Page 92 - Central America
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TEXAS - It’s claimed as the best dive site on Roatan - and that might THE MAZE - This dive site starts out in 15 feet of water and you will
be true if you get a few shots at it. I say this because its a condition de- drop into a 40-foot trench leading to a short swim through which
pendent dive more than any other. The north and south currents com- leads you to the wall at 60 feet. Following the wall to the east you will
bine here to give the unique blend that brings pelagics do their thing find a series of ledges and overhangs at depths ranging from 50 to 85
enjoying the conditions and showing up here like horse eye jacks and feet. Following the maze upward to the top of the reef you will find
barracudas. It is a hard dive to get right as you may well need to do a schools of chub, wrasses and most notably black durgeons. Makes
reverse profile as you drift further out to sea at a deeper depth at the for a nice safety stop all the way back to the boat. This is site is very
end of the dive. popular for beginners.
THE BITE - Due to the wide array of corals spread far and wide at THE POINT - The Point is comprised of four distinct dive sites: Black
this site, even experienced divers will have their navigation skills test- Rock, West End Wall, Texas and Pablo’s Place. The converging cur-
ed. The site starts from the mooring in 20 feet of water and descends rents of the North and South Shores of the island meet on a long pla-
along a small wall to a gradually sloping plateau which is covered by teau extending ¾ of a mile from shore, with spectacular soft coral
many types of stony corals, including staghorn, elkhorn, star and fire formations and giant barrel sponges peppering this alien landscape.
corals. The reef wall begins at approximately 65 feet and drops beyond Drift along the Pablo’s Place bottomless wall, teeming with soft coral,
recreational limits. There are two coral-filled canyons separated by a black gorgonians and sponges - perhaps even spot a hammerhead
coral finger at this site, either of which a diver would be able to spend shark. Explore the Texas flats, with the giant barrel sponges, sargas-
an entire dive exploring, makes for good navigation skills. Depth: 20 sum trigger fish and schools of snapper in the washing-machine like
– 60 feet. currents. Cruise along the steep slopes of West End Wall, and maybe
THE CANYONS - Pinnacles and striking formations make this a even catch a glimpse of the deep Josie J wreck on a clear day. These
dramatic dive site to explore. Stingrays and eagle rays are commonly dive sites are most suitable for more experienced divers, as the cur-
found cruising the sandy bottom. Look out for barracudas, midnight rents and the surface conditions can be more challenging.
parrotfish and king crabs. THE UNDERGROUND - Located alongside one of the channels
THE LABYRINTH - There’s something for everyone at the Labyrinth, through the reef, this dive site turns into a tunnel at 20ft with nu-
it starts with a shallow area of 40ft perfect for beginners and slowly merous cracks letting sunlight stream in, opening out into the deep
slopes down to 60 feet. Hidden in a big hole in the rock, a spotted channel reaching 80ft, where you can find starfish, anemones & rays.’
drum patrols his territory among schools of glassy sweepers. The
sandy canyons winding through towering rock formations provide
thrilling swim-throughs.
