FEBRUARY 26, 2011

DIVE REPORT: WEST PALM BEACH, FL (double click white box in upper right corner for better pics and easier read; ALL RIGHTS RESERVED):

The cold water is still with us; but, it is bringing a lot of life to the reefs.  

We heard the water was really cold all week, especially to the north.  So, we headed to the 60-foot reefs to the south.  The water temp. was 64 degrees on the bottom and 68 degrees on the surface.  But, again, there was not a cloud in the sky and air temp. was 80+.  I can dive in 64 degree water when the sun is beating down on me between dives.  The vis was not too bad at 30 to 50 feet, with some fine particles in the water.  Slight north current; and, flat seas. 

As we headed out to the reefs, we encountered a large pod of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins; there may have been some Atlantic Spotted Dolphins swimming with them.  Unfortunately, the top layer of water was very cloudy and I could not get close enough for a good pic.

Under the water, the reefs were filled with life.  A lot of very big turtles, including perhaps the largest female and male Hawksbill Turtles that I had ever seen.  We even ran into Hawksbill Turtles YYC-883 and TTG-089.  I have not seen these turtles in many months; they are looking big and healthy!

The reefs were packed with fish of all kinds.  Several Goliaths were on the reef and a very large Stingray escorted by a Cobia.

Another great weekend of diving.  It should only get better going forward.  I think the cold weather is gone until next winter; more and more turtles should be dropping by for mating season; and, the visibility should be improving with the winds shifting to the south and east.

Doug Kahle — Save the Oceans; Save the Sharks!