Water Temps in Bahamas this time of year?

Bowedtoothdoc

Bowedtoothdoc

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Oct 24, 2011
278
Hunter Passage 450 Lake Lanier, GA
I am hoping to be in the Bahamas next month with some friends and hope to do some snorkeling and maybe some diving as well. Does anyone know what the range of water temps would be this time of year and if a full or partial wet suit is needed?
Thanks in Advance!
BT
 
Jim Seamans

Jim Seamans

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Mar 21, 2004
2,175
Hunter 356 Cobb Island, MD
Depends on where you stick your toes into the water.
Abacos - Green Turtle around to Hope Town to Little Harbor - 64-68
Eleuthera - Spanish Wells to Rock Sound - about the same with some 70 if no major fronts have stirred up the water

Exuma's same as Eleuthera but getting warmer...

But then who cares you will be in wonderful clear water except for Marsh Harbor. I would stay out of the water or take a good shower afterwards. People are dumping their holding tanks at anchor.......not good.
 
G

gettinthere

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Nov 26, 2008
1,970
Endeavour 42 Cruisin
Last year, in the Abacos, the water was very cold in March. I went lobstering with several Canadians. We all had full wetsuits on. They were shivering excessively from the cold water. I had 2 wetsuits on plus hat, gloves and boots and was fairly comfortable. We were only in 10' of water or less.

I was told that the Sea of Abaco can turn cold easily but that the open ocean wont because of its size. But we never went outside the reefs because of the constant east winds that made running a dink outside difficult.

If you want to dive and snorkel, get as far south as you can.
 
MrBill_FLL

MrBill_FLL

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May 4, 2005
4,062
Macgregor 26d Ft Lauderdale, Fl
Colder than Florida! (abaco's)

it surprised me, in July and August is was 5-10 degrees cooler than fort lauderdale. (same for nassau)

I'd bring full 3mm suits.... or thicker if going deep.
 
Rick I

Rick I

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Jan 6, 2007
414
CS36Merlin and Beneteau 393 - Toronto
I always wear a full body wetsuit when hunting. The water is colder than you think. It's a rare season when I go in for even a swim without a wetsuit.
 
Bowedtoothdoc

Bowedtoothdoc

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Oct 24, 2011
278
Hunter Passage 450 Lake Lanier, GA
Thanks Everyone for the quick replies...Looks like I will be shopping for a wetsuit:)
 
G

gettinthere

.
Nov 26, 2008
1,970
Endeavour 42 Cruisin
I found that 2 suits worked well. I have a full length 3/5mm. I add a 5mm shorty over that.
And dont forget the headgear
 
B

Benny17441

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May 24, 2004
7,213
CC 30 South Florida
I guess it depends mostly on the time that you intend to be in the water. Even 70F water will suck the heat out of you if you stay long enough in it.
 
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