Flower Garden Banks

[cdreamer]

Is there any "best" time of the year to dive the Flower Garden Banks?

Thanks,
Terri

[awap]

Really depends on your needs and expectation.

Calmer seas and most reliable trips are july & august. Most spring trips are cancelled due to high seas. I assume that would be your overriding consideration being from MD.

Sea life and vis are usually good all the time. Hammerheads are in the spring. Whale sharks (rare) are in the summer. Coral spawn is august.

Boats don't try november thru january.

[Buccaneer]

Is there any "best" time of the year to dive the Flower Garden Banks?

Thanks,
Terri

Depends on what you are looking for and what you mean by "best". Best as when most likely to see certain things, or as in most likely not to have the trip canceled?

If you want the chance to see migrating hammerheads the winter months up through March is best- but this is also a terrible time to go as most trips get cancelled. (I have tried to go twice now- only to have them cancleed) However I have heard that June -August is the best months for avoiding cancellations. But like any offshore diving there is no guarantee of anything.

[cdreamer]

Thanks for your replies awap and buccaneer. Coming from Maryland, first and foremost, we're looking for best time weather wise, but mantas or a possible whaleshark would be icing on the cake. I've been wanting to get down there for some time, I've heard great things about the diving there. Looks like August it is. We're going to dive with the M/V Spree. Can't wait!!!

Thanks again,
Terri

[awap]

Thanks for your replies awap and buccaneer. Coming from Maryland, first and foremost, we're looking for best time weather wise, but mantas or a possible whaleshark would be icing on the cake. I've been wanting to get down there for some time, I've heard great things about the diving there. Looks like August it is. We're going to dive with the M/V Spree. Can't wait!!!

Thanks again,
Terri

Unless an early hurricane hits, august has the calmest seas. July is next and is usually hurricane free. I believe the mantas are year around. I've probably seen them on about 20% of the trips I have done. August is best for whale sharks but july & september may work. One or two sightings a year is about it. Enjoy.

[Guba]

Yup, echo to the previous posts. Midsummer tends to be best to avoid canceled trips, but it's possible just about anytime. I've seen it so calm we dropped directly under the boat and surfaced the same way...no lines involved. I've also flapped on the mooring line like a flag in a current that would nearly take the mask off your face.
However, you've heard right. The FG is one of the most unique and pristine diving destinations in the world, and I say that as a scientist. While you won't find any soft corals, it won't disappoint you when it comes to night dives, variety, and overall conditions.
That's why I'm a volunteer for the FGBNMS. Have a ball!