the suite life of travel
a collection of worldwide adventures
Menu
Skip to content
  • #2801 (no title)
  • About Me
  • Blog Disclaimer
  • Blog Style 2
  • Contact
  • Photo Gallery

Tag Archives: scuba diving

2019 Travel and Blog Schedule for The Suite Life of Travel

5 January 201927 July 2024

2019 will be my busiest travel year to date….and I can’t wait!  So many opportunities that I could not pass up, so they are booked and I am counting down the days!

Belize:    Port of Belize, Xunantunich, Scuba Diving

China:    Beijing, Tiananeman Square, Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City, tri-shaw rides, hutongs, Zhangjiajie (the land of Avatar), Tianzishan Ten Miles Natural Gallery highway, Bailong Elevator, Tianmen Mountains, Gui Gu Plank Road, Highway to Heaven, Tianmen Fairy Fox Show,  Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and the glass-bottom bridge, Baofeng Lake,  Chengdu,  Jinli Ancient Street, Qing Cheng Mountains, Dujiangyan Panda Valley, Panda Conservation,

Egypt:   Cairo, Giza Plateau and the Pyramids, the Sphinx and Valley Temple, Khufu Ship, Camel Rides, Cairo Museum, Khan El Khalili (Souk), Felucca Ride and Belly Dancing; Nile Cruise starting in Luxor, Luxor, Karnak Temple, Thebes and the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Ramesses III, Dier El Madina,  the Locks of Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples, Aswan and the High Dam, Philae (the most beautiful temple in Egypt, Coptic Cairo, Sakkara and diving in Alexandria.

Honduras:   Port of Honduras, Altun Ha, Scuba Diving,

Israel:   Qumran,  Caesarea Maritima, The Dead Sea,  Masada, Mount Arbel, Capernaeum, Mount of Beatitudes, Church of the Fish and the Loaves, Sailing the Sea of Galilee, Cana, Nazareth, Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemene, Sepphoris, Mount Zion and the Upper Room, Jerusalem, David Center in Jerusalem, Southern Wall Excavations and the Teaching Steps, The Western Wall, Pool of Bethesda, The Via Dolorosa, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, The Temple Mount, The Garden Tomb, Ein Karem, Nebi Samuel, Valley of Elah

Mexico:  Cozumel, Cancun, Chitzen Itza, Tulum, Cenotes, Underwater Park

United States: 

California: Yosemite, Napa, John Muir State Park, Hearst Castle, San Francisco, Sausilito

United States: 

Connecticut:  East Haddam, Gillette Castle, Mystic, Hartford

United States: 

Michigan:  Upper Peninsula:  Soo Locks, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Pictured Rocks National Seashore

United States:

Ohio:  Cincinnati,  Bellefontaine, Dayton, Greenville, Yellow Springs, Ohio Wines

United States:

Louisiana:  New Orleans

What travel plans await you in 2019?  I would love to hear about them, so list your future adventures in the comments section below!  Wishing you an amazing 2019 and lots of Happy Travels!

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Climbing Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica

10 April 201431 August 2024

It was our one-year anniversary and my husband wanted to take a dive trip to Jamaica.  We had decided to stay in Ocho Rios so that we could visit the Dunn’s River Falls, one of Jamaica’s most visited attractions.  We found an all-inclusive resort that was close to the falls, offered fabulous amenities and provided an airline discount.

We flew into Montego Bay and took a bus to the hotel.  The drive seemed to take forever but after an hour and a half, we finally arrived to a welcoming staff at this luxurious, gorgeous estate.  The hotel was absolutely stunning and we could not wait to explore the exquisite grounds.  Renting a villa away from the main house, we were offered plenty of privacy and our own private pool.

Ciboney Ocho Rios was considered one of Jamaica’s most luxurious hotels with a AAA Four Diamond Rating.  Located on the northern coast, east of Montego Bay, it sat on 45 acres offering a long list of unbelievable amenities to include watersports, concierge, on-site basketball, golf, and volleyball, a salon and spa, gift shop, boutique, and several fabulous restaurants.

