Snorkeling on Abaco questions

[Cut-Throat]

Hi,

I am coming to Abaco in early February. Is there anyplace on Abaco or Surrounding Keys that have any reefs for Snorkeling. And is the water temp in February just too darn cold for snorkeling without a wetsuit?

Thanks in advance for comments!:)

[dp]

There are many snorkeling opportunities in Abaco, I mean... miles of snorkeling. Wetsuit? Depends on what you're used to, but in February a shortie suit would be more comfortable although many visitors dont use anything. [U]

[Terry W]

There are plenty of snorkling reefs and areas and each seems to offer something different to see.

Per the water temperature in February - I've been swimming in Feb. when it was quite nice. Also been there when I didn't want to put my toes in the water. Then again, I'm a Floridian and think the water is chilly when it drops below 80 degrees!

You may want to check on renting a short wetsuit as bringing one adds too much unnecessary weight IMHO.

Terry

[dive guana]

There is excellent snorkelling in the Abacos. The Fowl Cay national park is 6 square miles of beautiful snorkelling reef that is easy to get to by boat. There is also good snorkellin off the beach on several of the islands. The north end of Guana has some great snorkelling as well as another beautiful national park at Sandy Cay
There is no deep diving here and even the dive trips cater to snorkellers because even the deeper dives rise up to within 12 feet of the surface.

Water temp in February can be chilly . It could be as warm as 76 or as cool as 72 depending on the cold fronts. Some people get by with shorties but wimps like me prefer a full 3mm. Dive stores have a large selection for rent. The good thing about winter time is with the cooler water , algae is kept in check and the water is usually crystal clear.

Troy

[DrRalph]

Cut-Throat: are you planning on renting a boat and exploring on your own, or do you want to go out with a dive operator?

[Cut-Throat]

We would either Drive to a place (If possible), or go out with a Dive operator. We plan on taking some ferries to the outlying keys too.

[DrRalph]

You can drive to the Mermaid Reef on the north side of Marsh Harbour. Troy at Dive Guana runs an excellent trip, as does Froggies from Hopetown. Brendal does a great trip out of GTC. It all depends on where you want to go, and what's convenient to get to.

[Alan Brown]

Cut Throat- Another dive possibility is to drive up to Treasure Cay and visit with the folks at Treasure Cay Divers. They're nice people and visit some beautiful dive and snorkeling sites.

Alan

[Cut-Throat]

Thanks everyone for all of the great responses!

One other question. What does a typical Dive Boat Operator Charge for Snorkeling trips? Do they base it on a half day, by the hour?

Thanks!

[dive guana]

We charge $40 for a half day trip . 10 to 1:30 2 locations at the reef for about 1 hour each. This includes equipment and instruction if needed

Troy

[nancy mcdaniel]

A lot of people think that the Bahamas is just about lying in the sun on a deserted beach and that is fine. But novice or expert, the "WOW" Bahamas is the underwater Bahamas. No other vacation destination, just 1 hour off the coast of the USA, boasts the third largest barrier reef. Every single dive shop in the Abacos is first class all the way with customer service, expertise, and willingness to go the extra mile.

My direct experience has been with Dive Guana. Their dedication and professionalism is well known. But what makes them so much fun is the rest of the story. Their totally karma-cool dive shop on the Sea of Abaco in Fisher's Bay on Guana Cay. Pull up a chair and hang out a while. Troy is cleaning gear, the dive boat, his mate assisting, Troy's wife Maria is working on crafts and funky things she sells in the dive shop. Then at 10 am it is time to go. Folks gathered on the dock board the boat and off the go. Half-day trips, full-day trips, shelling trips - they watch the weather and then offer an array of experiences. I am not a diver at all. They taught me how to snorkel, and they taught my kids at aged 5 and 7 how to snorkel. Troy has tons of great jokes and Maria is a mermaid in the water what with her long swim fins. They have safety in mind all the time and you will have the time of your life. Usually their mate will dive up some conchs at the end of the trip while on the way back to port. The mate and Maria prepare a fresh conch salad with tomatoes, onions, peppers, fresh lime juice and expertly cleaned conch. The kids will learn about this facinating animal along with everything about reef life. Honeymooners or romantic types will enjoy the totally romantic time of being on the water, going to the secret spots without a worry or care about boating on your own.

Once back on the dock at Fisher's Bay you will have learned much and made new friends - Troy and Maria Albury of Dive Guana on Guana Cay.