same results. Most the operators were reluctant to even try going out: they all said that recently there's been one storm after the other rolling over the northern Carribean. On my last day we hopped the ferry over to Culebra, where I knew the shallow reef on the east end of the island would be sheltered, and at least we got in a great day of snokeling.
Sometimes the sea and the weather just don't respect my vacation plans!!!

 

[Bay Island Diver]

November to February the seas are often roughest on the North side. When a norther blows in the north is regularly undiveable. I would say about 40% of the time in those months. The North side operations are well practiced and shipping people to dive off the south side when they blow in though!

The rest of the year the south easterly trade winds bring a short sharp chop to the south side on a very consistent basis. This chop doesn't often stop diving but if seasickness is a concern, you are much better off on the north side March-October.