We made reservations for the Italian restaurant and decided to stay on the resort for the remainder of the day to enjoy all of the complimentary offerings.  We were excited to check out the resort’s entertainment and found ourselves dancing until 3 o’clock in the morning.  Each night was based on a theme, and we just happened to arrive on disco night.

We awoke for breakfast and had several hours before meeting our tour group for an afternoon snorkeling excursion.  The restaurants served fantastic food with so many options. We loaded up on fresh fruits and made to order omelets that kept us full until lunch.

Heading back to the room after breakfast, we took a short nap and then sat around the pool until it was time to meet our tour in the lobby.

Our afternoon snorkeling trip was a bit uneventful but we were able to see horseshoe crabs and handle sea urchins.  I was hoping that our dive in a few days would provide more excitement with colorful fish or sea rays and sharks.  It would be Mike’s first underwater dive and I was hoping he would be hooked to finish his underwater certification.

We had a free day before returning home and scheduled a trip to Dunn’s River Falls. We were excited for the opportunity to climb up the 600 foot waterfall surrounded by lush, tropical forests.  From the bottom of the falls, we posed for photos and then carefully made the trek behind a large group of tourists as a local guide directed us through the climbing process.  The water was refreshing and it took us about an hour and a half to reach the top.

We boarded the transport back to our hotel and enjoyed an afternoon at the small beach across from the resort until it was time for dinner.

Placing an early reservation, we changed out of our swim gear and showered before enjoying a lovely Italian dinner.  The food was excellent and we took advantage of our last night at the resort enjoying the entertainment with drinks and dancing.

We absolutely loved our vacation at Ciboney in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and would highly recommend the resort.  We later learned that the Ciboney had been purchased by Sandals Resorts and had been renovated and renamed the Sandals Ochi.

Have you been to the new Sandals Ochi or perhaps you had actually been to the Ciboney resort?  I would  love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my celebratory visit to Ocho Rios and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Dunn’s River Falls & Park
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Telephone:  876 974 2857

  • Admission Fee:  Adults:  $25; Child: $17 (ages 4 – 12).
  • Hours:  8:30AM to 4PM daily (regular hours); When cruise ships are in port, the facility opens at 7AM
  • Guided Tours:  Included in the admission price
  • Amenities:  Guide during the falls climb, tubing, beach bar, dolphin swim, zipline, catamaran cruise and city tours are included in the Dunn’s River Falls Tour Packages
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  If you are staying at a local resort on the island, schedule your visit when the cruise ships are not in port. Wear comfortable old tennis shoes or water shoes for climbing the falls.  Bring your camera and the guide will take photos for you.  Tipping is not included in the fee for visiting the falls and the guides expect more than what you would expect to pay in the US, so be aware.

Where to Stay:

Sandals Ochi
130131 Main Street
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Phone:  888 726 3257

Where to Eat:

ValenTino’s Cucina Romana
Sandals Ochi
130131 Main Street
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Phone:  888 726 3257

What to Eat: 

  • Bammy was one of my favorite treats in Jamaica.  Made from cassava or yucca, this sweet dish is then soaked in coconut milk and deep fried.
  • Coco Bread is made with coconut milk, giving it a lovely sweetness.
  • Jerk Chicken is the national dish for the island of Jamaica.  Made with a blend of spices, the Jamaicans also provide jerk pork, jerk fish, etc.
  • Jamaican Curry Goat is another meal that is popular with Jamaicans, but is difficult to find at touristy restaurants.  Half Moon is highly recommended for trying this Jamaican delicacy.
  • Jamaican Meat Pies are similar to empanadas, a pastry filled with meat.
  • Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper is a staple in making the island’s hot sauce.
  • Rice and Peas are really a dish of rice and red beans and is a popular side dish that goes well with Jerk dishes.

