Anatomy of a Barrier Reef:

Roatan lies on the very southern edge of the second largest barrier reef in the world, the same system that runs all the way up to Cozumel in the north.
The "Barrier" in Barrier Reef refers to the shallow waters that protect the land from the ocean, but also the barrier to sediment from the land that keeps a reef's waters healthy and clear.
Here in the Bay Islands this Barrier Reef is very close to shore, making the spectacular dive sites only a few minutes boat-ride away from your dock. As you leave the shore you pass over a variety of underwater terrain, each with their own unique features and creatures to point your camera at.
Take a trip over the different zones of a Barrier Reef below...
The Mangroves:
These amazing trees actually drink up the seawater, releasing the salt before it gets to the leaves. The roots become an essential nursery for most reef inhabitants.
The Lagoon:
Seagrass beds keep the waters well oxygenated and trap sediments that would otherwise smother the reef. Plenty of rare finds here, even before you get out to the reef!
The Shallows:
Corals are most abundant here, growing close to the sunlight. This also means more habitat for more fish species. And more light makes for brighter photos!
Sand Patches:
Bright sandy areas are an ecosystem in themselves. The thin layer of nutrients on top feeds a host of invertebrates and strange fishes that are found nowhere else!
Spurs and Grooves:
The erosion of millennia has created a series of canyons and swim-throughs, full of reef life to explore. Test your buoyancy by following these canyons out to the wall!
The Reef Crest:
Where the reef-top meets the open ocean; currents pick up and the fish populations abound. Perfect for drift dives, this is where you'll find most of Roatan's turtle population.
The Wall:
What Roatan is most famous for, you can be over the drop-off in as little as 40ft of water. Larger pelagics swim by, as well as countless critters hiding under the ledges.
The Deep:
Over the edge of the wall, Roatan has fantastic deep terrain for advanced divers. Sponges take on massive sizes and corals spread out to get more of the limited sunlight.
“In photography there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.”: Alfred Stieglitz, 1946