October Bahamas diving.

ronkoplus · 10-08-2007, 04:10 PM

We're going to be diving in a couple of weeks from San Salvador in the Bahamas. Does anyone have a site that updates water temperature? Or does anyone know what the temperature is? I know we really liked the 85 we had in Grand Cayman last year, but realize the Bahamas are farther north.

**dalehall** · 10-09-2007, 12:08 PM

No idea exactly, but when we dove there in March, nothing had time to fully warm up from the winter yet. A 3mm full was fine to dive in. I can't see where the temps would drop dramatically from Summer temps in October. I would think high 70's would be a safe bet. Of course there are websites for the Bahamas that will show water temps or, at least, avg temps for the seasons. Check here: The Bahamas

Scuba Mama · 10-09-2007, 02:10 PM

I also went in March and wore a 3mm. I was comfortable. The island is the most southern of the Bahama Islands. If you never been there, plan one day to do the tour with the mayor. Most diving sites were very good I liked one called telephone pole. The site is self explanatory when your there.

Stay off the sand as much as possible, noseeum's are really bad and you will get bit up.

I used avon skin so soft and it worked o.k. to keep them away. Listen to the islanders and they will tell you how to keep them away.

Are you using Riding Rock or Club Med? Club Med boats are mostly cattle call boats, 50 or more. If you using Riding Rock its much smaller, biggest boat will carry 20.

Have fun on your trip it a nice quite little island.

ronkoplus · 10-09-2007, 04:36 PM

Yes, we will be diving with Club Med. We have avoided large groups in the past so I guess we will just have to be prepared and hope for the best. Because it's a resort with other activities we won't make all our plans around diving unless the boat climate is pleasant. Thanks for the responses. I'll get around to writing a review when we're back.

ronkoplus · 11-01-2007, 07:19 PM

I can tell you that the water temperature in the Bahamas, pre Noel, was 82. We stayed at and dove with Club Med. Everything was great.

Club Med has big beautiful modern boats and a friendly efficient dive staff. We were never crowded on the boat or in the water. I've had a number of vacations with highly recommended dive operations. I have to say, these people were great and the dive experience was wonderful every time out.

My wife and I prefer not to follow or be followed. Most of the dives are wall dives. Just the same, we were always able to find a dive secluded from the others with plenty to explore.

Too bad for those there right now. Floods, rain and 40mph wind. Luckily we had sun everyday.

Scuba Mama · 11-01-2007, 08:51 PM

Glad your trip was good. Do you know if Riding Rock is still open? Did you take the tour with the Mayor?

ronkoplus · 11-01-2007, 09:57 PM

We did not see a single person at Riding Rock when we would anchor off there to dive Runway or a nearby site on our second dives. I didn't see any other dive boats in the area either.

Speaking with Little Gen on our dive boat, she felt she was "spoiled" after she had the Riding Rock boat pull up in their duct tape patched inflatable. Doesn't look good for them.

Scuba Mama · 11-02-2007, 02:22 PM

That's a shame Rocking Rock was a nice quite little resort. I still remember my boat captain Bruce, he was cool and knew the area insideout. He had taken me and three others divers on a tour of the island, it was a lot of fun. I am glad to hear you did not have overloaded boats. Did you dive telephone pole reef? One last question are the grouper still super friendly and wanting to be petted?

ronkoplus · 11-02-2007, 03:42 PM

That grouper would be BOB. He is still very much the welcoming host when you visit the site.