How does a full moon effect snorkeling?

[cindygad]

I thought I read somewhere that a full moon could effect the currents or snorkeling? Is there any truth to it?

[Pia]

I know the beach at Waterlemon is usually non existent and the water can be rougher than normal there during a full moon.

Pia

[cindygad]

Thanks Pia, Do you have any idea how many days be fore full moon or after it tends to be rougher?

[jmq]

The other thing I seem to remember that can coincide with the full moon cycle (either X days before or after) are “blooms” of jellyfish larva (aka “sea lice”) that have been reported in the summer months when the water gets really warm.

The larvae are very small and are visible to the naked eye but become nearly invisible in the water. Often the only reliable method of identifying when sea lice are present is by the appearance of a rash – they contain the same nematocysts (stinging cells) as adult jellyfish.

This issue seems to be reported more often on the BVI forums than the USVI forums. Maybe that has to do with the general jellyfish populations, currents and slight variations in water temps (?)

Folks have reported that this stuff helps provide protection against stingers:
http://www.buysafesea.com/