Lunablog

Dolphins and Hammerheads!

2008-12-26T15:42:00.003-07:00

What a week of diving we have had!

Yesterday we had a pod of 15 dolphins on Octopus Acre and the day before they had 5 turtles there also. The currents have been fantastic for drift dives and this morning at 0600hrs, we had an early morning dip and saw two hammerhead sharks on West End Wall. It may have been early but it was well worth the early start.

Another great week of diving

2008-12-16T10:35:00.002-07:00

Another fantastic week of diving. Congratulations to Guy for learning to scuba dive and to Scott and Christine for completing their Advanced Open Water course. See you again soon.

Cannonball Jellyfish

2008-11-30T06:59:00.001-07:00

Another fantastic photograph taken by Ken on Pablos of a cannonball jellyfish.

Grouper vs Trumpetfish

2008-11-29T15:23:00.003-07:00

On our dive yesterday morning on West End Wall, one of our guest (Ken Adelman) captured the moment the tiger grouper got the better of the trumpetfish!

THE BUGS ARE GONE

2008-10-23T14:41:00.004-06:00

Sand Fleas/no-see-ums and Mosquitoes a thing of the past at Luna Beach Resort.

We have installed a new environmentally safe system that will keep the sand fleas/no-see-ums and mosquitoes from driving you crazy. Our goal is to effectively reduce the nuisance pest population around Luna Beach Resort.

With this plant-based insect control system, it will protect our guests from the bothersome need to use toxic Deet repellents, and with no worries of contracting diseases from mosquitoes. ENJOY OUTDOOR FREEDOM!

Of Course, we cannot protect you once you leave the Luna Beach Resort property, so don't forget your repellent away from the resort.

Look what we saw!

2008-07-26T13:39:00.005-06:00

While diving today, one of the divemasters, Haili, spotted this huge green moray eel! The eel was not too camera shy either.

Hail the Queen!

2008-07-26T13:39:00.002-06:00

The Luna Beach custom-built dive boat, Queenie, just received a new paint job. She sure looks beautiful! You should come down and check her out!

Keeping Safe

2008-04-26T14:37:00.006-06:00

Luna Beach Resort has installed safes in every house and beach room. The guests can place their passports, cash, and/or valuables in their very own safe. This is one more free perk that guests at Luna are provided.

Return of the seahorse

2008-04-26T14:37:00.005-06:00

We found this seahorse under the dock today! He was around a couple of weeks ago, and now he has finally returned! Seahorses are a pretty rare find around the island, so we are quite pleased!

JUST BEAUTIFUL

2007-10-20T08:28:00.004-06:00

Even weeks after hurricane Felix passed the island without affecting it there are still reports to be found, saying that Roatan was hit by the hurricane. We heard that the Luna Beach Dock was blown away as well as that Roatan was swept off the map.
We are very sorry for all the misleading information that unfortunately made many guests stay away from Roatan. The reefs, as well as the island, have not been affected at all!
This is a fantastic chance to experience the island and the diving now in a very personalized way. To make your decision a little bit easier, rooms are available now starting at $72. Come and find out…
P.S.: The picture was taken today, Oct 18th, 9:00am (do you see the mountains of the mainland in the background?)

“ICE, ICE BABY”

2007-10-20T08:28:00.001-06:00

To avoid any out-of-cold-beer-and-cocktail-emergencies, Luna Beach supplied all Beach Houses as well with refrigerators. This service is for free. The only thing you have to do is get up from your hammock to get a new drink…

YOU'VE GOT MAIL...

2007-10-20T08:28:00.000-06:00

Luna Beach is offering free wireless internet access. Now you can write your emails while hanging out at the pool or while having a cold drink at the bar. Experience the blessings of technological advance in the most comfortable and laid back way possible.

HURRICANE FELIX

2007-09-05T16:54:00.000-06:00

HURRICANE FELIX

Despite all warnings, evacuations and prophecies, hurricane Felix passed our island without affecting it. Except for some light rain and a few clouds the hurricane surprisingly did not leave any traces.
We could have gone diving all the time without the need to cancel a single dive.
So everything is perfectly alright and there is no damage at all.
We also want to say THANK YOU to all our guests and friends. The amount of wishes, prayers and offers to come here and help was overwhelming and touched us very much.
Thank you so much for this…and as you see, your prayers helped.
Hope to see you all soon again…;-)))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Luna Beach Has the Power

2007-04-11T09:36:00.000-06:00

With all of the Island's electrical difficulties, Luna Beach Resort decided to take action. We've installed three large generators for the convenience of our guests. This guarantees 24 hour power access for the whole resort if ever needed. So, from now on candlelight is only needed for the ambience.

The Luna Beach Bird Cage

2007-01-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

Every morning our macaws welcome the rising sun and practice their communication skills. Since not all of our guests are such early birds, the macaws have now received a new home next to the dive center. From now on, the early morning Spanish lessons taught by the macaws take place on the beach. Everyone invited!!!

