Page 91 - Central America
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SPOOKY CHANNEL - One of the most dramatically different dive TEXAS - It’s claimed as the best dive site on Roatan - and that might
sites in the whole of Roatan, it was formed by an ancient river gorge be true if you get a few shots at it. I say this because its a condition de-
cutting through the island. Coming out from a somewhat murky la- pendent dive more than any other. The north and south currents com-
goon, you enter into the cathedral bowl at the back of the channel. bine here to give the unique blend that brings pelagics do their thing
The generally moderate visibility combined with the razors of light enjoying the conditions and showing up here like horse eye jacks and
coming from the surface gave rise to the “spooky” factor. Working barracudas. It is a hard dive to get right as you may well need to do a
your way towards the outer wall, you will be rewarded with spectacu- reverse profile as you drift further out to sea at a deeper depth at the
lar views to the sheer cliffs that rise from 27 meters/90 feet almost all end of the dive.
the way to the surface. A network of shallow swimthroughs spits you THE BITE - Due to the wide array of corals spread far and wide at
out onto the shallow reef, where you will often find snapper, grouper this site, even experienced divers will have their navigation skills test-
and barracuda hanging out near the boat mooring. Although there is ed. The site starts from the mooring in 20 feet of water and descends
not as much life in the channel itself as on other parts of the reef, keep along a small wall to a gradually sloping plateau which is covered by
a look out for sea stars, toadfish in the cracks and lobster crawling many types of stony corals, including staghorn, elkhorn, star and fire
around the boulders on the bottom. The deepest point is at 90 feet and corals. The reef wall begins at approximately 65 feet and drops beyond
the coral nearly meets at the top, where it is only about 2 fee t below recreational limits. There are two coral-filled canyons separated by a
the surface. The mooring is on the outside of the reef and if you swim coral finger at this site, either of which a diver would be able to spend
out of the canyon you will emerge on a beautiful wall with lots of big an entire dive exploring, makes for good navigation skills. Depth: 20
groupers, a huge barracuda. – 60 feet.
SUNNY SIDE B&B - Sunny Side B&B is another access point to the THE CANYONS - Pinnacles and striking formations make this a
Spooky Channel. Although not a full service dive resort operation, dramatic dive site to explore. Stingrays and eagle rays are commonly
it is the closest dock to the channel, with a spectacular beach for the found cruising the sandy bottom. Look out for barracudas, midnight
non-divers in your group. Don’t show up unannounced at this loca- parrotfish and king crabs.
tion; diving is generally for the guests of the B&B only.
TEMPTATION REEF - is a shallow site with a sandy patch. This site is THE LABYRINTH - There’s something for everyone at the Labyrinth,
often used for training and glass bottom boat tours. The top of the reef it starts with a shallow area of 40ft perfect for beginners and slowly
meets a sloping wall which descends to a sandy bottom. The wall has slopes down to 60 feet. Hidden in a big hole in the rock, a spotted
lots of squirrelfish, Creole wrasse, blue tangs and angel fish. Also keep drum patrols his territory among schools of glassy sweepers. The
an eye out for southern stingrays and eagle rays as they are sometimes sandy canyons winding through towering rock formations provide
spotted on the top of the reef. Depth: 10 - 120 feet. thrilling swim-throughs.
