ROATAN (PART ONE)

Roatan

The Island of Roatan, off the coast of Honduras, is situated on the world's
s second largest barrier reef.  We had never been there, and had booked a tour that included a ride in a semi-sub, a visit to West End Village, viewing a performance of a native dance and a visit to a cameo factory.  We weren't able to dock due to windy conditions, and had to be tendered to shore on the other side of the island from our original landing spot.  Many people who had been there before said that this side didn't compare in beauty to the other side, which can only mean that the other side if the island is exquisitely beautiful.

We took a short bus ride through the countryside and arrived at a village with a pristine beach.  We were led out a short dock to our semi-sub and made ourselves comfortable.  Moments later we were introduced to our tour guide, a Marine Biologist who was doing research on the reef.  As we took off, she explained the reef and pointed out various forms of life on the reef.

Grasses

The grass, which many countries had gotten rid of, were the best form of protection for the coastline.  It is also home to and hiding place for many types of marine life. The guide explained that you could predict when storms were approaching by the way the coral, sea grass, and other underwater creatures acted.

Ocean floor with coral

There were mountain like structures, and trenches.  I was fascinated that they looked like the hills and beaches on the island.  It was as if they were the island, and the water came and flowed over them, and now they were below the water.  The different forms of coral took on different shapes, but as we toured, all appeared brown or grey.


It was like scuba diving without getting wet.  With the engines cut and the sub just drifting in the water, fish grew comfortable enough to swim right up to the boat.

I think that the turbulence in the water from the winds had something to do with the fact that we did not see many different kinds of fish.  The ones we did see were magnificent.   I tried to get as many pictures as I could, but the fish were cooperating with the other side of the boat more than my side.  While I could see, I could not photograph!

The tour was truly awe-inspiring, but as we returned to the dock I saw how the carelessness of man will someday destroy this important natural resource if something is not done.

Sand, seagrass and garbage