All roads lead to Luna Beach…

2006-12-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

All roads lead to Luna Beach…

To make things as convenient as possible from the very first second on, Luna Beach Resort is very happy to announce that we have extended our efforts to offer the best possible service to our customers.
Not only has the beach been blocked off to all vehicles, but to avoid any further burden for the long beach strip between West End and Luna Beach a wonderful two lane road was built through the jungle.
Arriving guests now reach Luna Beach very comfortably on one of the best roads on Roatan, gazing at the wonderful and dense jungle with all its flowers, gigantic trees and little streams. This is a bird watchers and plant lovers paradise…and all that before you even arrive at our little tropical paradise…
As soon as you pass this sign a vacation for body and soul begins!

No Traffic on Luna Beach

2006-11-16T13:24:00.000-07:00

Luna Beach Resort is proud to announce we were given permission to block off our beach to all vehicles. All beaches in Honduras are public, so we are very happy to be able to offer this benefit to our guests. Time to get onto your hammock and chill out while watching the breathtaking sunsets...

Just 4 words...."Will you marry me?"

2006-09-19T16:54:00.000-06:00

The second week in August was a very special one here at Luna Beach Resort. It all started with the arrival of Heath and Danielle, a wonderful couple visiting from Canada. Upon arrival, Heath informed us, at the dive shop, that he had been planning the perfect way to purpose to his girlfriend Danielle - underwater! Heath needed our help with the small details to make sure that everything would go perfectly.

It was an amazing experience. Heath popped the big question underwater using a dive slate while I took pictures. Then, on the boat, Heath continued the proposal by getting on one knee and presenting the giant sparkler. Everyone aboard the boat was impressed with Heath’s dedication to detail and effort spent to make the experience unforgettable. We all celebrated with champagne and cheers on the boat ride back to the resort. It was truly a beautiful engagement. Luna Beach staff members were happy to help and were honored to be a part of the festivities.

Luna Beach Video

2006-07-11T10:18:00.000-06:00

Hello out there!

Pictures say more than words! Please watch us at work and have a look at our facilities by watching this short video. Just click on the title and have fun!

Diving For Beginners

2006-07-11T08:14:00.001-06:00

DIVING FOR BEGINNERS…
…how does that work?

Duration: 2-3 hours
When: Anytime
Who: Anyone (Minimum Age: 10 years)
Difficult: No, not at all!

How does it work:

1. As a first step we will show you a nice and interesting video (15-20 minutes) that will explain to you a few simple basics about diving.
2. Then the instructor will repeat the key points (15 minutes).
3. In shallow water you will do a few skills to become more familiar with your gear and to get you more comfortable in the water (20-35 minutes).
4. You’ll be diving on our tropical reef loaded
with fish (45 minutes).

After watching the video the instructor will make sure that you understood everything and that there are no more questions by covering all of the important points in a short presentation. The instructor also will explain what kind of fish you’ll see and how they behave.
Then it’s time to get geared up and get into the water. Right in front of the dive center there is a beautiful beach with shallow water (but lots of fish) where you will practice some simple things such as: how to recover a regulator, how to clear it or how to clear a mask underwater.
After this short session you are prepared for a dive with your instructor.
There are no big groups for this experience and no need to be worried. Our instructors will make sure that you are enjoying this safe and unforgettable trip to the fascinating underwater world of the Caribbean. This dive will also be credited towards the PADI Open Water Diver Certification.
You want some more information? Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Everyone can do it!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Easter

2006-04-16T11:12:00.000-06:00

Today is Easter Sunday, and it’s a perfect day for diving. no cloud on the sky, easterly wind, which keeps our side flat and at least 100 ft visibility .
Other people go out and search for eggs in their garden on Easter Sunday; we went out to search for sea horses. We have seen that little fella around for a while now, but he is cheeky and changes his place every few days. He does not go far, but a different coral now and then, which makes finding him a new challenge every time. but we succeeded again today, after not being able to find him for a few weeks. Here is a picture, not a very good one because he is so small and does not keep still.
Have a great Easter week end and hopefully see you out here sometime.

