Today was another beautifully sunny day, with the perfect breeze. It was also my first dive of the trip. So this log is for all of you that like diving or in the case of little Mia (to distinguish from Swedish Mia) who loves tropical fish.

The dive operator, Barefoot divers, are a very efficient, professional outfit. They limit the number of divers to 8 per boat, unlike many of the other operators such as Anthony’s cay, Treasure Island and Coco view, all of whom operate big dive boats with about 20 divers on board.

I had read about Mary’s Place being the best dive site on Roatan, so had mixed feelings when I was told that was where we were heading. Why? Well, if you start at the top, there’s nowhere left to go, except down!!!

It was a lovely dive site, with lots of swim throughs. Although there aren’t any big fish to see, sharks and the like, there are huge shoals of fish.

 There are also the most beautiful, delicate soft coral vases, ferns and gorgonians.

The colours are incredible, iridescent purples, greens and blues. As I don’t have a big flash, I can’t do them justice.

I have decided I am on a quest, this trip I need to find a sea horse.

So I spent my dive looking for all the little critters and there were plenty to be found. Lovely banded shrimps hiding out in vases and barrel sponges.

Lots of juvenile fish too. There were also huge lobster and crabs.

The reefs were in very good condition, especially considering Hurricane Mitch and not forgetting the masses of divers that visit, many of whom do not practice neutral buoyancy!!

There were also new ferns that I had not seen anywhere else.

Beautiful, lush green in colour and very delicate, swaying in the swell, they almost look as if they are beckoning you to swim over and take a look.

I also saw several large Queen angel fish and my favourite, French Angel fish. It was a lovely dive.

The next dive we did was called Too Tall, too small.

Once again and interesting dive, with swim throughs and plateaus of soft coral. We were treated to Spotted Drums, Huge Blue Parrot fish and an enormous Hog fish.  

Again, there were lots of juvenile fish and beautiful anemones.