Oh What A Reef

The Wrong Side of this One Would be Costly

Arriving in Roatan's West End, the first requirement is to get through the reef.  It isn't really that difficult once the channel markers are located.  The channel markers are about four inches in diameter and about two feet tall.  One was very clearly red, the other we were uncertain about, even questioning if it was a channel marker.  We just kept hoping that Honduras observed Red Right Return (keep the red marker on your right as you return from the sea).  They do and coming through turned out to be easy and it was nice to start breathing again.  Behind the reef is a mooring field.  There is no longer any anchoring allowed.  This is a good thing as it protects the bottom from damage caused by anchors and more importantly anchor chains which drag across the bottom as the boat swings.  West End does not look like a typical place to either moor or anchor a boat as it is exposed to the sea on about 180 degrees.  The difference is the reef.  It breaks down the waves and makes it a comfortable location, unless there is a strong wind with a westerly component.  With strong winds from any westerly direction it can get very bouncy and some boats leave and go around to the southern side of Roatan and then return after the blow.

Mooring Field - Ariel in Center

Reef Not Apparent in Calm Seas

Reef Knocking Down the Waves in a Blow

The most beautiful part about the reef is below the surface.  The Marine Park has placed many moorings sized for small boats and dinghies all along the reef, making it very convenient to explore.  Sorry we do not have pictures yet from below the surface.