Under the organic point of view we can consider this sea as a completely defined region, with numerous endemic species. The difference that exists between this tropical region of the Atlantic and other seas can be explained by the geological of the place. Central America maintains a tectonic activity , it will be enough to remember the tragic earthquakes that have hit this region in recent years. All this seismic activity allowed in remote times constant sinks and Emersions of earth in the isthmus of Panama, so the marine fauna of the Caribbean has known periods in which it could be mixed with that of the eastern pacific. Currently, the Caribbean lives an isolation period that lasts more than one million years.
Although this is a sea capable of attracting and fascinating ourselves without palliative, under the quantitative point of view, its life wealth is scarce compared to that of others tropical seas for its size . An example, in this region 27 genera and 48 choral species have been classified, while the Pacific (much greater) has 92 and 600 respectively. But to appreciate the quality and beauty of what is created by nature there are other scales much more subtle that, applied to this wonderful sea for those who really know and love marine life , they give it a very high position in the ranks of the most beautiful areas of the planet.
the Bay Islands
Directing south from the reefs of Yucatán (Mexico) and Belize, we will find, off the coast of Honduras, the Bay Islands, formed by Roatán , Guanaja and Utila. The largest of them, Roatán, in addition to an excellent area of dive for the coral reefs that the surroundings possesses some < Strong> Land landscapes of great beauty. It is one Long and narrow island oriented to the more or less constant winds of the East, so the waters of its eastern part are normally stirred.
The best reefs for the Diving practice We will find them in the Northwest part, where corals grow with great profusion. Touring these funds, the remarkable difference of communities that exists with the rerecifes of Yucatan , located only sixty miles away. A clear example is the abundance of colonies of Coral Cathedral (dendrogyra cylindrus) of great size, as they reach the five meters high , making the divers in authentic dwarfs . This kind of coral is rare in the Mexican waters . The Creoles, small blue-black fish, which move continuously in large groups in the channels and falls of the reef, and the cleaning stations where shrimp and fish are responsible for deworming the largest, which we can count for hundreds, They are another significant note that distinguishes these funds.
the best dives
There are some sunk pecios , at a shallow depth that are accessible to all divers. Two of them, the eagle and the prince Albert are the most visited by their situation, the second can be coming from the same beach.
Another immersion that we cannot miss is the one proposed by the Anthony´s Key Resort . Located in a white sand background will appear dolphins that will remain playing with us for about twenty minutes, allowing us to take all kinds of photographs. After this time, and to the order of their caregiver, they will rise to the surface and disappear as quickly as they had appeared.
In the southwest of the island, near the lighthouse, there are several excellent immersion points . They are deep funds, which are around forty meters and where we will be able to find the typical species of this habitat. Large tubular or barrel -shaped sponges, gorgonias and dense black coral formations completely upholster the wall of the submarine cliff. In their cavities you can see, lobsters, squirrel fish and some large green brunette. Outside the coral wall, between two waters, we will see barracudes of good size and carangan schools and, if the fate accompanies, it is also possible to see some escualo.
The Coco reef, located in the southern zone away from the coast, which makes it Less visited, it is an excellent diving point with a lot of life and diversity of life. The schools of snoring and pargos, calm and confident floating between two waters, are a characteristic note of this reef, in which they also proliferate swimming among the corals, parrot fish, butterfly, angel, ballasta, etc.
Interest Information
We will have to look for time for a land excursion and not stop visiting the Mayan ruins of the Copán Valley , where 1,000 years B.C. There was a fabulous city with more than 25,000 inhabitants. Although after a century it has only been possible to dig 20% of the whole, its outstanding importance lies in the conservation state and in the extraordinary bas -reliefs of its steles. Another of the amazing remains that we can see in Copán, is the "staircase of the hieroglyphs" formed by 63 perfectly carved stone steps that make up a sequence of hieroglyphs , which they form the most known Mayan text.
As throughout the Caribbean, the best time we will find from the month of February to July , although during the rest of the year it is not bad either, except for the months in which there is a risk of hurricanes, September and October. The water temperature is ideal for practicing diving since it remains between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius. No visa is necessary, only the passport in order . Although the official language in Honduras is Spanish, the population of the islands speaking English due to the long period of time they were under British influence. No type of vaccine is required although malaria prophylaxis may be convenient if we decide
From Spain we can fly to Miami or San Pedro Sula, and then link with the flight to Roatán. The dollar and credit cards are admitted throughout the country, even if the official currency is the lempira. Eye! The current is 110 and the flat plug plug. There are magnificent hotels on the island with diving clubs prepared, hyperbaric camera and also operate several cruise ships for the three islands.