Some things to Remember Part 2

2006-02-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

Not forgetting the more important reasons for getting DCS.
The main one being diver error… Below some points to remember. Diving is a very safe sport as long as you look after yourself and your buddy..
Too many deep dives in one day. Stagger your dives from the deepest in the morning through to shallow in the afternoon.
Staying within table and computer limits.
Longer surface intervals and making safety stops after every dive.
S.A.F.E. Slowly Ascend From Every dive..
AGE. As you age, your circulatory system becomes less efficient, affecting nitrogen elimination. Some people also tend to gain weight and have more fat tissue.
FAT. Nitrogen dissolves easily into fat tissues. Individuals with a larger ratio of fat to body weight may absorb more nitrogen than normal when diving.
Heavy Exertion. Exertion during or after a dive increases the heart rate and affects circulation, and therefore nitrogen absorption and elimination.
Injuries and Illness. Both can affect local circulation and the body’s ability to handle excess nitrogen. Chest congestion can trap air in a lung or portion of a lung, creating the same condition as holding your breath.
Dehydration. Dehydration reduces the quantity of blood available to help carry off excess nitrogen.
Alcohol. Alcohol before or immediately after a dive accelerates and alters circulation. It also contributes to dehydration.
Cold Water. Diving in cold water can cause your extremities to receive less circulation as they cool, which affects nitrogen elimination.
Hot Showers/Baths. Hot showers and baths after a dive cause the skin capillaries to dilate, drawing blood away from other areas. These areas will eliminate nitrogen more slowly, while the skin experiences higher than normal circulation.
Carbon Dioxide Increase. Improper breathing and breath holding while scuba diving can cause carbon dioxide builds up in the blood, lung overexpansion injuries, and interfere with nitrogen elimination.
Flying after diving is another important thing that should not be forgotten towards the end of you trip.
For just one dive a preflight surface interval of 12 hours is recommended. For multiple dives over several days an 18 hour interval is recommended… For conservatism.. 24 hours is still the best way to be safe and symptom free..
Be a safe diver, dive conservatively.. ENJOY the underwater world..
DCS Signs and Symptoms.
As nitrogen bubbles can form in many places in your body, therefore signs and symptoms can vary to some degree.
Symptoms include.
Unusual fatigue or weakness
Skin itch
Pain in arms, legs (joints or mid-limb) or torso
Dizziness and vertigo
Local numbness, tingling or paralysis
Shortness of breath and/or pain breathing
Signs include.
Blotchy skin rash
A tendency to favor an arm or leg, rubbing a joint.
Staggering
Coughing spasms
Collapse
Unconsciousness.

Some thing To Remember Part 1

2006-02-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

A Day on the Boat or a Day in the Chamber

The truth of the matter is that dehydration is the most common factor in these climates for decompression sickness.
So if you would prefer to make a reservation for a day trip to the chamber and the rest of your stay in the shade and no more diving, then this is what you need to do,
A recipe for disaster,
First: Sit in the sun all day.
Second: Only drink a little water or no water.
Third: Drink plenty of soft drinks, tea and coffee. ALCOHOL.
For chamber reservations or any other inquires/ further booking information please speak to one of our staff.

For a full week of diving, dehydration can be the key to unnecessary decompression sickness, which is the most commonly forgotten fact.
You may hear word around the place you are staying any were around the world, that an individual was taken to the chamber this afternoon because of DCS ( decompression sickness). Your first thought, must have been diver error…. How deep, how long, did he ascend too fast? It wouldn’t happen to me, I’m a safe diver. Then you find out it was through not drinking enough fluids. It could happen to anyone even you. “Drink more water”, you hear us say. “I’m alright”, is your reply. “I have drunk plenty today”. Dehydration causes the blood to thicken which affects the release rate of nitrogen, causing an excessive build up of nitrogen in the body. This can become a problem with multiply diving days or even just a couple of dives. Surface intervals and safety stops become useless, as the body is not returning to its normal level.
Fact
You can loose up to a liter of water just in one dive. In an average day the human body will loose at least 2 liters of water through urine, sweating and breathing. If the air you breath is very dry (scuba tank air, or a dry climate. E.g. desert.), it’s another half a liter. For heavy sweating in a hot climate assume another 2 liters. So that’s at least 3 liters more than what you would lose at home, diving and staying at a popular dive destinations.
Reports also say that we should not release more than 12ltr in one day, so in tropical and warmer countries you can imagine the change in these figures.
So perspiration even in the shade, with the added factor of the wind drying your skin, you will tend to forget how much fluid you loose. So staying in the shade is not an excuse for drinking less water. Also spending a day out on a boat causes faster dehydration due the sun reflecting and magnifying, having a stronger effect on your body especially between the hours of 10am and 3pm.
It’s important to drink in excess of your normal amount of water or even supplement with electrolyte. Making your own, in a bottle of water and adding fruit juice.
1 liter of water
1 level teaspoon of Salt
6 level teaspoon of Sugar

whale shark

2006-02-02T14:35:00.000-07:00

Finally!
After so many months of hanging out in Roatan we finally saw a whale shark. 2005 was not a good year for whale sharks. Only 1 or 2 were spotted around Roatan, and none of them by us. But today, on the way to the wreck, Jose, the boatman, noticed a lot of fish jumping on the surface. It was "boiling" with fish, and we went to investigate. And there he was, 30 Ft long but not too willing to socialize. But nearly everybody had a good look before more boats arrived and he or she took off. We still went on to the wreck and had a good dive there.
What a lovely day.

Christmas and New Year

2005-12-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

Hi Luna Bloggers.
We are in full swing of the festive season, with only a couple of days until Christmas day. Luna Beach Staff, Management & Owner would like to wish you all.. Happy Holidays.
And look forward to seeing you all in the new year.