What to Read: 

  • Jamaica Me Dead, by Bob Morris
  • Wide Sargasso Sea, by Jean Rhys
  • Rasta Heart, by Robert Roskind

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

The Untouched Beauty of Honduras

19 March 201431 August 2024

Amazing Hills in Honduras

I can still remember the first time I visited Honduras, I was working for the cruise lines in the 1990s. I was amazed at the pure, untouched landscape with endless views of the country’s hills and valleys.  Honduras was not yet an established cruise ship stop and  became a popular port of call because of its uninhabited jungle with rare sightings of exotic birds and animals.

The Ocean Spirit, a live-aboard dive ship, was one of the few vessels that was permitted to anchor off of  The Bay Islands of Honduras.  Divers were drawn to our ship’s itinerary as it provided some of the best diving in the world.  Second only to The Great Barrier Reef in Australia, dive enthusiasts had the opportunity to explore the underwater reefs of Roatan.

Beach at Roatan

Although the majority of passengers were drawn to the ship because of its spectacular diving, the Ocean Spirit also provided shore excursions for non-diving passengers to go ashore.  While in Honduras, these tours included either a boat ride to Roatan Beach (which also included lunch), or a catamaran cruise to Guanaja with a cultural trip into town.  The group sizes were usually small, so ship’s officers were welcome to tag along when space was available.

Beach in Roatan

The boat ride to Roatan included refreshments, musical entertainment and a tour guide providing commentary and insight to the lives and culture of the Hondurans.  Within a few minutes we had arrived on the West End of the islet where miles of white sand and tropical palm trees welcomed both sunbathers and explorers.   After four hours, which included lunch, the tourists would board the boat and enjoy the scenery on our way back to the ship.  This was the most relaxing of the two tours and I enjoyed each opportunity I had to visit.

Guanaja, Honduras

The most popular tour in Honduras included the opportunity for passengers to explore the Bay Island of Guanaja, also known as Bonacca.  To reach the island, we took small passenger boats, hugging the Honduran coastline.  Thatched huts and concrete homes came into view as we sailed along the shore.  Little dinghies were tied up to the palm trees in preparation for an afternoon of fishing as wives hung their laundry on a clothesline outside of their home.   The overgrown terrain acted as a shield to protect the families from the wildlife that lived deep in the unexplored jungle.

Guanaja was one of the more inhabited of the Bay Islands back in the 90’s.  The central town of Bonacca was the most populated with about 10,000 residents.  As the catamaran docked at a small pier near the downtown, passengers were provided their first glimpse of this poor, developing Honduran fishing village.

Stepping off of the tour boat, it was not difficult to see why the locals refer to Bonacca as “Little Italy”.  The maze of channels, backstreets and alleys remind me of the canals of Venice.  There are no roads here, so moving from one place to the next requires a lot of walking.  The homes within the interior of town seem to be more upscale and roomy.  I enjoyed losing myself among the walkways, stopping to watch children fishing here along the bridges.

Poverty in Guanaja, Honduras

Moving inland into the town of Bonacca, I was saddened to see areas of poverty and ruin.  Refuse filled the waterways and the smell of garbage was overwhelming at times.  I learned later that day that the town was undergoing renovation.  The Hondurans were optimistic that these areas would be cleaned up over the next couple of years in an effort to attract more tourists.  The government was hoping that this focus would lead to more visitors which would in turn improve the economy and provide local jobs.   Little did I know that tourism would eventually play a large part in the future of Honduras and that major cruise lines would vie for position to include Honduras on their ship’s itineraries.

It was soon time for me to reach the pier where I would join the other passengers and we would enjoy another boat ride back to the Ocean Spirit.  The ship anchored overnight which meant that divers and crew could experience the nightlife before the ship’s departure the next morning.  This was always my favorite part of the day.

