I have always wanted to swim with the dolphins, but I can’t support the operations who get their dolphins by way of the Japanese finning process. I’m told at Anthony’s Key, the dolphins are born there, but the first few had to come from somewhere. I don’t know anything about their science center operation and cannot judge, but since I didn’t know anything I also didn’t feel I could support it without researching. I do know that some of their dolphins swim free, and return because they feed them. I also know some are enclosed in the park, which is a fenced area in the bay. Continue reading “Snorkeling with the Dolphins”
Fantastic Final Dive and Terrific Island Tour in Roatan
This morning we chowed down on baleadas, oatmeal, and bacon again. I could eat this breakfast daily. I don’t know how they make the refried beans for the baleadas, but they are fantastic! I finally asked how they prepare the oatmeal, and they boil it in whole milk! I will have to try that at home. Continue reading “Fantastic Final Dive and Terrific Island Tour in Roatan”
Elegant Eagle Ray Glided By Us as We Exited Spooky Channel
El Aguila Dive Site
Today we dove a wreck site called El Aguila. I agreed to go on the deep, wreck dive in an attempt to be open minded, to try once again and to not spoil Danielle’s and Cat’s fun, but honestly I’m not terribly fond of deep dives or wreck dives, and this was a combination of both! Wrecks aren’t my favorite probably because I’m afraid of running into sharp, rusted objects, and I’m slightly claustrophobic. Deep dives are more dangerous should equipment malfunction and from a photographer’s point of view, they are dull as there isn’t much marine life or color to shoot. Having said that, another dive shop chums the waters so we did see some big grouper and a free swimming eel. But I don’t really agree with feeding the fish either, so I was challenged from that aspect as well. Adding on to that, my mask kept filling with water and my camera on the wrong setting and jammed for part of the time, so needless to say I was rather unsettled! Continue reading “Elegant Eagle Ray Glided By Us as We Exited Spooky Channel”
Baby Conch and Free Swimming Eel Spotted During Our Dives in Roatan
The diving changed yet again today. Mickey, the presenter from the other night, suggested diving Texas. The dive site is near West Bay, and perhaps a twenty minute boat ride or more, so we planned a two tank dive and completed our surface interval in West Bay. It was rough again this morning, though it’s all relative. Compared to many places, it really wasn’t, but in a small boat, we bounced through some rolling swells and caught some spray. Continue reading “Baby Conch and Free Swimming Eel Spotted During Our Dives in Roatan”
Canyon Dive, Reef Dive, and Night Dive in Roatan
Another day in Roatan, another day of diving! I’m not sure I’d come here for any other type of vacation. Admittedly, I’ve hardly explored the island, so I could be jumping to conclusions, but with the second largest barrier reef five minutes away by boat versus days away like the Great Barrier, there are quite a few dive sites to explore. Today we dove Canyon Reef and Gibson Bight. What a variety! Continue reading “Canyon Dive, Reef Dive, and Night Dive in Roatan”
SCUBA Diving in Sandy Bay, Roatan…A New Species?!?
Things to Know Before Traveling to Roatan
100% Deet, 100% of the Time to Reduce Sand Fly Bites
I think I jinxed myself. I awoke itching like mad from the sand fly bites. The bright red dots with bands around them on Sunday that had shrunk to a small dots on Monday are now itchy welts! Thank you Cat for the Afterbite. While I’m speaking of the annoying things, I may as well mention a few more inconveniences for anyone who is considering visiting Roatan and Blue Bahia specifically. None of them would keep me from returning as the staff is lovely and the diving fantastic, but they are informational things to know. Continue reading “SCUBA Diving in Sandy Bay, Roatan…A New Species?!?”
Roatan’s Reefs – Seahorse, Octopus, Scorpionfish and More!
We began our day with a baleada for breakfast at the hotel restaurant. A baleada is a local cuisine consisting of egg, refried red beans, cheese, cream, and avocado tucked into a thick flour tortilla. It was mouth-watering good!
After scarfing down our meal, we organized our gear with the on site dive shop, Octopus Diving School and loaded on a small, bimini covered boat to go to our first dive site Melissa. We got there in about three minutes! We zipped up our wetsuits. I added a vest and hoodie because I get so cold despite the 83 degree water temperature. We continued with our fins, masks, BCD, regulator and tanks and rolled backwards into the water. Continue reading “Roatan’s Reefs – Seahorse, Octopus, Scorpionfish and More!”
Visiting Roatan – Part I
What a difference a day makes or maybe a country makes…Cat, Danielle, and I left a snow storm behind in Colorado as we arrived in a balmy 80 degree Roatan. Cat is my long-time friend from horses and Danielle is a friend of Cat’s from work in Summit County. Continue reading “Visiting Roatan – Part I”