Page 90 - Central America
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SEA GRAPE - So named because it lies opposite the iron shore where SHARK DIVE - If you dream of getting up close and personal with
Seagrape Plantation Resort is situated. The wreck is in fact just a dive sharks then this is the dive for you. You are taken out on boat 1 mile
boat (only the hull and engine remain) that sunk when it went out in a from shore to an underwater rocky outcrop. Here you will sit on the
storm and got washed onto the rocks. There is usually a big green mo- bottom and watch as the Caribbean reef sharks (or if you are really
ray hiding under pieces of the scattered wreckage. Nice sandy patches. lucky, the occasional hammerhead!) are fed at their own private din-
SEA QUEST - This is a dive that is not overly taxing but if you like ing table. Usually there are between 15-20 individuals, some up to
sandy bottoms with coral outcrops then you will love this site. Look 8ft long. An amazing encounter with Caribbean grey reef sharks as
for pipe horses and even seahorses for example. A fun dive not at great they circle around you waiting to be fed. Unlike many shark feed dives
depth and the sand supports a few species like the stingrays and tur- around the world you actually get to swim with the sharks here, rather
tles. The massive sandy patches have tons of tiny creatures in them, than just sitting on the sand and watching from a distance.
plus rays and turtles. SHIPWRECK - Named for the remains of an old steamer that sits atop
SEA STAR CHANNEL - The channel got its name from the abun- the reef fringe. This dive offers great wall diving with a wide variety of
dance of cushioned sea stars that lye at the base of the channel. This is fish, corals, and sponges. Underwater photographers will find a great
a good area for spotting southern sting rays which on murky days are deal of subjects between fifteen feet and forty feet. Watch for Spotted
many. The middle of the bowl goes down to around 80 feet and the Eagle Rays and Southern Sting Rays in the sand at the base of the wall.
topography changes into a rocky environment. Look under the rocks SPONGE EMPORIUM - Sandy slope dive dotted with coral heads and
for toadfish. quite an interesting ridge that forms kind of a huge curve. Southern
SHARK BIT SHALLOW - A shallow maze of coral heads and sand Stingrays can be found hiding under the sand and sometimes a Nurse
chutes – the perfect hiding spot for nurse sharks – lead to a gently Shark underneath a coral outcrop. A great area for turtles (sponges are
sloping wall with sea fans, gorgonians and sponges mix with brain hawksbill sea turtles favorite food), sea cucumbers and hermit crabs,
coral and lettuce leaf coral. Stingrays and eagle rays both frequent this a good afternoons dive.
site, as well as nurse sharks, eels and schools of blue tangs and Ber- SPONGES - At this amazing wall you can find many different sponges
muda chub, and flounders in the sand. Depth: 20 feet to past recrea- and corals including huge barrel sponges and spectacular pillar cor-
tional dive limits als. The drop-off is at 60 feet and drops to 180 feet. Very often there
are turtles, nurse-sharks and eagle rays passing by, as well as morays.
During the dive it is common to find several cleaning stations, and the
safety stop has some beautiful elk horn.