Playing Pool at Bayman Bay

After the shore excursions returned and dive masters unloaded their boats after a day of diving, we would all catch a ride over to The Bayman Bay Club on Guanaja.  It became our most popular spot to escape our cruise ship life and leave the passengers behind.  Even if it was just for an evening, this was our special place.  From here we could escape, discuss our dives and catch up with one another over a couple of games of pool.

I took great comfort each week visiting Roatan and Guanaja with its unbelievable scenery and laid back atmosphere.  To us, the islands were so profound that it was hard to believe that a place like this could actually exist in a world that had become so commercialized.  I remember how each of us felt so privileged to have had the opportunity to spend time in a place that felt as though we were the only ones who existed.  It truly was a magical place.

Honduras will always have a special place in my heart as it was here that I passed my certification to become a diving instructor.   Looking back, it is hard to believe that I had the chance to dive at one of the most amazing dive sites in the world and I look forward to an opportunity to return to experience it all over again.  And of course, the day would not be complete without a few dive stories over a game of pool at Bayman Bay Club.

Have you had the opportunity to visit a location that was once your best kept secret and you had hoped it would stay that way forever?  Have you visited there recently to find that things have changed yet you have fond memories of its earlier existence?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  I am so thankful that you read my post about cruise life in Honduras and look forward to hearing from you. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to Eat:

The food from Honduras is certainly a melting pot of flavors.   Influenced by the Indian culture of the Maya, Lenca and Garifuna, it is also inspired by African, Caribbean and Spanish cuisine.  Here are a few dishes one should try while visiting Honduras.

  • Black Bean Soup:  A traditional staple, black beans are cooked with tomatoes and such spices as coriander and paprika.  I love to top it off with sour cream and hot sauce.
  • Horchata:  A milk-based drink, this concoction includes rice, water, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla, which is absolutely delicious.
  • Licuados:  Another drink that comes from Honduras, this is a fruity dessert drink that is sweetened with honey and milk.
  • Machuca:  This spicy dish is made of mashed plantains and then smothered with a jalapeno and garlic paste.
  • Pastelitos de Carne:  Translated as a Meat Pie, pastry is stuffed with ground beef cooked in wine, with tomatoes, onions and raisins and cooked a golden brown.
  • Traditional Baleadas:  Similar to a soft taco, a tortilla is filled with beans, eggs or beef, avocado and copious amounts of cheese and usually served at breakfast or lunch.
  • Yojoa Fish:  Deep fried lake fish is marinated in cumin, paprika, cilantro paste and sugar, this dish is usually served with pickled onions (put on the fish) and lemon slices.

What to Read: 

  • Diving and Snorkeling Guide to Roatan & Honduras’ Bay Islands by Sharon Collins
  • Roatan Honduras Dive Map & Reef Creatures Guide Franko Maps Laminated Fish Card by Franko Maps Ltd.

Photo Guide to Honduras: 

  • Copan Ruins:  Stelae (stone monuments), Maya Citadel, Step Pyramids, Ruins
  • Pico Bonito National Park: landscapes and scenic views
  • Utila:  an island off of the mainland of Honduras best for photographing whale sharks and coral reefs
  • Jeannette Kawas National Park:  lagoons, coral reefs tropical forests, swamps, and wetlands
  • Roatan:  mountains, coral reefs
  • Lake Yojoa:  lush landscape, birds, restaurants, coffee plantations, waterfalls and mountains
  • Comayagua: Spanish colonial architecture,

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Underwater Photos from Belize, Honduras and Mexico circa 1989

12 March 201431 August 2024

Some of the best scuba diving takes place in the countries of Belize, Honduras and Mexico.  Here are just a few photos of the underwater sea life I encountered on several dives.

000 Amazing fish photos

The Wrasse is a fish with over 600 species.  It is a brightly colored fish that is a popular choice for saltwater aquariums as they help to keep the tank clean.

000, Eel eating fish

A spotted moray eel snatching up a fish for lunch.  They are usually hiding in reef crevices, but once in awhile can be found near the bottom of the ocean feeding on fish or crustaceans.

