positive energy

Jan and Melissa, the fabulous new divemasters at Tropical Island Divers. Paya Bay partners with TID to offer scuba diving as an optional adventure activity. Whether you want a full week of diving or just a few dives, Paya and TID can make it happen for you.

Photo: Mindi & David Little

the mesoamerican barrier reef

Part of the immense Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, Roatan's beautiful (and very healthy) coral reefs are fascinating to explore. Learn more about snorkeling and scuba diving at Paya Bay Resort.

Photos by various Paya Bay guests.

video: diving the chimney

Diving the chimney at Diamond Rock, Roatan from Peter Madams on Vimeo.

Gracias Señor Madams!

video: peter's cool dive experience

Diving in Roatan from Peter Madams on Vimeo.

Special thanks to the most excellent Mr. Madams!

the mesoamerican barrier reef system

 

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System begins off the northeastern tip of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, continues southward into Belize, across into the Bay Islands of Honduras, and ends off the northeastern coast of Nicaragua. Extending over 700 miles, it's the largest reef system in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest barrier reef in the world.

A good friend was just diving in Cozumel, Mexico and sent me these amazing photos he took (click on images to enlarge them):

A transparent shrimp with brilliantly colored legs is the master of its anemone domain. If you've seen the movie Avatar, this photo will have an extra special meaning to you.

A juvenile grouper camouflages itself to match the coloration of a vase sponge.

 

An angelfish seems to guard a lair or egg nest that is covered in sponges of many different colors.

Photos: Matthew Shankweiler. Map courtesy of Google Earth.

spotting a turtle

Yesterday I took a mental health break and went scuba diving. Our first dive was at Morat Wall, which undoubtedly deserves its reputation as one of the best dives in the Caribbean. Our second dive was off the north shore of Barbaretta Island. Ten minutes into the dive I spotted a sea turtle swimming along the reef. It was truly one of those special moments that lets you know not everything is upside down in the world.