000, Eel, underwater photos

Up close, the Squirrelfish have big dark eyes, which helps them to see at night.  These fish are more prevalent during night dives, but can also be seen during the day hanging around in dark areas.

000, Lobster

The lobster is one of many crustaceans found in the Caribbean.  They have a hard exoskeleton which provides protection from predators.  They can live up to 70 years of age.

Angel Fish

It is not uncommon to find large Angelfish on reef dives in the Caribbean.  They can be found in various colors with a wide arrange of names, i.e., Gray Angelfish or Queen Angelfish.

Barracuda

Some new divers and snorkelers may become frightened when coming in contact with the barracuda.  They are an intimidating fish with sharp teeth, but they are not considered a threat.  Some divers agree that these fish are attracted to shiny objects and suggest water lovers to not wear bright, metallic jewelry.

Beautiful fish photos

The Blue Tang is a popular Caribbean fish and was made popular by the movie “Finding Nemo.”  Depending on where they are swimming, they can camouflage themselves by changing various shades of blue.  Here one can see the yellow spike towards the back of its body where the tail meets the body.

Big group of fish

French Grunts and Blue-Striped Grunts are very common in the Caribbean and Florida.  They swim in large numbers and are usually spotted on shallow reef dives.  Pictured here are the Blue-Striped Grunts.

Fish photos

The Yellowtail Snapper can easily be confused with the Goatfish, but there are a couple of differences.  The Yellow Goatfish have barbels, also described as whiskers, that can be found under their chins.  The Yellowtail Snapper may be found within schools of Yellow Goatfish and vice versa.

Lots of Fish

Herring fish travel in schools and are a popular meal for the larger fish as well as seabirds.

Swimming fish..underwater

The Tiger Grouper is a beautiful fish that lives in sheltered reef areas.  They usually hang out in shallow waters and can grow up to 35 inches, weighing around 10 pounds.

Underwater photos, moray eel

There are over 200 species of Moray Eel found in both saltwater and freshwater environments.  They look like a sea snake but do not belong to the reptile family.  They prefer warm temperatures and like to eat meat, such as other fish and crustaceans.

Whether you plan to scuba dive or snorkel the waters of the Caribbean, you may come into contact with one or more of these animals.  There are so many beautiful creatures of the sea where you can feel as though you are in a world all its own.

Do you like to snorkel and/or scuba dive?  What is one of your favorite experiences under water?  I would love to hear your story in the comments below!  Many thanks for checking out some of the fish you will find in Central America and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

Categories

  • 2016 Trip Out West (26)
  • Africa (3)
  • Arizona (10)
  • Asia (23)
  • Bali (13)
  • Belize (2)
  • California (24)
  • Caribbean (34)
  • Central America (18)
  • China (1)
  • Costa Rica (1)
  • Egypt (1)
  • Europe (31)
  • Florida (18)
  • France (4)
  • France (1)
  • Greece (11)
  • Israel (3)
  • Italy (8)
  • Jordan (3)
  • Las Vegas (18)
  • Louisiana (4)
  • Maine (4)
  • Massachusetts (2)
  • Mexico (6)
  • Michigan (21)
  • Middle East (3)
  • New York (1)
  • North Carolina (12)
  • Ohio (206)
  • Pennsylvania (9)
  • Philippines (6)
  • South Africa (3)
  • Tennessee (24)
  • Texas (2)
  • Travel Tips (14)
  • Turkey (6)
  • Turkey (6)
  • Uncategorized (5)
  • United Kingdom (7)
  • US travel (405)
  • Wineries (56)
  • World travel (107)

Recent Posts

  • The Barn Inn in Amish Country, Ohio
  • Wishmaker House Bed and Breakfast
  • Things to Do in Ohio in the Month of June

Instagram

Pins

  • Document Travel-Ways to Remember the Adventure - The Boho Traveller
Follow Me on Pinterest
Site made with ♥ by Angie Makes
Angie Makes Feminine WordPress Themes